Offering EV charging is not only an amenity that will set your property apart, but it’s also slowly becoming a necessity. Ensuring your Airbnb has an EV charging station is definitely a hefty investment, but it’s a strategic step towards staying competitive and relevant in the market.
Here are the top 6 EV chargers you can get for your Airbnb property:
- ChargePoint Home Flex J1772: Best Overall EV Charger
- Lectron Level 2 Portable EV Charger: Best Budget EV Charger
- Grizzl-E Ultimate 80A Charger: Best Fast Charger
- Tesla Wall Connector: Best for Tesla Owners
- Siemens VersiCharge Level 2 EV Charge: Best Durable Charger
- ClipperCreek Share2 HCS-40 EV Charger Bundle: Best for Multiple Vehicles
How We Selected the Best EV Chargers for Airbnb
Choosing the best EV chargers for your Airbnb is all about which will give your guests a fast and reliable experience. We delved into various chargers, focusing on what matters for convenience and performance.
Here’s what we looked at to determine the best EV charger for your Airbnb:
- Charging Speed: We looked for chargers that ensure your guests can quickly get their vehicles back on the road without long waits.
- Compatibility: The selected chargers are compatible with a broad range of EV vehicles.
- Durability: We prioritized chargers built to withstand all weather conditions.
- User-Friendly Installation: Chargers that are easy to install and require minimal maintenance were high on our list.
- Smart Features: We considered chargers that offer smart technology, such as app control and energy monitoring.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Lastly, we analyzed the overall value of each charger, balancing upfront costs with long-term savings and benefits.
Through these factors, we determined the best EV charger to be the ChargePoint Home Flex J1772. It stands out because of its fast charging capabilities and versatility, enabling guests to charge any vehicle quickly and efficiently. Plus, with its smart features, guests can monitor their charging status right from their smartphones.
1. ChargePoint Home Flex J1772: Best Overall EV Charger
The ChargePoint Home Flex J1772 is our top pick for the best charger to invest in. A mid-priced charger, this retails for $538.99 on Amazon.
With up to 50 amps of charging power, it can fully charge most EVs in just a few hours—something your guests will definitely appreciate. ChargePoint itself states that the J1172 charges 9x faster than the standard wall outlet.
It also comes with smart capabilities, like a mobile app, so users can schedule charging during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs, monitor their power consumption, and even receive alerts when charging is complete.
What’s the difference between this J1772 and the other ChargePoint Home Flex models? This option works with all other EVs, though you’ll need an adapter for Teslas. But, you’ll need a licensed electrician to install this, which will definitely add to the already not insignificant cost.
Still, it’s a lot cheaper than many other premium models out there. And for the price, the J1772 delivers unmatched performance and versatility for EV owners. With its cutting-edge features and compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles, this charger will be a game-changer for your Airbnb.
2. Lectron NEMA 14-50 Level 2 EV Charger: Best Budget EV Charger
Is spending more than $500 not in the cards for you right now? The Lectron Level 2 EV Charger is fantastic for only $236.99 on Amazon. This budget pick offers the perfect mix of affordability and versatility, making it the go-to option for anyone that needs a charger without the splurge.
So, what makes the Lectron Level 2 stand out? For starters, it has a fairly robust output of up to 32 amps, and charges significantly faster than standard Level 1 chargers. Price often corresponds to quality, but that isn't true in this case: it's made from extremely durable materials and comes with a 1-year warranty.
With a standard J1772 cable (which means it's compatible with a variety of EVs), your guests won't complain about being stranded without power ever again.
Of course, no product is without its quirks. Some customers have noted that the screen tends to break after two years or so, making the charger much less functional--not surprising, considering its price point. But weighing its performance and cost, the Lectron Level 2 EV Charger is a fantastic choice for hosts looking to upgrade their rental without spending too much!
3. Grizzl-E Ultimate 80A Charger: Best Fast Charger
The Grizzl-E Ultimate 80A Charger is hands down the best when it comes to fast charging for electric vehicles. It delivers a whopping 80 amps, seriously cutting down on charging time, which is perfect if your guests are on the go.
Price-wise, the Grizzl-E Ultimate 80A Charger isn't extremely expensive: it retails for $699 on Amazon.
