How EV charging stations are boosting satisfaction & bookings

According to the Electric Vehicle Council, new EV purchases in Australia have more than doubled in 2023 compared to 2022, with the total number of EVs on Australian roads now exceeding 180,000.

This growth continues the trend of around a doubling of the new EV market every year since 2020 and has been driven by increasingly positive actions taken by state and federal governments.

With continued policy support, the Electric Vehicle Council said it is confident the market will continue to grow at 30 to 50 percent per year, in line with what will be required to support Australia’s climate targets

While EV drivers were once largely regulated to city bounds, the uptake of EVs and improved charging networks have led to regional and rural drivers making the switch in record numbers.

Recent data compiled by the Electric Vehicle Council showed that nearly 20 percent of EV sales are now coming from rural and regional Australia, trailing inner and outer metro areas at 39 and 43 percent respectively.

With this in mind, offering EV charging stations onsite for guest and visitor use is not just an important sustainability initiative, it is an effective way of increasing bookings and guest satisfaction by appealing directly to the growing population of EV drivers exploring regional and rural Australia.

“As the number of EV drivers continues to increase and as government targets push for 100 percent EV sales, the potential benefits for accommodation operators will only continue to grow,” ChargeBoss Director Emma Allen explained.

“While many hotels and hospitality venues already see EVs in their car parks, not all are tapping into the potential this presents. Installing EV charging stations onsite is a powerful way to engage both current and future guests.”

Additionally, operators can also install EV chargers for public use, creating an additional income stream for operators year-round.

“Offering public EV charging not only enhances your property’s appeal, but also places your accommodation on popular apps like PlugShare, which is widely used by EV drivers when planning a trip,” Ms Allen said.

“By catering to these eco-conscious and high-end travellers, you can meet the growing expectation for highquality charging experiences.”

For operators with minimal experience with or understanding of EVs, technological advancements make operating charging stations easier than ever, with guests and customers now able to operate the chargers using a QR code with minimal assistance from staff.

“Technology in EV space is rapidly evolving, from advancements in cars and batteries and also increasingly sophisticated EV charging software,” Ms Allen said.

“Cloud technology has also become available, this upgrade enhances communication between chargers and software, enabling more detailed session data, faster responsiveness, and improved load management.

“The result is a smarter, more adaptive charging experience that seamlessly meets the needs of both EV users and site owners.”

For operators looking to install an onsite EV charger, it can be difficult to know where to start, which is why Ms Allen recommends working with a company that can help you navigate the process from conception to installation.

“An effective EV charging ecosystem encompasses hardware, software, and power management,” Ms Allen said.

“For commercial charging stations, it's crucial to ensure that both the software and hardware are of high quality and compatible with each other, especially if you plan to manage payments or offer complimentary or discounted charging.

“From an electrical perspective, installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician who can also install the necessary data cabling for smart chargers, always following the manufacturer's guidelines.”

And for accommodation operators looking to retrofit a site, Ms Allen recommends booking a professional site assessment to determine the best course of action.

“This ensures both safety and optimal performance,” she said.

Finally, Ms Allen said that operators should ensure that they are endeavouring to provide a positive user-experience, by working with software that is easy to navigate for EV drivers of any age or background.

“When it comes to customer engagement and satisfaction, the user experience is crucial,” she said. “Accommodation operators need to implement a user-friendly system that guests and visitors can easily navigate.

“This is especially important as it enhances your brand's appeal. Meeting these expectations not only boosts bookings and increases dwell time but also positions your site as a top choice for EV travellers.

“With charging capabilities becoming a deciding factor in accommodation decisions, offering this amenity is fast becoming a key competitive advantage.”

By Sarah Davison, Industry Reporter