Electric vehicles are no longer a novelty on American roads. With EV sales growing by 60% year-over-year in the U.S. and expected to reach 40% of new car sales by 2030, a new breed of travelers is emerging. These EV-driving guests represent an affluent, tech-savvy demographic seeking accommodations that cater to their charging needs.
For Airbnb hosts and vacation rental owners, navigating EV chargers can feel overwhelming. The market is flooded with options, each boasting different charging speeds, smart features, and prices. Questions about installation requirements, costs, and managing electricity usage add complexity.
This guide provides clear, actionable advice on selecting the best EV chargers for Airbnb properties. Whether you want to attract premium guests, boost your booking rate, or future-proof your rental, you'll find everything you need to make an informed decision and manage this essential amenity.
The Best EV Chargers for Airbnbs and Short-Term Rentals
Before presenting our top picks, it's important to understand the key criteria that make an EV charger ideal for vacation rental use: Reliability, Smart Features, Safety (UL/ETL Certified), and Guest-Friendliness. Every charger on this list uses the universal J1772 connector (except where noted), ensuring compatibility with all non-Tesla EVs and Teslas (which can use an adapter).
Best Overall: ChargePoint Home Flex
The ChargePoint Home Flex is the top choice for Airbnb hosts due to its reliability, flexibility, and smart management features. It is a product from a leading EV charging brand, offering enterprise-grade dependability in a residential package. Its standout feature is the ability to be configured for public use with payment options, giving hosts control over guest access and payment for charging.
Key Specs for Hosts:
- Amperage: Flexible, adjustable from 16A to 50A to match your electrical capacity
- Smart Features: WiFi connectivity, usage tracking, scheduling, and payment integration via the ChargePoint network.
- Best For: Hosts wanting a top-tier, reliable brand with robust software for managing access and payments, especially those offering free guest charging and paid public charging.
Best for Smart Features & Cost Management: JuiceBox 40/48
The JuiceBox is synonymous with smart EV charging for short-term rentals. "JuiceBox airbnb" is a common search term among hosts. This popularity is well-earned, as the JuiceBox offers the most comprehensive energy management features of any residential charger. Its excellent JuiceNet software provides detailed energy monitoring, load balancing capabilities (for multiple units), and smart grid integration that can automatically charge when electricity rates are lowest.
Key Specs for Hosts:
- Amperage: Available in 40A or 48A models to suit different needs
- Smart Features: Best-in-class smartphone app, voice control compatibility (Alexa/Google), dynamic scheduling options, and detailed energy usage reports.
- Best For: Data-driven hosts who want maximum control and insight into electricity usage to optimize costs and remotely control multiple charging aspects.
Best for Universal Tesla & J1772 Charging: Tesla Universal Wall Connector
Tesla's new Wall Connector features a built-in "Magic Dock" adapter, revolutionizing convenience for vacation rental hosts. This solution serves both Tesla (NACS) and non-Tesla (J1772) vehicles without requiring guests to handle separate adapters that can be misplaced. Beyond its compatibility, the sleek design adds a touch of premium tech aesthetic to any property.
Key Specs for Hosts:
- Amperage: Up to 48A for the fastest residential charging.
- Smart Features: WiFi connectivity for firmware updates and power-sharing with other Tesla chargers. Access control is managed via the Tesla app and can be configured to "allow all" or "authorized Teslas only."
- Best For: Hosts wanting the prestigious Tesla branding and the convenience of a built-in universal adapter. This makes it the perfect Tesla wall connector for rental properties accommodating both Tesla and non-Tesla vehicles.
Most Durable Option: Grizzl-E Classic / Smart
The Canadian-made Grizzl-E stands out for its durability in extreme environments or outdoor installations. It is built with a NEMA 4 aluminum enclosure, designed to withstand harsh weather from freezing temperatures to driving rain. Available in "Classic" (non-connected) and "Smart" (app-enabled) versions, it offers flexibility based on management preferences.
Key Specs for Hosts:
- Amperage: Adjustable up to 40A via internal DIP switches
- Smart Features: The Smart model offers basic usage tracking and scheduling. The Classic model has no connectivity but is exceptionally reliable due to its simpler design.
- Best For: Properties with outdoor or carport installations in harsh climates where durability outweighs advanced software features, or hosts who prefer a "set it and forget it" approach with minimal technological complexity.
Why Adding an EV Charger to Your Airbnb is a Smart Investment
An EV charger isn't just another expense. It's a strategic investment that enhances your property's appeal and profitability. Here's why:
- Attract a Premium Guest Demographic: EV owners have higher-than-average incomes and are willing to pay more for accommodations that meet their needs. These tech-savvy travelers filter for properties with EV charging on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, making your listing visible to this lucrative market.
- Increase Bookings and Occupancy: In competitive markets, an EV charger for your vacation rental can be the deciding factor that wins you the booking. This is true during off-seasons when travelers have more options and are looking for properties with standout amenities.
- Justify a Higher Nightly Rate: An EV charger can support increasing your nightly rate by $10-$20. This modest bump can quickly pay for the charger while boosting your overall revenue.
- Gain a Competitive Edge: Despite growing demand, few short-term rentals offer EV charging. Installing a charger now will make you stand out and earn glowing reviews for providing must-have amenities that enhance the guest experience.
- Future-Proof Your Property: The transition to electric vehicles is accelerating. By installing a charger now, you position your property ahead, ensuring it remains attractive to the growing number of EV-driving travelers.
