Most electric vehicle (EV) drivers charge their cars at home – an astounding 80%. There are various EV charging stations that are available, and it’s important to understand which one is right for your rental property – whether you offer it for rent through an AirBNB, VRBO, VASA or a similar website. After going through the basics of EV charging, this article will detail the 6 best Level 2 EV chargers for your rental property – 3 with credit card readers, and 3 without credit card readers.
There are different levels of home charging stations and Level 2 is ideal for electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles in rental properties because it chargers an EV significantly faster than the Level 1 charger that just plugs into a 120v outlet, and is relatively affordable. If you install a level 2 charger with a credit card reader, then groups of guests with multiple EVs (or an extended stay of someone who drives a lot) will offset your increased energy bills, since a full charge of an EV can cost between $10 to $20.
A level 2 EV charger is a great amenity for your AirBNB guests and will help them charge faster and enjoy the full potential of the region your rental property is in.
Difference Between Level 1 and 2 Charging Stations
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
| Outlet | Standard Wall (120V) | 240V |
| Power (KW) | 1.3 | Typically 6 (Between 3-20) |
| 125 miles Charging Time | 20 Hours | 5 Hours |
| 250 miles Charging Time | 43 Hours | 11 Hours |
Level 1 charging refers to the process of using the charge that comes with the electric vehicle. These types of chargers can be plugged into any standard 120V outlet, and they can charge an EV in just around 20 hours, which is much longer than the Best Level 2 EV Chargers For Your Rental Property.
Although Level 2 chargers are often purchased at the same time as a electric vehicle, they come with a slightly more complicated setup. These require a 240V outlet to fully recharge, which makes them faster than Level 1 electric car chargers.
Level 2 charging is much faster than a standard Level 1 charger for both electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It allows your tenants to charge their cars up to 7 times faster and reduce the number of stops at public stations.
The charge of an electric vehicle’s 30-kWh battery takes around four hours. This allows your tenants to make the most of their vehicle’s capabilities even when they have limited time to recharge and just want to explore the area that your rental property is in – and the Best Level 2 EV Chargers For Your Rental Property will help them explore. Learn more about the different types and levels of EV Chargers.
Cost of Level 2 Charging
Some electric car charging stations can be used for free, while others charge a fee. This can be done on a pay-as-you-go basis or through an account with a charging network such as Blink or ChargePoint. The cost of charging an EV varies depending on the provider and the state.
In some states, charging can be paid for based on the kilowatt-hour of electricity used, while in others, it can only be charged on a per-minute basis. On the other hand, the Blink network allows the owner of the charging facility to set their rates. In most states, the Blink network charges between $0.04 and $0.06 per minute.
Top 3 Best Level 2 Chargers with Credit Card Reader
Below are the 3 best commercial level 2 EV chargers with a credit card reader you can consider for your rental property. Unfortunately, other forms of Micro Real Estate – like vending machines with credit card readers – don’t make much sense in an AirBNB, so ancillary income from an AirBNB is limited to EV chargers and solar panels.
CT4000 Family by Chargepoint
The ChargePoint CT4000 family of commercial charging stations is designed to meet the needs of today’s drivers. These sleek and rugged units are built with a full-motion color LCD and are equipped with intelligent power management options. The display can be used to guide drivers and provide updates on their advertisements.
Dual port EV stations are ideal for sites that have single port outlets. These stations can be upgraded without additional electrical services. The CT4000 is the first EV charger to be certified as an energy-efficient model.
Payment Method
CT4000 accepts contactless credit card payments such as American Express ExpressPay, Visa PayWave, MasterCard PayPass, and Discover Zip.
Energy Efficient
The CT4000 is an energy-efficient model when it’s in standby mode. It uses less energy than a standard charger when it’s fully charged. All of the models of the CT4000 come with two or three standard J1772TM Level 2 charging ports. These ports can provide up to 7.2 kilowatts.
Compatibility
The standard J1772TM connectors allow the ChargePoint CT4000 to charge any vehicle. These units can be wall mounted or in bollard configurations, and they are fully software-enabled. They can be upgraded remotely using the ChargePoint app. The 6′ and 8′ tall models come with 18 and 23′ cords, respectively.
Up to 4 Cars
The compact and versatile CT4000 charging station can accommodate up to four parking spaces, and it can also reach all car models. Its cord reach and size allow it to easily expand the usability of your EV spots.
Bee Meter Onyx by EV Meter
The Beemeter Onyx is an ideal EV charging solution for various public and commercial locations. It can be used in combination with other charging devices.
The Beemeter Onyx comes with a built-in credit and debit card reader that accepts different payment methods such as NFC, digital wallets, and prepaid. This convenient charging station will allow you to provide EV Drivers with a quick and easy way to pay.
As a payment facilitator, the EV meter handles all of your transactions seamlessly. It ensures that only pre-authorized transactions are conducted.
Payment Methods
The Bee Meter Onyx is an integral part of the Nayax payment solution, which allows drivers to pay with their credit or debit cards. It also accepts digital wallets and QR codes. This eliminates the need for drivers to carry around multiple cards and provides them with convenient payment methods.
Compatibility
The Beemeter Onyx is compatible with all types of electric cars. It can recharge an electric vehicle at any 240V power outlet.
