How Hotels and Airbnbs Can Add an Extra Revenue Stream with EV Charging

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, with hotels and short-term rental properties like Airbnb seeking innovative ways to attract guests and increase revenue. In today's travel landscape, sustainability is crucial in guests' decision-making. One of the most effective ways to tap into this trend is by offering EV charging services.

Electric vehicle (EV) ownership is rising rapidly, with millions of EV drivers looking for convenient charging stations while traveling. Hotels, resorts, and Airbnb hosts that offer EV charging as an amenity stand to gain a competitive advantage over those that do not.

By installing EV chargers, hospitality businesses can:

  • Attract more bookings from eco-conscious travelers.
  • Offer a premium service that enhances their property's appeal.
  • Generate additional revenue through paid charging sessions.


With Killswitch, a free OCPP management system, hotel owners and Airbnb hosts can fully manage and monetize EV chargers, collecting payments efficiently through QR codes and setting custom pricing structures. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore:

  • Why EV charging is essential for hospitality businesses.
  • How to set up and profit from EV chargers.
  • Real-world examples of hotels and Airbnbs successfully monetizing EV charging.


Why Should Hotels and Airbnb Offer EV Charging?


The Rising Demand for EV-Friendly Accommodations

The number of EVs on the road is growing exponentially. Many EV drivers actively seek accommodations that offer charging stations because public chargers are often inconveniently located, occupied, or expensive.

Popular booking platforms, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Expedia, now allow guests to filter search results based on whether a property has an EV charging station. If a hotel or Airbnb does not offer this feature, it risks losing potential bookings to competitors.

A recent survey found that 56% of EV drivers choose hotels based on charging availability, and 67% of Airbnb guests say they are more likely to book a rental if it includes EV charging.


EV Charging as a Premium Amenity

EV drivers carefully plan their trips around charging availability, and properties that offer on-site EV charging provide significant advantages, such as:

  • Increased guest satisfaction: Travelers appreciate the convenience of charging at their hotel or rental instead of searching for a public station.
  • Higher occupancy rates: EV charging sets a property apart from competitors, leading to more bookings.
  • Potential for longer stays: Guests may extend their visit while their vehicle charges, leading to increased revenue from food, beverages, or additional nights.


Monetizing EV Charging

EV charging is not just an amenity; it can be a profitable revenue stream. Hotels and Airbnb owners can set custom pricing to recover electricity costs or generate extra profit.

With Killswitch's payment system for EV charging, guests can pay directly via QR codes, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience.


How Hotels and Airbnbs Can Monetize EV Charging with Killswitch


Killswitch allows hotels and Airbnb owners to manage and monetize EV chargers fully. 


Set Pricing Models That Fit Your Business

With Killswitch, you can customize pricing based on your business model:

  • Flat Fees: Charge a fixed rate per session (e.g., $10 per full charge).
  • Time-Based Pricing: Charge guests per usage hour (e.g., $5 per hour).
  • Energy-Based Pricing: Charge based on electricity consumption (e.g., $0.35 per kWh).


Hotels may offer free charging as part of VIP loyalty programs or in premium room packages.


Easy Payment Collection

Killswitch integrates a paywall for EV chargers, allowing guests to pay instantly using QR codes. Payments can be made through:

  • Credit/debit cards
  • Mobile wallets like Apple Pay® and Google Pay®

Once the payment is processed, funds are deposited directly into the hotel or Airbnb host's account.


Real-Time Monitoring and Access Control

Hotels and Airbnb hosts can:

  • Track charging sessions in real time through Killswitch's online dashboard.
  • Restrict charger access to paying guests using RFID authentication.
  • Adjust pricing dynamically based on peak travel seasons or demand.


No Subscription Fees

Unlike other EV management platforms that charge recurring fees, Killswitch is free. Hosts only pay a small transaction fee on payments received, which can be passed on to the customer.


Examples of Hotels and Airbnbs Successfully Using EV Charging

Boutique Hotel in California

A 40-room boutique hotel in Napa Valley installed 5 Level 2 EV chargers. By advertising their chargers on Booking.com, they attracted 25% more eco-conscious travelers. The hotel charges $0.40 per kWh, generating $3,500/month in additional revenue.


Luxury Airbnb in Florida

A luxury beachfront Airbnb installed a single EV charger and listed it as a featured amenity. The host charges guests $15 per charging session, earning an extra $500/month, quickly covering the installation cost within six months.


Highway Motel in Texas

A motel near Interstate 10 installed four chargers and promoted them on Google My Business. Since 60% of their guests drive EVs, they earn $2,000/month from charging fees alone.


How to Promote EV Chargers to Guests

  • Update Online Listings: Mention "EV charging available" on Airbnb, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor.
  • Offer Charging Packages: Include free charging for premium guests or discounts for more extended stays.
  • Advertise Locally: List your charging station on PlugShare and Google Maps to attract nearby travelers.


Overcoming Common Challenges

Managing Energy Costs

Hotels can use Killswitch to track energy consumption and ensure that charging fees fully cover electricity costs.


Preventing Unauthorized Use

With RFID access or code authentication, only paying guests can use the chargers.


Maintenance and Downtime

Killswitch offers real-time diagnostics and remote troubleshooting, ensuring chargers remain operational 24/7.


The Future of EV Charging in Hospitality


As EV adoption accelerates, hotels and Airbnb hosts that invest in EV chargers today will gain a long-term competitive edge.

  • EV charging will become a standard amenity, much like free Wi-Fi.
  • Luxury properties will integrate chargers into premium guest experiences.
  • Airbnb hosts who offer EV charging will attract higher-paying guests.


EV charging is no longer a "nice-to-have" feature—an essential service that drives bookings and generates additional revenue. With Killswitch, hotels and Airbnb hosts can seamlessly manage and monetize EV chargers, creating a profitable and sustainable hospitality experience.


Ready to get started? Visit Killswitch.cc today and unlock new revenue opportunities in the hospitality industry.



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