It may not happen in the next few months but in the next year or two it is going to be much more likely to happen. It will not come as a flood but more of a trickle at first. What I am referring to is the inevitable guest requests for a place to plug in their hybrid or electric vehicles (EVs). When those requests come, will you be prepared? Or, will those travelers choose a competitor of yours that already has an electric vehicle charging station? I can see it now: guests being critical of your property on TripAdvisor because of your lack of a place to “fill up.” When getting into the hotel business, did you ever think you would have to accommodate travelers with this type of amenity?
As described in my article on EV charging stations (click here), hotel and resort owners are beginning to install them, albeit at a very slow pace. Those who are doing so are smart. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 1 million EVs are expected to be on the road by 2015. While expensive for most people today, it is inevitable that the price of EVs will eventually come down as production and competition increases. Rising fuel prices will also drive the public to EVs and there is a segment of the population that will invest in EVs because they believe it is the right thing to do (a friend of mine intends to buy a Nissan Leaf as soon as he can get his hands on one). Remember when seeing a Toyota Prius was a rare event? Not so rare anymore, is it?
The cost for EV charging stations are not outlandish—approximately $5,000 to $15,000 “out the door.” A 30 percent federal rebate is available. You do need to think about where to place them. The farther away from a 220/240 volt, 40 amp circuit, the higher the cost. Properties that already have them have placed them in highly visible areas. Other than solar panels or wind turbines, I cannot think of a more visible symbol of your property’s environmental commitment.
Technology Improving
The technology incorporated into charging stations is pretty amazing. Charging stations can include the ability to e-mail or text users—vehicle owners or hotel employees—to let them know their vehicles are fully charged. With some stations, travelers can locate them and even determine whether they are currently unoccupied by using Google Maps. Speaking of Google, the company is testing the Plugless Power electric vehicle charging station at its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters. The station is based on inductive technology, and charges EVs and extended-range hybrids without the need for a cord or plug.
The Plugless Power system uses electromagnetic fields to transfer electricity between two coils—one installed in the car and the other at the charging station. This is the same technology used in an electric toothbrush. Most EV models can use the Plugless Power system after a simple retrofit process. The system’s manufacturer, Evatran LLC, is working with auto manufacturers to integrate its technology into their cars.
Any company touting a brand as green would be wise to include EV charging stations as a standard feature in properties that are part of that brand. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has already done this for its Element brand. Which brand will be next? Every property owner, however, no matter the brand, should now be thinking about installing at least one EV station. The day will come when it will be expected. Your thoughts? Send them to editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
GLN Adds Tornado Industries as Directory Partner
Green Lodging News welcomes Tornado Industries as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Tornado is a leading manufacturer of commercial cleaning equipment. Tornado offers unique cleaning applications including the DE 4002 Steamer for chemical-free bed bug eradication, CRI certified upright vacuums, low-moisture cylindrical brush floor machines and automatic scrubbers, sweepers, wet dry vacuums, industrial vacuums, burnishers, and much more. Tornado currently has a white paper available entitled, “Effective Treatment of Bed Bug Infestations.” The paper is written by Michael Schaffer, the company’s president. For more information, e-mail jkennedy@tornadovac.com, call (800) 822-8867, or go to www.tornadovac.com.
Earth Day Activities
Earth Day is coming up on April 22. If your property is planning to participate in this event, send details to editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Advertising Opportunities
Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for advertising spots in 2011. Several new slots have opened up on the Green Lodging News website—two skyscraper ad spots on the right hand side of the site, and the Featured Product ad spot in the weekly newsletter and in the lower center area of the home page. Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (440) 243-2055, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com if you are interested in these ad spots. There are also many Green Supplier Spotlight dates available, and other spots on the website and in the weekly e-newsletter. The 2011 media kit is available by request or by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Green Lodging News Blog & Twitter
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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