Understanding EV Charger Levels for Hosts
Not all chargers are equal. Let's break down the three "levels" so you know what you need for your property.
Level 1 (L1) Charging: The Slow Trickle
Level 1 charging involves plugging the car's included charging cord into a standard 120V wall outlet (like you'd use for a lamp or TV). It's like charging your smartphone with a basic charger; it works, but takes a long time.
With Level 1 charging, EVs gain 3-5 miles of range per hour. A depleted Tesla Model 3 would need over 50 hours for a full charge, clearly inadequate for guests needing a meaningful charge overnight. While Level 1 charging costs nothing extra, it doesn't qualify as a true "amenity" that adds value to your property.
Level 2 (L2) Charging: The Overnight Sweet Spot
Level 2 charging requires a 240V circuit (like an electric dryer or oven) and a dedicated charging unit. It's like using a high-speed phone charging block for your phone; it's fast, efficient, and what modern EV drivers expect.
Level 2 chargers deliver 20-60 miles of range per hour, depending on the model and vehicle. Most EVs can be fully recharged overnight during a typical guest stay. This is the gold standard and best choice for any short-term rental EV charger.
Level 3 (L3) Charging: The Highway Gas Station
Level 3 charging, or DC Fast Charging, is found at commercial highway charging stations. These units can add hundreds of miles of range in under an hour, but they cost $20,000 to $50,000 and require industrial-grade electrical service.
For short-term rental properties, Level 3 charging is not viable. These systems are designed for commercial use and cannot be installed in residential settings without major electrical upgrades.
Installation and Costs: What to Expect
Disclaimer: A qualified and licensed electrician must install a Level 2 EV charger for safety, code compliance, and insurance purposes. Don’t attempt a DIY installation, as improper wiring can create fire hazards and void the charger warranty and property insurance coverage.
The installation process involves an electrician assessing your electrical panel capacity, running a new 240V circuit, installing a suitable circuit breaker, and mounting and wiring the charger. Some installations are straightforward, while others may require panel upgrades or extensive wiring runs, depending on your property's layout.
Installation costs will range from $500 to $1,500+, depending on several factors:
- Distance from your electrical panel to the charger location
- Whether your electrical service needs an upgrade for the additional load.
- Local labor rates and permit requirements
- Installation complexity (underground conduit, wall penetrations, etc.)
To ensure a fair price, obtain at least three quotes from licensed electricians experienced in installing EV chargers.
Research the current Federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit and any state, local, or utility rebates for cost savings. These incentives change frequently and can offset your investment. Many utility companies offer special time-of-use rates for EV charging to reduce operating costs.
Pricing and Access Control
Now that the charger is installed, how do you manage it without watching your electricity bill skyrocket? This is a key consideration for hosts wondering how to charge guests for EV charging in Airbnb without creating an administrative headache.
- Strategy 1: Offer it for Free as a Premium Amenity. The simplest approach is to absorb the electricity costs and market the charger as a complimentary amenity. This creates a powerful selling point in your listing and eliminates any potential friction in the guest experience. To offset costs, raise your overall nightly rate by $5-10. This strategy works best for luxury properties focused on providing a seamless, high-end experience.
- Strategy 2: Charge a Flat Fee. Another option is to set a per-stay or per-night fee for EV charging, like "$25 per stay for unlimited charging" or "$10 per night for charging." This can be managed through an Airbnb resolution request after booking or by adding a house rule for an additional EV charging fee. The benefit is simplicity, though the downside is it doesn't account for varying usage levels.
- Strategy 3: Use a Pay-Per-Use System. Smart chargers like ChargePoint allow you to set a price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumed. This ensures guests pay only for their usage, like a public charging station. This is the fairest method, but it requires a charger with network connectivity and payment processing capabilities.
Managing details adds to your hosting duties, from adjusting pricing to coordinating guest access and ensuring the charger works. For 5-star reviews, every detail matters.
A full-service property management partner like Checkmate Rentals handles these operational complexities for you. We help owners nationwide integrate and manage modern amenities to maximize returns, with transparent pricing and no long-term contracts. Let us handle the details so you can enjoy the profits.
Conclusion
Installing a Level 2 EV charger at your short-term rental property is a forward-thinking investment that attracts high-value guests, boosts revenue, and differentiates your property in a crowded marketplace. It keeps pace with technology. As electric vehicles rapidly gain popularity, properties without charging capabilities risk falling behind in guest preferences and search visibility.
By choosing a top EV charger for Airbnb and implementing a management strategy, you're adding an amenity. You're creating a competitive advantage that will pay dividends for years. Whether you're operating a single vacation home or managing multiple properties, embracing EV charging technology today positions you to capture the growing market of environmentally conscious, tech-savvy travelers who expect modern conveniences.
FAQs
Do I need a special 'commercial' EV charger for my Airbnb?
No, a high-quality UL/ETL certified Level 2 charger (like the ones listed here) is suitable and safe for a rental property.
What cord length should I get?
Aim for 20-25 feet. This allows guests to park in different positions and reach their car's charging port easily.
Can I provide a NEMA 14-50 outlet instead of a full charger?
You can, but it's less convenient as guests must bring their own mobile charger. A dedicated wall-mounted charger offers a more professional, reliable, and safer guest experience.
How much will my electric bill increase?
A full charge for a typical EV uses 60-80 kWh, depending on usage. At an average rate of $0.15/kWh, that's about $9-$12 for a full "tank."
