FLORHAM PARK, N.J.—Most Americans are aware that nearly every auto maker in the world today is committed to producing electric cars. So, what about electric parking spaces? According to Gas2.0.org, “most potential plug-in vehicle consumers do not have an adequate place to charge their vehicles.” There simply are not enough charging stations for the electric cars on the road.
Recently, a guest checking in for a conference at Hamilton Park Hotel & Conference Center in Florham Park asked if there were electric car parking stations available. The front desk clerk replied, “not yet, but we’re working on it.” According to Steve Migliara, director of sales & marketing, “we have just completed the installation of eight electric car charge stations, which is consistent with our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. We are trying to stay ahead of the curve by anticipating customer needs such as this. There is a scarcity of electric charging stations in the area; we want to be the first to offer this convenience to our guests.”
Since no other electric charging stations are available free of cost in New Jersey, Hamilton Park is happy to implement the newest initiative in its expanding Destination Earth program, which is dedicated to practices and programs that pay respect to, and lessen its footprint on, the changing environment.
Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt
The eight parking spaces feature docking stations and accommodate current vehicles available in the United States such as the Toyota Prius and the forthcoming Chevrolet Volt. According to Bob Boniface, director of design for the Chevrolet Volt, “Chevy Volt is designed to move more than 75 percent of America’s daily commuters without a single drop of gas. That means for someone who drives less than 40 miles a day, Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions.”
The docking grids feature four dual 120-volt outlets totaling 80 amps. New signage directs guests to the charging stations that are identified by newly painted green parking lines for the eight conveniently located spaces. Charging instructions and adaptors are available at the front desk. It takes about 12 kilowatt-hours of electricity to charge a car after a 50-mile trip.
Hamilton Park Hotel & Conference Center has received a Certificate of Environmental Stewardship from the State of New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection and achieved silver status from the International Association of Conference Centers’ Code of Sustainability for its efforts.
