Marriott International has joined forces with EV Connect to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at 6,000 of its hotel properties across Canada and the US. The announcement comes less than two weeks after its rival Hilton announced it was installing 20,000 Tesla Universal Wall Connectors at its properties across North America.
Unlike Hilton, which will be installing Wall Connectors that can support both J1772 and the North American Charging Standard (NACS), Marriott opted to partner with EV Connect, which will provide the company with a “turnkey solution to easily add and manage EV charging stations through the EV Connect platform.” In an early morning press release EV Connect doesn’t specify what type of EV chargers Marriott will be installing (J1772, NACS, or both), the company says each of the 6,000 qualifying properties will be able to “choose the charging hardware deployed on the open platform.”
“As the world shifts towards sustainable energy and clean transportation, hotels and resorts that provide charging facilities for EVs can attract guests who prioritize sustainability and carbon-neutral travel. This collaboration between EV Connect and Marriott marks a major advancement of the EV market’s expansion, and it has significant implications for the hospitality sector as a whole,” said Ram Ambatipudi, Senior Vice President of Business Development at EV Connect.
According to the EV Connect website, their platform will streamline every aspect of the charging station journey for Marriott, from planning and installation to maintenance. Each property will be able to manage energy costs, track station utilization, and their sustainability metrics.
There are benefits for EV drivers as well, with a mobile app that enables them to locate, access, and pay for EV charging.
“Our guests increasingly expect EV charging stations at our properties, and this collaboration will help us meet rapidly evolving consumer demand and further the company’s sustainability goals. With EV Connect, we can offer properties an end-to-end turnkey service, simplifying the planning, installation, and maintenance processes while simultaneously delivering high-quality service our guests expect,” said Andrew Bodziak, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Marriott International.
