I recently took a short trip from London to the West Coast of Ireland - a place where having a car isn’t just convenient, it’s essential. Here are a few key takeaways from my trip (in no particular order):
1. Guinness is built differently in Ireland. A richness that's simply lost when it crosses the Irish Sea. Every pint I order here in the UK now is just a pale shadow of that experience - a constant, lingering disappointment.
2. Either the people are extremely friendly, or Londoners are even more unfriendly than I first thought. Or both! (Joking...)
3. There is very little public EV charging available.
Without easy access to chargers, making the switch to an electric car feels like a tough sell for a lot of people. It’s like if the pubs in Ireland only served a handful of pints of Guinness each night - completely unacceptable.
That said, it’s great to see some Airbnb’s stepping up! My lovely stay just outside Galway had an EV charger available - and even better, free charging.
The Electric, Rural Hideaway in Galway
The Growing Demand for EV-Friendly Stays
As more people make the switch to electric, the demand for convenient charging solutions while travelling is only increasing. For Airbnb hosts in the UK, offering an EV charger can be a game-changer, helping to attract a wider audience and enhance the guest experience.
Luckily, Airbnb has recognised this and made finding EV-friendly stays super easy. When browsing for accommodation, guests can simply select the "EV charger" filter, instantly narrowing their search to properties that cater to their charging needs. This might seem like a small feature, yet it eliminates the stress of scrambling to find a public charger after a long drive. This builds on Airbnb’s ongoing work to help communities take more sustainable actions.
Overnight Charging: The Ultimate Convenience
One of the biggest perks of an Airbnb with an EV charger? Overnight charging. Instead of relying on expensive rapid chargers en route, you can plug in your car before bed and wake up to a full battery - just like you do with your phone. Plus, many off-peak electricity tariffs are significantly cheaper than daytime rates, making it a cost-effective option.
Picture this: You arrive at your Airbnb after a long day of driving, plug in your car, and head inside for a cup of tea (or something stronger). By morning, you’re fully charged and ready to explore. That’s the kind of seamless experience that makes EV travel a breeze.
What If Your Airbnb Doesn’t Have Off-Street Parking?
Not every Airbnb has a driveway, and in urban areas, off-street parking can be a rarity. But that doesn’t mean hosts can’t provide EV charging solutions. Collaborating with companies like char.gy can offer innovative on-street charging solutions, giving guests the ability to charge overnight even without private parking. A win-win for both hosts and EV drivers!
Why Offering EV Charging Is a Smart Move for Hosts
For Airbnb owners, installing an EV charger isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s becoming a major selling point. With the number of EV drivers rising, offering this amenity can make a listing stand out, attract more bookings, and even justify higher rates. Plus, it signals a commitment to sustainability, which is a big draw for eco-conscious travellers.
Sure, there’s an upfront investment in installing a charger, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. More bookings, happier guests, and a future-proofed property? Sounds like a solid business move.
The Bottom Line
As EV adoption continues to grow, so does the need for charging-friendly travel options. Airbnb’s EV charger filter is a small but powerful tool that makes planning an electric road trip far less stressful. For hosts, providing EV charging isn’t just about convenience - it’s about staying ahead of the curve and tapping into a rapidly expanding market.
So, next time you’re booking an Airbnb, don’t forget to check the ‘EV charger’ filter. And if you’re an Airbnb host, it might be time to consider making your property EV-friendly.