NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia — InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) has built an electric car-charging network, becoming the first Australian company to do so. The initiative connects eight properties across the group.
“IHG is committed to helping our guests make a positive contribution to environmental sustainability,” said Victoria Rose, IHG director of Sustainability, Australasia.
Five IHG properties including Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach, Crowne Plaza Terrigal, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Holiday Inn Sydney Airport and Holiday Inn, Old Sydney have electric car (EV) charge spots on their property parking lots. Partnering with the leading electric car-charge network, Better Place, drivers can now plug into the charge locations and top-up their battery.
The five participating hotels join the Australian Government’s $100-million Smart Grid, Smart City trial initiative around the country. The 20 electric cars participating in the project will have free access to the Better Place charge spots at the IHG hotels. The charge spots deliver approximately 20-25 kilometres of range per hour, offering zero emissions and can charge up to two electric cars at once. Better Place and IHG are able to provide zero emissions charging as Better Place purchases only 100-per-cent GreenPower for its network.
Better Place GM, Guy Pross, said IHG supports the switch from fuel to electric driving. “We’re delighted to be working with IHG on this leading initiative. On-site charging will make IHG properties a destination address for electric car drivers, because it’s easy and convenient for visitors, guests and delegates to park and plug in,” said Pross.
IHG’s partnership with Better Place is a testament to the hotel company’s commitment to reducing the consumption of natural resources across the company’s Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels. The Australian Government’s Smart Grid, Smart City trial is a testing ground for new energy supply technologies, gathering information about the benefits and costs of different smart grid technologies in Australia.
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