Advice for Incorporating EV Charging Stations at Hotels
There are now over 90,000 electric vehicles in the U.S., and sales growth is strong. Boston hotels have responded by installing EV charging stations, and more are planned for the coming year.
Jennifer Miller, an Arizona State University graduate student, wrote a paper that advises hotels about getting the most benefit from charging stations. Glenn Hasek summarized Ms. Miller's recommendations in his Green Lodging News blog:
"Miller suggests educating staff about EVs, such as charging needs, and hotel policies regarding these vehicles. Valet staff should be particularly knowledgeable about EVs and policies. Charging stations should be listed online with sites such as PlugShare so that potential guests are able to find your property.
Charging station information should also be on your own website and in any other collateral that you publish...Make sure it is clear where charging stations are located in parking areas, charging types, and associated fees, if applicable. Also clarify time limits in case there is more demand than availability. And...think about ways you can join up with other EV station sites to help promote your region as EV friendly."
Is an Electric Van in Your Hotel's Future?
In December, Zenith Motors introduced a 12-seat electric-drive passenger van that has a 90 or 110 mile range, depending on the battery size. It's expected to save well over $100,000 in fuel costs over the van's 300,000 mile life, and sharply reduce maintenance costs and downtime.
It takes up to 6.5 hours to recharge the van's battery when it's fully depleted. Hotels that buy the upgraded on-board battery charger can recharge the depleted battery in only 4 hours.
The EPA recently certified the Zenith van to run on U.S. roads. It's the first electric van to qualify.
The Zenith van with a 110-mile range costs $89,500 after federal rebates, but not counting state rebates. (See the article below regarding MA rebates.)
Given their economic advantage, I think that electric vans have a very bright future.
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