ST. SIMONS ISLAND, GA.—Capitalizing on the growing percentage of road travelers who drive electric vehicles (EVs), the online Stay-N-Charge directory of lodging establishments with EV chargers in North America is gaining serious traction. A recent search on the site produced 1,353 properties with EV charging stations. The directory serves as a marketing tool for owners as well as a helpful resource for travelers looking for a place to stay and charge.
Tony Booth, founder, and CEO of Stay-N-Charge, says that in the U.S. about 2 percent of car owners now drive EVs. In California it is about 15 percent. “Nationwide, it is almost doubling every year,” Booth says. “By 2030, 10 percent of registered light commercial vehicles will be EVs.”
Increasing interest in identifying a place to stay with EV chargers is reflected in the Stay-N-Charge site growth numbers. Today the site is experiencing about 7,000 to 8,000 unique visits a month. “A year ago, it was 2,000 to 3,000,” Booth says. “It has been growing each month.”
Several Ways to Get Listed
For hoteliers interested in getting their properties listed on Stay-N-Charge, there are several options. One can have a free listing with basic information, tier three in search results, no website link, and no direct inquiries. Under the Premium EV Hotel plan, one gets an enhanced profile with photos and the option to add coupons, tier two in search results, direct inquiries, and website link. “We have been working with the resorts to build their profiles,” Booth says.
As a Stay-N-Charge Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) Member, one gets even more benefits including the installation and management of charging stations. Click here to read about the various options.
Travelers in search of a property with EV charging stations while driving can use the Stay-N-Charge app. Travelers can also help to build the Stay-N-Charge database by using an online form to suggest new locations with EV charging.
The large database of lodging establishments has been built through online research, attending industry events, calling properties, and with the help of travelers who suggest new additions. Travelers can even create their own accounts where they can create favorites and leave reviews.
More Than Just a Directory
Booth says the EV charging station part of his business has been picking up significantly. “We talk to hundreds of hoteliers every month,” he says, adding that it is not a matter of if, but when, lodging establishments install EV charging stations.
With Stay-N-Charge’s CaaS option, it installs and manages chargers at a property location. “We cover the installation, manage the stations, coordinate the access, and charge your customers for access based on the rates you establish,” Booth says. “We also add new chargers as the demand increases.” Stay-N-Charge integrates with various property management system software solutions.
Those still in need of installing EV charging stations can take advantage of various incentives. “There is a Federal Tax Credit that is factored into our subscription model,” Booth says. “In addition to the Federal program, there are many state and utility incentive programs that will reimburse for the cost of installation and infrastructure preparation. Some states cover up to 80 percent of the cost in rebates.”
More Revenue, More Heads in Beds
Booth emphasizes the revenue potential upside to having EV charging stations. “EV drivers need somewhere to charge when they are traveling,” he says. “They don’t expect to get free ‘gas’ and are willing to pay for the convenience of charging their vehicle while they sleep. Adding EV charging is another way to add non-room revenue, and additional bookings, to your property.”
For Booth, his Stay-N-Charge venture is a departure from his previous job in construction where he built hotels for developers. “I saw this growth in EVs coming around the corner,” Booth says. “I knew it was a big opportunity.” Stay-N-Charge was launched in 2021. It is one of just a few places online where one can access a directory of lodgings with EV charging stations.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
