In this article:
- Airbnb rolled out a filter for guests to search for rentals that have EV charging stations.
- EVs are becoming more popular, and guests need to have access to a charge.
- The rental platform is aiming to reach net zero emissions by 2030.
Airbnb is revving up its sustainability practices.
The home-sharing platform announced that as of the end of the 2021 fourth quarter, the app offers more than 850,000 listings with EV charging stations so that guests can charge their vehicles during their stays. Customers can search for Airbnb stays that feature EV charging as an amenity. Airbnb’s EV filter is one of 150 updates the company made to its service during 2021.
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In its announcement, Airbnb cited its 2021 commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas and carbon emissions, becoming a Net Zero company by 2030. The app’s EV filter is another component of Airbnb’s sustainability efforts. Airbnb said that searches for EV charging stations increased two-fold between June and December of 2021. And in a survey of Airbnb customers, more than 80% of respondents said that Airbnb helps people travel in a more environmentally-minded way.
Airbnb’s support for EV charging comes as EVs increase in popularity. A 2021 survey from Pew Research found that 39% of U.S. adults are very likely or somewhat likely to seriously consider buying an EV. Additionally, the number of EV registrations increased three times between 2016 and 2020.
Currently, several different car manufacturers, including Nissaan, Tesla, Audi, and Chevrolet offer EVs that can drive 200 miles or more on a single charge. Airbnb said it hopes that its EV options will allow customers who own EVs to go on longer and more frequent road trips, so that they don’t have to worry about accessing a charging station.
Airbnb isn’t the only hospitality business expanding into EVs infrastructure. Hotel business Marriott reportedly has more than 3,137 charging stations at its various hotel locations across the U.S. Travel search engines Expedia.com and Booking.com both have filters for EV charging. One of Airbnb’s biggest competitors, Vrbo, does not yet let users search for rentals with EV charging.
Airbnb’s decision to include its EV filter isn’t just an effort to be more sustainable. The change will also help attract and maintain loyalty with customers who rely on charging stations to make sure they get where they need to go safely.