NZ is electrifying its roads and as we move towards a greener future, holiday homeowners have the perfect opportunity to tap into this growing trend
With a rapid increase in electric vehicle (EV) ownership, it’s no surprise that holiday homes offering EV charging stations are gaining popularity, so now might just be the time to consider installing one. As part of your Airbnb management strategy, adding an EV charging station could significantly boost your property’s appeal. Here are some reasons you should lead the charge (pun intended).
If you’ve recently spotted more EVs on the road, it’s not just you. The data speaks for itself: in 2023, more than one in four cars purchased were either battery electric or plug-in hybrid—that’s a tenfold increase in just four years.
According to EECA (Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority), by the end of 2023, there were more than 100,000 battery electric and plug-in hybrids registered on New Zealand roads, marking a 57% increase on 2022 and a whopping 790% increase since 2018.
This surge is likely to continue, especially in urban hubs, such as Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. As more and more travellers choose to travel in EVs, finding a home away from home with all the creature comforts—including a place to charge their EV—means providing guests with accommodation that suits their lifestyle choices.
Finding an Airbnb holiday home with an EV charging station (or referring guests to the nearest charging station) could seal the deal for someone travelling in their EV. Being able to charge their car overnight or use a nearby public EV charging station saves both time and hassle for your guests. Highlighting that your holiday home offers them this convenience could ensure they see you as a forward-thinking host who’s gone the extra mile. It could just be your USP (unique selling point) in this competitive market.
As mentioned above, we’re seeing a surge in EV ownership in urban areas and major cities. Considering that Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch account for a sizeable portion of domestic bookings, holiday homeowners can leverage this growing market to secure more bookings by making their property more desirable for travellers with EVs.
It’s not just about booking volume; by installing an EV charging station, you’re future-proofing your investment while ensuring your holiday home appeals to a growing segment of travellers. With New Zealand pushing towards a greener economy, you’re getting ahead of the curve. It’s a win-win.
Plus, it’s no big secret that travellers find properties with sustainable features appealing. As the EV popularity increases, it won’t be surprising if guests expect EV charging stations the same way they expect WiFi and coffee machines—it might soon be the norm.
EV charging stations are easy to install and maintain. It’s a smart investment, and with different types of chargers available to suit different needs, you can tailor the process to fit your property (read our comprehensive guide on EV charging stations).
While not all holiday homes can have an on-site EV charging station, sharing information on public charging stations with your potential guests can also help them plan their holiday—it's all part of having a good Airbnb management strategy.
According to EECA data, as of April 2024, there are more than 1200 public chargers in New Zealand. Having info about nearby public chargers for guests gives them extra peace of mind. It shows them that as the host, you’re going above and beyond to make sure their holiday is stress-free and enjoyable.
