Photo: Marriot on Twitter / EV Connect on YouTube / autoevolution edit
EV Connect confirms that it will work with Marriott Hotels to advance charging infrastructure for the hospitality giant's customers. There are 6,000 "qualifying locations" that will gradually get the hardware, the software, and the perk of having a dedicated team of technicians on standby. Here's the gist of it.
Earlier this month, Hilton announced that it partnered with Tesla to deploy Level 2 EV charging solutions at over 2,000 hotels. The deal included the installation of up to 20,000 Universal Wall Connectors. Hilton customers, Tesla buyers, EV fans, and travelers welcomed the news.
However, seeing the announcement on social media, many netizens tagged Marriott and asked the brand to follow suit. Lo and behold, the hospitality giant, which owns around 8,600 properties, listened! It also acted pretty fast, considering Hilton's deal was announced not even two weeks ago.
But unlike its competitor, Marriott decided to spice things up a bit. Instead of going for a slam dunk with Tesla's Universal Wall Connector that can charge both CCS Combo 1- and NACS-equipped EVs, the Maryland-based company chose EV Connect's Shield product.
That means Marriott will be able to pick what type of power dispensers it wants. The main advantage of this deal is that EV Connect can install not only Level 2 chargers but also Level 3 DC fast-charging stations.
“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," said Andrew Bodziak, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Marriott International.
The provider works with important industry names such as Tritium, BTC Power, Zerova, Freewire, and others. EV Connect offers 11 types of chargers, with seven being Level 2 (AC) and four meeting Level 3 (DC) requirements.
Photo: EV Connect Charging Stations on YouTube
It's not clear when writing if the 6,000 Marriott locations will include cords with both CCS Combo 1 and NACS inlets, but the two brands most likely discussed it. They will figure out a way to please everyone since there's already a pretty big list of automakers that have adopted Tesla's charging port. Moreover, EV Connect already has NACS adapters deployed at some of its stations.
Depending on the location, Marriott can choose to offer customers slower or faster charging solutions. EV Connect's Shield, however, doesn't do just installations. It also offers a software platform to monitor what's going on and manage each network. That will come in handy when it's time to let customers know that they have to unplug or to make sure that visitors don't hog the stations.
At the same time, EV Connect says it will provide Marriott with certified support, remote troubleshooting, routine updates, replacements when needed, and the guarantee of on-site repairs in 72 hours tops, with tasks being performed by qualified personnel.
Marriott and EV Connect will first focus on locations across the US and Canada.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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