Two big names in EV charging have partnered this week to deploy smart EV charging stations at vacation rental properties around the globe, providing an industry-first fully automated EV charging solution as a property amenity.
The new partnership between Enel X and Ok2Charge will see the two companies deploy a network of co-branded smart EV charging stations at vacation rental properties around the globe, meaning holidaymakers can charge their EVs where they sleep, rather than having to go scouting for a charging station.
“This not only enables EV drivers to seamlessly charge their vehicles while on vacation, but it also reduces the environmental impact of tourism, a win/win,” said Ward Prickett, COO and co-founder of Ok2Charge.
Airbnb, which recently reported record growth, has boasted that more than 850,000 of its listings included EV chargers among their amenities. Airbnb has also reported recording more than 500,000 unique searchers for EV chargers between June and December of 2021.
Backing Enel X’s decision to partner with Ok2Charge was a recent survey of over 1,500 JuiceBox customers who shared their electric vehicle and charging preferences for driving-distance travel. Over 52% of respondents unsurprisingly already use Airbnb for their vacation rental plans, but a number of other findings stood out:
- If rental properties could guarantee a Level 2 charge for their guests, 74% of respondents would drive their EV on more road trips.
- 81% of respondents shared that access to Level 2 charging influences their travel plans.
- More than 67% of respondents stated that access to a DC fast charging station on route was very important for road travel that is more than 200 miles.
- 44% of respondents shared they drive their electric vehicle on road trips and 22% of respondents shared they sometimes drive their electric vehicles on road trips.
- More than 76% of participants took up to 4 vacation road trips in the last year
“With demand for EVs continuing to grow, confidence with longer range battery electric vehicles, and the popularity of vacation destinations within driving distance, EV drivers want to know that they will have easy access to smart charging throughout their journey,” said Giovanni Bertolino, head of e-Mobility, Enel X North America.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.