The EV revolution is here. Hospitality should get charged up

A unique opportunity for hospitality players

Enable EV charging and services:

As demand for EV charging continues to surge, the hospitality industry has a unique opportunity to tap into this growth by providing charging solutions to a rapidly expanding customer base while also driving additional revenue streams.

By incorporating EV charging infrastructure on their properties, hotels and franchisees can not only reduce range anxiety among EV users but also further accelerate EV adoption.

However, several complexities exist in the implementation of EV services including investment requirements, operational management, ongoing maintenance and providing users with an integrated experience. Here are eight ways to successfully enable EV charging and services for your organization.

1) Choose a model as per specific needs

Hotels and franchisees can choose to operate by either owning or leasing the charging infrastructure or opt for an outsourced service model that suits their needs. Organizations may need to make a significant capital investment in purchasing and installing the charging equipment, as well as managing the maintenance and repair of the charging stations, billing, and customer service for EV users. Whereas, outsourcing the ownership and operation of the charging infrastructure to a third-party provider can offer several benefits, from avoiding upfront capex costs to focusing on their core business while leaving the management of the charging infrastructure to a specialized provider.

A hybrid approach can be applied if more control and management of the EV charging ecosystem is required, whereby firms can own some charging stations and lease others. Another option is for the hospitality providers to outsource the EV hardware installation and operations but manage the front-end user experience themselves. These options will help balance control over the charging infrastructure, customer experience and cost savings.

End-to-end management

Offer seamless experience with advanced solutions

The entire EV charging experience, from discovery to billing, can be managed seamlessly through advanced software solutions. This will ensure that EV users have a seamless experience while the hotel or franchisee utilizes an end-to-end management system that includes features such as automated billing and payment processing, session management, and customer support. By offering a seamless experience, firms can build customer loyalty and increase the usage of their charging stations.

Valuable data insights can also be used to facilitate hotels and franchisees to track usage patterns, monitor charging station performance, and optimize the usage of their charging infrastructure. The solution must also be integrated with enterprise applications such as property management systems, ERPs, and loyalty programs.

By incorporating EV charging infrastructure on their properties, hotels and franchisees can reduce range anxiety among EV users and further accelerate EV adoption.

Customization

Mix to match customer needs

Organizations can adapt the charging station mix to match the needs of their dominant customer segments. This could include offering different power levels, connector types, and payment options to ensure the best possible experience for the customer.

For example, installing more fast charging stations, Level 2 chargers, or Tesla-specific charging stations, depending on the needs of their customers, thereby improving customer satisfaction and usage of their charging stations, ultimately driving revenue growth.

By understanding their customers' needs and preferences, firms can make data-driven decisions that help them achieve their goals while providing a better customer experience.

Lowering costs

Trim expense with automation

Intelligent charging and automation can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership for EV users, benefiting both customers and the organization's fleet operations. This can include features like load balancing to optimize charging, scheduling, and automated billing. For example, smart charging stations can optimize the charging process, reducing charging times and minimizing energy consumption during peak hours. This can result in lower electricity costs for both the customer and the hotel. Additionally, using renewable energy sources such as solar panels can further reduce energy costs and decrease the carbon footprint of the power source.

Faster launches

Out-of-the-box processes will speed up implementation

Implementation processes can be faster thanks to out-of-the-box processes; selecting pre-engineered and pre-configured solutions can help reduce the time and cost required to set up the charging infrastructure.

Improving experience

Enhance service level with advanced analytics

Advanced analytics can help improve service level performance. Data collected from the charging stations can power self-healing AI, analytical software maintenance and remote monitoring. This will help detect and potentially address charge station issues before they become problems. This will ensure that customers receive the best possible experience and reduce operational downtime due to technical issues.

Customer onboarding

Make charging stations easily accessible to customers

Automated processes can make customer onboarding a smoother experience. Through mobile apps or web portals, customers can easily discover and access the charging stations. They can also be provided with real-time information on availability and charging progress.

New opportunities

It opens up many revenue growth opportunities

Hotels and franchisees can explore multiple ancillary revenue growth opportunities by offering EV charging services. This can include EV concierge services, valet charging, battery swapping, or maintenance solutions. Additionally, they can develop loyalty programs that offer incentives for EV users to choose to stay at hotels or visit restaurants that offer EV charging facilities.

In conclusion, by offering accessible and convenient charging facilities, the hospitality industry has the potential to drive additional revenue streams and reduce range anxiety among EV users, whilst accelerating the adoption of EVs and leading the charge to a more sustainable future. But to do so, they must embrace the paradigm shift and invest in the infrastructure and technology necessary to support this fast-evolving transportation revolution. The time to act is now.