But, aside from its power, what really makes this charger stand out is its build that's designed to handle all kinds of weather. Plus, it's got a user-friendly interface and built-in safety features for a hassle-free charging experience every time.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind, though. The high amperage might add significantly to your electric bills, although the output is actually adjustable depending on your property's circuit breaker. Also, some customers have mentioned that it's not the best looking charger out there; it may not be a great option if you care about how the charger will look.
All in all, the Grizzl-E Ultimate 80A Charger is still our top pick for hosts who want efficiency and reliability for their guests. For fast charging at a mid price point, the Grizzl-E is the best around.
4. Tesla Wall Connector: Best for Tesla Owners
Did you know that Teslas are the top-selling EVs in the USA? With that in mind, you may want to appeal directly to Tesla owners by installing the Tesla Wall Connector.
You won’t be surprised to hear that this option is specifically designed to seamlessly integrate with all Tesla vehicles, providing fast and efficient charging without hassle. With its sleek design and fast charging capabilities that go up to 48A, it will not only look great in your garage but also offer an easy way to keep your guests’ Teslas charged and ready to hit the road.
At $450 on Amazon, it isn’t the most expensive charger out there. Tesla also comes with a nifty Power-Share feature, which allows you to link up to 6 chargers together for more efficient power management.
However, it does come with a pretty significant drawback: this particular model only comes with a Tesla-compatible plug, and not the standard J1772 plug that other EVs use. Tesla does sell an “upgraded” version (called the Universal Wall Connector) but that retails for around $150 more.
But, if you want to offer this little extra perk for Tesla vehicles, or you also own a Tesla and plan to charge your vehicle occasionally at your rental, then the Tesla Wall Connector is a great pick.
5. Siemens VersiCharge Level 2 EV Charge: Best Durable Charger
The Siemens VersiCharge Level 2 EV Charger is a great pick for hosts who value durability and reliability. And, with the use that this charger will see at a rental, durability is a must.
Priced at $1095 on Amazon, it's definitely an investment. But, with its robust build quality you can be assured it'll last for years.
As you can already see, the VersiCharge looks heavy-duty. It has a NEMA 4 rated weatherproof enclosure and is built to handle various environmental conditions, so it’s perfect for outdoor or rugged setups. It also offers up to 30 amps, ensuring a fast and efficient charge for most EVs.
With a whopping 3-year warranty (for both indoors and outdoors), this charger leads the pack when it comes to making sure your investment lasts.
Still, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, it's not the cheapest option available. Additionally, although the output is satisfactory, guests may want a quicker charge--particularly for those who bring more than one vehicle.
But, for hosts who don't mind the splurge, the Siemens VersiCharge Level 2 EV Charger is our top pick for a charger that will last you years.
6. ClipperCreek Share2 HCS-40 EV Charger Bundle: Best for Multiple Vehicles
Do you have a larger property that presumably sees more guests at any one time? The ClipperCreek Share2 HCS-40 EV Charger Bundle is perfect for that. This bundle includes two chargers that can be installed on one 40A circuit.
It's ideal for guests traveling with multiple EVs. Get it for $1648 on Enphase, and although it's expensive, keep in mind that it does come with two separate chargers.
More than that, what's great about the ClipperCreek Share2 is its quality build and high performance. The HCS-40 delivers 32 amps, ensuring a speedy charge for two vehicles simultaneously (more on this below).
Its user-friendly interface makes charging simple for your guests, and since it's weatherproof with a NEMA 4 rated enclosure, you don't have to worry about leaving it outside. With a heavy-duty cord and a sleek, compact design, it looks good and withstands different environmental conditions.
However, there is one drawback. The charger only works on 32A with one vehicle. Charge two vehicles at once, and that output halves to 16A. That significantly slows down the charge time, especially if both cars need a lot of juice.
Still, if you only have one 240V circuit and don't want to spend on more, the ClipperCreek Share2 HCS-40 EV Charger Bundle is the best we've found for that specific purpose.
Bottom Line
Investing in an EV charger for your Airbnb isn't just about following trends; it's about embracing a sustainable future and meeting your guests' needs. As electric vehicles become more popular, having a reliable charger can set your property apart and leave a great impression on your guests. This smart investment will also attract eco-conscious travelers and make your Airbnb a top pick in a competitive market.
