Summary of Key Points
With the increasing popularity of new energy vehicles, more and more travelers are using them as "mobile hotels" (sleeping in the vehicle and utilizing various hotel services on the go), which has led to a decline in occupancy rates at some hotels. However, this is not an enemy for hotels; rather, it presents new opportunities. Travelers' needs have shifted from renting entire rooms to simply using services such as parking, showering, and laundry. Hotels can turn this "traffic" into new revenue by adapting their old practices (e.g., by clearly stating prices and designing service packages).
1. Why Can Electric Vehicles Be Used as "Mobile Hotels"? – Three Problems Solved
In the past, when traveling by car, it was unsafe to sleep in the vehicle: idling the air conditioning would produce carbon monoxide, which could be harmful, and fuel costs were high (over 1,500 yuan for a 3,000-kilometer journey). Electric vehicles have solved these issues:
- Safety: The parking air conditioning is powered by the battery, producing no exhaust, so there's no risk of poisoning.
- Cost Savings: The cost of electricity per 100 kilometers is less than 10 yuan, meaning a 3,000-kilometer journey would only cost around 30 yuan, which is much cheaper than a hotel night costing 300–500 yuan.
- Convenience: The back seats can be flatbedded with a mattress, providing enough space for 2–3 people to sleep.
Currently, there are nearly 50 million new energy vehicles in use nationwide, and videos about "bed-in-the-vehicle travel" have been viewed over 9.8 billion times. More and more people realize that electric vehicles are essentially wheeled bedrooms that can also save a significant amount of money.
2. Hotel Business Decline: Not Because of Fewer Travelers, but Because Money Is Avoiding Hotels
Hotel owners in tourist cities are worried this year: occupancy rates have dropped by 10% compared to last year, yet social media is full of photos of people traveling by car. Why? Travelers are still going out, but they are saving money on hotel accommodations:
- According to Bloomberg, Chinese travelers are starting to use high-tech SUVs as their bedrooms.
- Data from Guojin Securities shows that in July, national hotel average revenue (RevPAR), occupancy rates (OCC), and room rates (ADR) all decreased year-over-year.
- Travelers calculate that with a 10,000 yuan budget, they could only make 2 trips if staying in a hotel, but 5 trips if sleeping in a vehicle. The extra 3 trips would not have happened if they couldn't afford a hotel.
Hotels only see a loss of 2 nights' revenue but fail to realize the potential for additional income from these 3 new trips.
3. The Tourism and Cultural Industry Is Pushing Travelers Towards Electric Vehicles
Travelers choose to sleep in vehicles not just to save money but also due to industry-related issues:
- Hotels arbitrarily raise prices during peak seasons, and guests feel deceived when prices change the next day.
- Attractions overcharge for entrance fees and shuttle services.
- Tour groups force customers to buy merchandise, leaving them with no choice but to spend money.
Electric vehicle travel avoids these problems: travelers can cook, sleep in the vehicle, and use camp facilities at their own convenience, taking control of their travel experience.
4. New Opportunities for Hotels: From "Selling Rooms" to "Selling Services"
A hotel in Yining was criticized for charging 150 yuan for "overnight use of the vehicle," but the issue wasn't whether the fee should be charged, but rather the lack of clear communication about the rules. To adapt to these new needs, hotels should:
1. Clearly state prices: Display signs at the parking lot entrance explaining the fees for using the laundry, shower, and kitchen.
2. Offer bundled services: For example, a "self-driving overnight package" (parking + charging + shower + laundry) for 50–100 yuan, which is cheaper than a room rental and more appealing to travelers.
3. Turn the parking lot into a revenue source: Even if guests don't stay in the hotel, they can sell light meals, coffee, and travel advice, generating additional income.
4. Accept the New Normal: With nearly 50 million electric vehicles on the road, this trend is irreversible. Instead of complaining about free-riding guests, hotels should proactively offer services.
5. The Math of Lost Revenue vs. New Income
For a 10,000 yuan budget:
- Hotel Stay: The traveler would make 2 hotel stays.
- Vehicle Sleepover: The traveler would make 5 trips, 2 of which would have been hotel stays (resulting in a loss for the hotel), but 3 would be new trips (which the hotel would not have made otherwise).
For hotels, the additional income from these new trips (shower usage, laundry, breakfast) could potentially offset the lost revenue from the missed stays. The key is for hotels to shift from a focus on selling rooms to offering a range of services.
In summary, electric vehicle travel is not an enemy for hotels; it's an opportunity to upgrade their services. As travelers' needs change, so should hotel practices. By providing clearly priced services when they need charging, showers, and hot meals, both parties can benefit.