US: Airbnb has partnered with ChargePoint, a provider of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles [EVs], to meet a growing demand for EV charging from guests at Airbnb listings in the United States.
The aim of the partnership is to make it easier for US Airbnb hosts to install EV chargers at their listings and expand access to EV chargers across the country.
ChargePoint CEO Rick Wilmer said: “With Airbnb, we are enabling more EV charging for drivers where they need it and helping Airbnb hosts appeal to more travelers by delivering a frictionless charging experience for their guests. Through this partnership, we have created an innovative model to deliver integrated charging solutions and services.”
Effective immediately, ChargePoint will enable Airbnb hosts in the United States to purchase and install EV charging in a more seamless manner. The package, which is being exclusively offered to Airbnb hosts, includes a dedicated website offering ChargePoint hardware, charger management software, installation, and support services.
The arrangement will enable Airbnb guests to seamlessly charge their vehicle using the ChargePoint app, while staying at an Airbnb listing with a ChargePoint charger. There are currently more than 917,000 accessible charging points through the ChargePoint network and roaming partners.
Founded in 2007, ChargePoint wants to create a new fuelling network to move people and goods on electricity. The ChargePoint cloud subscription platform and software-defined charging hardware are designed to include options for every charging scenario from home and multifamily to workplace, parking, hospitality, retail and transport fleets of all types.
As EV adoption continues to scale, charging has evolved from a perk to a coveted amenity for the Airbnb community.
According to internal Airbnb data, listings that offer an EV charger are booked for more nights and generate more income on average, when compared to listings without an EV charger. Airbnb searches for listings with EV chargers grew more than 80 per cent from 2022 to 2023, according to a press release.
Similarly, ChargePoint data indicates that its North American drivers spent more than 79 million hours charging in residential settings in 2023.
Ameet Konkar, director of sustainability at Airbnb, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with ChargePoint to help hosts meet growing demand for electric vehicle chargers from guests. 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.”
