Power sockets for EV customers no-brainer, say Whangarei motel owners

Don and Sharon Macmillan, owners of Bella Vista Motel Whangarei.

A Northland accommodation provider is gearing up for the future installing what is believed to be the first electric vehicle-charging facility located at a motel in Whangarei.

Bella Vista Motel Whangarei owners Don and Sharon Macmillan have taken note of the Government's target of 64,000 electric vehicles in New Zealand by 2021 and installed a two-vehicle electric vehicle-charging point at their motel on Western Hills Drive.

"It was a little bit of a no-brainer," said Mrs Macmillan. "There was very little hassle involved and we are now able to offer charging facilities for two EVs every night.

"Health and safety legislation has effectively ensured, and quite rightly, that you couldn't take shortcuts to offer this service," she said.

Mrs Macmillan said that even though take-up has been limited to date, they wanted to stay ahead of the game and future-proof their business.

"Our corporate booking agents in Auckland and Wellington are already asking if we have EV stations, so it is only a matter of time."

When asked about the cost to her customers, Mrs Macmillan said they would apply a nominal amount to the room rate to cover the cost.

"It's primarily about service and added value for our customers," she said.

Mrs Macmillan was reluctant to say how much it cost to install the 16-volt charging points but she said they would fully charge an EV in five hours.

The parking space reserved for EV charging at the motel.

The Government's target is expected to increase growth in EV use across all travel sectors including private, corporate and leisure travellers.

It is understood several car-rental companies are considering introducing EVs into their fleets.

Those vehicles will need accommodation providers who are able to offer, at the minimum, an overnight charging station.

■ Bella Vista Accommodation Nationwide operates 27 motels offering 4-star accommodation.