IHG is the first hotel company in Australia to build an electric car charge network, connecting eight properties across the group with cutting-edge technology for a new and growing customer segment.
Five IHG properties across New South Wales – including Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach, Crowne Plaza Terrigal, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Holiday Inn Sydney Airport and Holiday Inn Old Sydney – just launched electric car (EV) charge spots in their property car parks or forecourts.The charge spots have been installed in partnership with leading electric car charge network Better Place. Drivers can plug into the charge spots and top-up their battery whilst enjoying hotel facilities and event spaces.The five IHG hotels join the Australian Government’s $100 million Smart Grid, Smart City trial taking place in Sydney, Newcastle and the Upper Hunter.The 20 electric cars participating in the Smart Grid, Smart City trial will have free access to the Better Place charge spots at the hotels.Existing Better Place customers will also be able to take advantage of the charge spots by using the paid parking facilities at the properties.The hotel charge spots deliver approximately 20-25 km of range per hour, offering zero emissions charging for up to two electric cars at once. Better Place and IHG are able to provide zero emissions charging as Better Place purchases only 100% GreenPower for its network.“IHG is committed to helping our guests make a positive contribution to environmental sustainability,” IHG director of sustainability, Australasia, Victoria Rose said. “Reducing carbon emissions is not just a global issue; it’s a local issue too. Installing car charge spots for electric car drivers supports our commitment to sustainability and simultaneously helps to reduce pollution and emission levels in Australia,” Ms. Rose concluded.