In a significant move to cater to the burgeoning demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities, Airbnb has forged a strategic alliance with ChargePoint, a prominent provider of networked charging solutions for EVs. This partnership aims to empower Airbnb hosts across the United States to install EV chargers at their properties, thereby expanding the accessibility of charging stations for guests who prefer eco-friendly transportation options.
The collaboration comes as part of Airbnb’s ongoing efforts to support the sustainability goals of both hosts and guests, recognising the growing interest in sustainable travel practices. According to the company’s data, searches utilising the EV charger filter have surged by an impressive 80 per cent from 2022 to 2023, reflecting the increasing demand for accommodations that cater to the needs of EV drivers.
Through this partnership, Airbnb and ChargePoint will offer hosts in the US attractive discounts on EV chargers and accompanying installation services, making it more affordable for them to integrate this sought-after amenity into their listings. The offer includes discounts on various ChargePoint EV charger models, with select models offering up to 36% off. Additionally, hosts can benefit from a USD 100 discount on installation services and an extra USD 200 discount funded by Airbnb for the first 1,000 hosts who purchase an EV charger through ChargePoint.
The incentive for hosts to install EV chargers extends beyond meeting guest preferences; internal Airbnb data reveals that listings featuring EV charging facilities tend to be booked for more nights and generate higher income on average compared to those without this amenity.
To further enhance the guest experience, Airbnb has introduced a new listings editor in the Listings tab, enabling hosts to showcase and manage the details of their homes, including amenities such as EV charging access. This feature allows hosts to effectively market their listings to guests who prioritise sustainable travel options, like driving electric vehicles.
The partnership comes at a pivotal time when the demand for EV chargers among guests is on the rise, with states like California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Washington, and North Carolina emerging as the most popular destinations for these searches in 2023. This trend aligns with the broader growth of the EV market in the US, where EV sales witnessed a remarkable 60% year-over-year increase from 2022 to 2023, with states like California, Florida, Texas, and Washington leading the nation in EV registrations.
“We are thrilled to join forces with ChargePoint to help hosts meet the growing demand for electric vehicle chargers from guests,” said Ameet Konkar, Airbnb’s Director of Sustainability. “By making it more affordable for hosts to install EV chargers, we are empowering them to take more sustainable actions and appeal to guests who are interested in this amenity.”
Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, echoed the sentiment stating, “Ensuring all drivers are able to charge when and where they need to remains our top priority. Together with Airbnb, we are removing barriers to broader adoption of residential charging solutions for Airbnb hosts and enabling a frictionless charging experience for their guests.”
This partnership builds upon Airbnb’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability within its community. In addition to providing educational resources through its resource centre, the company has launched programs in the US, France, the UK, and Spain to assist hosts in making their homes more energy-efficient. These initiatives aim to help hosts reduce emissions and achieve long-term savings on their energy bills, with thousands of hosts already engaging with these programs to date.
Moreover, nearly 90 per cent of Airbnb hosts report incorporating at least one sustainable hosting practice, such as recycling, composting, reducing the use of single-use toiletries, or providing guidance on using public transit to their guests. With the introduction of this new opportunity to offer EV charging facilities, Airbnb is excited to empower hosts to provide additional sustainable travel options, further solidifying its commitment to eco-friendly practices.