February 25, 2011
Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte, NC, is strengthening its commitment to environmentally-friendly practices and operations by permanently installing a multi-power station for affluent guests who drive electric vehicles.
The charging station is complimentary to hotel guests. The station features two charging ports for simultaneous usage.
“Hotels with charging services welcome the electric vehicle owner,” said Richard Lowenthal, chief technology officer and founder of Coulomb Technologies, Campbell, CA. “Your hotel will appear on the ChargePoint Network maps on smartphone, iPad and Google charging station maps.
“Those driving an electric vehicle will only visit hotels where they can charge their vehicle,” he said.
Coulomb Technologies manufactures electric vehicle charging stations.
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte is the first green hotel for the luxury chain.
Get juiced
While electric vehicle charging stations are an increasingly frequent sight across the country, such a prominent presence at The Ritz-Carlton is noteworthy for the hospitality industry.
The electric vehicle charging station at The Ritz-Carlton is manufactured by Coulomb Technologies and commissioned by Thurso Power Systems, a Greenville, SC-based system integrator.
Thurso Power Systems provides customers with electric vehicle charging stations.
Its 120-volt level I port would typically charge a car from zero to full power in 10-12 hours.
The 240-volt level II charger would take approximately six hours to go from empty to full charge.
Car at charging station
The launch of the new Ritz-Carlton plug-in charging station was showcased by the on-site presence of a Li-Ion Motors all-electric supercar.
Li-Ion Motors Inizio and Wave II were on hand for the event on Feb 23.
“In the early years of this new type of transportation, the early adopter vehicle owner has disposable income and is willing to spend for a unique vehicle with advanced features and performance,” Mr. Lowenthal said. “They will appreciate and prefer hotels that offer state of the art charging services.”
Going green
The electric vehicle charging station at The Ritz-Carlton complements the hotel’s environmental program.
The hotel operates its own in-house water purification bottling system, and numerous employee uniforms are made of fabric derived from recycled plastic containers.
There is also complimentary parking for hybrid and electric vehicles, complimentary bicycle use for guests and natural and organic culinary and spa menus.
The hotel’s roof is home to thousands of plants and two beehives housing 100,000 bees. These bees produce all-natural honey for The Ritz-Carlton culinary purposes.
Power-up
Hotels around the United States are jumping on the electric vehicle bandwagon and adding charging stations to their resorts.
The Grand Geneva hotel in Wisconsin was the first Midwest resort to offer an electric car charging service.
“As more vehicle models come from makers like Porsche and General Motors, high- end hotels will be known as the place to stay if you own an electric vehicle,” Mr. Lowenthal said. “All high-end hotels will be expected to offer charging services to their guests.
“This is not unlike the expectation that luxury hotels have high-end restaurants and offer spa services,” he said. “Owners of electric vehicles want to charge every night and will always seek out hotels that offer charging services.
“Owners of these premium vehicles have high expectations of their vehicles and high expectations of hotels.”
Final take
Powering the planet
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