Buyer's guide

EV charging for Airbnb and holiday rental hosts

More guests arrive by EV every year, and 'EV charging' is a filter on booking sites. Here's the low-cost way to offer it.

The short answer

The cheapest way to offer EV charging is a power point near guest parking, in good condition and ideally on its own circuit, plus a portable charger guests can use. A 10-hour night on 10 A adds about 129 km of range and uses about 23.0 kWh, roughly $6.90 at 30c/kWh. A dedicated 15 A outlet and charger is faster; a wall charger is rarely needed for overnight stays.

  • Lowest cost: the SEVR 10A portable charger plus a good outlet near parking.
  • Faster: a dedicated 15 A outlet and the EVSE Australia 15A portable charger (coming soon).
  • Cost per night: about $6.90 at 30c/kWh for a full 10 hours.
  • List it: say exactly what you offer (outlet type, charger provided, any fee).
Setup options

Three ways to offer EV charging

SetupUpfront costRange per nightNotes
Outlet near parking (guest brings cable)Existing, or an electrician's outlet install~129 kmMany guests don't carry a cable
Outlet plus portable charger provided$183.99 for the charger~129 kmLowest-cost reliable option
Dedicated 15 A outlet plus chargerOutlet install + $239~194 kmFaster turnarounds
7 kW wall charger$1,200–$2,300 installedA full chargeOverkill for most overnight stays
Wall charger pricing is a typical single-phase installed range. Worked numbers use the same assumptions as our range calculator: 230 V, 90% charging efficiency and 16 kWh per 100 km. Cold weather, your car's onboard charger and driving style change real results.
Host checklist

Before your first EV guest

  1. Pick the outlet closest to guest parking and have an electrician check it, or install a weatherproof one.
  2. Leave simple instructions: plug into the wall first, then the car; no extension leads.
  3. Decide on cost: include it, or set a clear flat fee in your house rules.
  4. Check your insurance covers guests using electrical equipment you provide.
  5. Photograph the setup for your listing.
Our pick

Chargers we recommend

No install needed

SEVR EV Portable Charger (10A)

Type 210 A max2.3 kW~13 km/h4.5 mIP66

The low-cost way to offer charging: works on any standard outlet.

$183.99Lowest price in Australia · free shipping · 3-year warranty
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Questions

Frequently asked

Should I offer EV charging at my holiday rental?

If you have parking near an outlet, it's a low-cost amenity that EV drivers actively filter for. A portable charger and a sound outlet is enough for overnight stays.

How much does it cost a host when a guest charges an EV?

A full 10-hour night on a 10 A outlet uses about 23.0 kWh, roughly $6.90 at 30c/kWh.

Can I charge guests for EV charging?

Many hosts include it or set a flat fee in the house rules. Check your booking platform's rules on extra fees.

Do I need a wall charger for an Airbnb?

Rarely. Guests usually stay overnight, which suits a portable charger. A wall charger makes sense for very high turnover or short stays.

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