The hotel industry can no longer ignore the reality of the ever-growing ecosystem of electric vehicles (EVs). Here’s why: Experts have forecasted that 28 million EVs will enter the American auto market by 2030. And the question is not if your guests will start requesting EV chargers, but when.
Furthermore, to help enable this massive rollout of EVs across the country, the federal government has allocated $5 billion over the next half-decade to increase EV charging infrastructure nationwide. The Biden Administration has even committed to paying for the full installation of half a million chargers.
The nation is headed straight into an era of hyperspeed growth in the EV market. And as a hotelier, your hotel needs to be ready to support it by:
- Being prepared to meet the increasing demand from guests for EV chargers
- Creating a strategy to begin implementing EV infrastructure on-property
- Adapting operations to account for this new guest amenity/service
Here’s how to future-proof your hotel now for the EV revolution.
Embracing the EV infrastructure
Whether you are new to the world of EV or not, understanding your guests’ needs is the first step in the process. Creating an EV infrastructure begins with gauging the current demand at your property and setting objectives in line with your hotel’s long-term vision. And since the goal is to maintain uptime and ensure guest satisfaction, EV chargers need to work seamlessly with your existing infrastructure.
- What are my EV guests’ parking requirements?
- Are my guests requesting EV chargers?
- Where on-property can I house the EV power source and electrical system?
- What type of EV hardware, software and network do I need?
Turns out, these questions aren’t so easily answered on your own. Understanding your facility’s current electrical system, power source location and the necessary additions to meet your goals is often the most daunting step.
That's why it’s critical to find and work alongside EV experts, like ABM, who have a complete understanding of EV infrastructure. Our team is familiar with the different types of charger hardware, the software to run it and the networks on which they operate—all to help resolve your EV concerns and questions with proven answers.
Why EV is worth the effort
There might be some who still see EV infrastructure as a nice-to-have rather than a consumer demand. This sentiment, however, is becoming outdated due to the global push toward EV technology. By 2032, it’s estimated that 67% of all new passenger cars will be electric. With your guests increasingly likely to be driving EVs in the near future, it would be a massive financial mistake not to adapt now. Providing charging capabilities ensures your hotel is future-proofed and anticipating your guests’ needs.
The return on investment (ROI) is worth more than just dollars. Initial capital investment can vary based on the complexities of your site—ranging from the need for trench digging to setting up charging stations. However, several grants, rebates and incentives are available at the federal and state levels to help mitigate these costs. And unlike retail spaces, where quick charging is necessary, hotels have the advantage of longer guest stays. That allows for installing a variety of charging solutions, including less expensive, slower charging stations.
Beyond costs, you should also consider the potential for revenue and customer loyalty. EV charging stations could be provided as a free amenity to loyal customers or be monetized for casual visitors, serving as an additional revenue stream for your hotel.
“Hotels are sitting on a great relationship with highly affluent customers who will adopt electric vehicles. Hoteliers have a unique opportunity to leverage their existing loyalty programs by using EV charging as an added amenity for their most valuable customers.”
– Jerry Verghese, Senior Director of Product Management, ABM
Powering through the challenges
Many early adopters of EV technology might have faced issues with outdated or unsupported infrastructure in the past, but today’s market offers more reliable and advanced solutions. However, setting up the EV infrastructure that’s right for your hotel can still be a daunting task.
Handling multiple touchpoints, dealing with various providers and navigating the fragmented EV charging marketplace are all challenges that exist outside the core operations of your hotel. And trusting the expertise of a seasoned partner—a guide, a consultant and a solution executor all rolled into one—can streamline these complexities and significantly ease the EV implementation at every step in the process.
By embracing the forthcoming need for EV infrastructure now, you can future-proof your hotel, meet your sustainability goals and foster powerful brand loyalty that lasts well into the future.
Get all your EV questions answered by ABM, the leading commercial installer of EV chargers in the U.S. ABM has over 10 years of experience in EV infrastructure and has served the hotel industry for decades. Reach out to our EV experts today for EV answers.