EV Charging Guides

January 18, 2022

How to Add Paid EV Charging to Your Airbnb

Airbnb is an extremely competitive landscape for property owners, which means that every little edge counts. Keeping your property clean, offering routine maintenance, communicating regularly, and even giving personalized notes and gifts to your tenants and short-term guests goes a long way; however, there’s an often overlooked amenity that can electrify your AirBnB listing — adding paid EV charging to your Airbnb.

“EV adoptions rates in California are around 10%” — ChargedFuture.com

In this how-to, we’ll take a look at how to add paid EV charging to your Airbnb, so your properties are future-proof.

Let’s get you plugged into the latest Airbnb EV charging info!

Step 1 — Evaluating the current infrastructure

What kind of power are you planning on using — 110/120V or 220/208/240V?

The difference between a 110V and 220V is that a 110V outlet and plug have only one hot terminal, which is black. The reason for this is that the wire’s temperature changes when it comes into contact with heat from a light bulb or other device in use; therefore all of these wires are identified as “hot.” 220-volt outlets and plugs have more than one terminal to accommodate for the higher current. 220V circuits carry a higher current than those on lower voltage power supplies do, so they require 10 gauge or larger wiring sizes to handle them well enough. 

How much power do you currently have? 

The amount of power your car needs to charge can vary depending on the type. For example, an electric vehicle with a range greater than 25 miles per hour (RPH) typically requires 32 amps and would use up one amp every 2 minutes at most charging stations available today; but if you want more speed or prepare for another vehicle this could be increased up 50 amps which are enough even when preparing several hours’ worth in advance.

How many chargers do you want to install?

The number of electric vehicle charging stations in the United States is not enough to meet demand. With 18-and-a-half stations for every single one that’s available, people tend to underestimate how much power their cars can actually use when it comes down to having an ample supply available at all times.

Also, keep in mind that:

  • Each 220V charger takes 32-40 amps of service
  • Each 110V charger takes 12-15 amps of service
  • You should take the service requirements and multiply by the charger count to obtain the amperes of service you need to accommodate your install
  • Have an electrician come and evaluate this if you are unsure
  • You may need to upgrade your service and you should discuss the cost of doing so with an electrician

Pro-tip: A new trend in the hospitality industry is driving increased demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. With more AirBnB guests coming with their own EV cars, it’s important that these properties have enough space and power options to service them all.

Step 2 — Evaluate The Type of Structure

  • Street parking
    • Needs to be free-standing
    • Needs to have power run underground
  • Open parking lot
    • Combination of wall chargers and free-standing chargers
  • Residential garage
    • Wall-mounted charger
  • Residential driveway
    • Wall-mounted charger
    • Possibly free-standing

Podium — Clipper Creek podiums are one of the more popular options

Bonus article: Home EV chargers

Pro-tip: In January of the past year, the International Code Council passed a provision that, if actualized by states and other jurisdictions would require multi-family properties with an excess of three units to have at least one EV-ready parking space; two for properties with up to 25 spaces; and 20% EV-ready parking spots for properties with an excess of 25 spaces. Plan accordingly. 

Step 3 — Purchase the equipment

Pro-tip: Check for financial incentives and subsidies at the local, state, and federal levels to greatly minimize your costs. While these subsidies are subject to change, currently states like Massachusetts, Maryland, Hawaii, Colorado, and California offer a variety of incentives, ranging from nearly 100% subsidization, rebates for up to 80% of charging station installation cost, or $3,000 to $10,000 per port in subsidies. 

Step 4 — Hire an Electrician

You may want to consider hiring an electrician if you’re looking for help with installing chargers since this is something that requires expertise. You’ll also need wire underground and running throughout your AirBnB property. Because of all the necessary equipment needed, plus potential safety hazards involved in doing so, these tasks should be  properly executed by qualified professionals who know what they are doing

Pro-tip: The installation of electric vehicle charging stations can be an expensive endeavor. Be sure you’ve thought through all potential costs before starting work, as it may end up costing significantly more than expected if installers need to extend conduit or dig through landscaping/asphalt. Be aware that installing these ports into new developments is usually cheaper than retrofitting existing properties because most developers already have access rights – saving them time spent acquiring necessary permits from local authorities

Step 5 — Installation

Set up your ShinePay account (takes less than 2 minutes).

Pro-tip: You should do your research and find out how many electric vehicles are registered in the particular market where you want to promote your Airbnb.