Indoors or Outdoors
The Beemeter Onyx’s EV meter chargers can be installed both indoors and outdoors. These are IP55-rated and have a durable and weather-resistant appearance.
PE 56 Level 2 EV Charger by PayEnergy
PayEnergy’s PE 56 is a Level 2 EV charger Stand 60 inches with a credit card payment system. Their payment system will allow you to earn money by selling electricity to your tenants at a higher price. It will work like a vending machine that does not require any maintenance or refilling, and it will be considered a source of revenue for rental property owners.
Payergy is a leader in providing a cashless charging solution for public use. Unlike other payment methods, such as mobile apps or subscription fees, their system does not require a phone or a monthly subscription.
Charging Speed
The 32A level 2 EV charger is capable of charging an electric vehicle up to 4x faster than the level 1 charger used by most electric cars.
Compatibility
The EVSE is compatible with most plug-in electric cars, such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, Ford C-Max Energi, and Toyota Prius. It can also be used with an adapter for Tesla Motors.
Automatic Regulation
This robust and durable outdoor light features a die-cast aluminum body and an integrated photocell. It can regulate the light’s intensity automatically.
Adjustable LED Panel
The LED panel features 270 x 270 rotatable light heads that are designed to light up a 60 x 60 beam angle. The light is produced using COB Diode Technology, which has a cutting edge.
Top 3 Best EV Chargers without a Credit Card Reader
If you’re not concerned about the additional cost of the electricity and would like to install a EV charger without a credit card reader in your rental property, then take a look at these EV chargers. The benefit of not having an EV charger with a credit card reader is that the EV charger itself will likely cost less upfront. So, if you’re looking to make your AirBNB (or other rental property) more competitive with an additional amenity, then a simple EV charger is an effective addition.
The Big Brand Name – ChargePoint Home Flex Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger
The ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger is likely the best, but most expensive option, for an EV charger for your AirBNB. Most EV drivers are familiar with the ChargePoint brand, so they will see this charger as a great option to charge their EV. ChargePoint produces home and commercial EV chargers, so if you want to upgrade to a more robust or multiple port charger in the future, ChargePoint will have a model. It can also be installed at multiple amperages, so your AirBNB may only need minor modifications for installation – depending on the power level you wish to provide to your guests. I’m sure your guests will always want the fastest charging possible, but you could install this charger to provide EV charging as an amenity and then further upgrade your wiring to increase the power output if there are any complaints about slow charging.
The Budget Option – Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger
The Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger is a great option if you’re on a budget. It doesn’t have the same brand recognition as the ChargePoint models, but it is still an effective and adaptable EV charger. Just like the ChargePoint option, it can be installed with a few different power ratings, so you may not need to modify your properties’ electrical wiring.
The Balanced Option – Enel X Juice Box
Enel X JuiceBox is a brand that many EV owners are familiar with, but is less expensive than ChargePoint. There are both residential and commercial options available to cover any type of rental property.
Bonus: Cheap EV Charger Installation
3 Things to Consider Before You Install
Your tenants can charge their car’s battery with a 240v Level 2 charger faster than with a 110v outlet. This upgrade will allow your renters to get the most out of their stay, especially if there are a lot of attractions that are an hour or farther from your AirBNB. Not to mention, there will not be any need for them to wait around on checkout day to wait for their car to charge. So, by adding an EV charger to your AirBNB, you’ll help bring about the adoption of electric vehicles by helping to reduce range anxiety for travelers.
Here are 3 things to consider as a landlord before you get your EV charger when it comes to choosing a suitable charger for your home.
How Much Electricity You Need
All Level 2 electric vehicle charging devices require a 240v electrical connection. The National Electrical Code states that an electrical circuit should be rated at 25% greater than the output of the device.
Before you buy a new charger, make sure that you check your electrical panel to see how many amps it has available. You can open the panel door and inspect if there’s an unused circuit or call an electrician if you are unsure.
Where to Install Your Charger for Your Tenants
Although using a dryer circuit is not ideal for charging devices, you should look for a charger that can use a plug type that’s labeled 6-50 or 14-50.
You can also install a charger near your electrical panel. This will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time, and it’s a good idea to avoid having to run a lot of conduits. Having a well-designed and rated outdoor charger will allow you to charge multiple cars at the same time.
Safety & Reliability to Consider as a Landlord
Though these are the Best Level 2 EV Chargers For Your Rental Property, you should still try to thoroughly research the company that you’re buying from. Having a good warranty is important, as it will provide you with peace of mind knowing that the device will be working properly for a long time. Also, having 24-hour phone support is a must-have in case something goes wrong.
Although portable level 1 charging may seem like an appealing idea, it’s not always safe to deal with the cables and connectors of devices on the ground. Having to clean and hang them can be dangerous for your tenants, especially if kids are running around. A wall-mounted charging station is a good alternative, though it might cause your homeowner’s insurance to increase a bit.
You should consider the safety and reliability of your tenants’ electric vehicle charger when it comes to using it in your property. Having one that has been thoroughly tested and certified by a recognized testing laboratory can help minimize your electric bill.
Not to mention that home EV chargers do not weigh a lot, so make sure it is an item that you keep track of in your rental property, maybe with a security camera in your garage.
