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Electric Vehicle Program Introduced at Several Hampton Hotels in New York's Capital City of Albany

By: Hampton By Hilton |  0 Shares     278 Reads

GE, Hertz and Skychargers team up with Hilton Worldwide to expand local sustainability efforts at start of National Drive Electric Week

September 16, 2014 // Franchising.com // ALBANY, N.Y. and MCLEAN, Va. – Several Albany-based Hampton hotels are making eco-conscious travel more of a reality with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations now offered upon booking, just in time for National Drive Electric Week.

The program, called Green Electric Vehicle, launched as a pilot at four Hampton hotels in Albany and is in the process of branching out to other Hilton Worldwide hotels in the U.S. The initiative allows travelers to book a room at a participating Hilton Worldwide hotel and reserve a parking space with a Skychargers-managed GE charging station. For travelers renting a car during their stay, Hertz provides a broad EV fleet at the Albany International Airport. More Hilton Worldwide hotels within the Albany area will be installing the charging stations early next year.

"Hilton Worldwide is committed to living sustainably, and helping our guests maintain their sustainable habits while on the road," said Brad Freet, senior director, Product, Quality & Innovation, Hilton Worldwide. "This EV program provides the means for guests to choose a more eco-friendly travel option and is a natural extension of our current renewable and energy efficiency initiatives. Our hotels are fortunate to have GE, Hertz and Skychargers on board to help power this initiative for EV enthusiasts visiting the Albany area."

Hilton Worldwide hotels currently offering EV chargers as a part of the program:

• Hampton Inn Albany-Wolf Road (Airport) – 10 Ulenski Drive, Albany, NY 12205
• Hampton Inn & Suites Albany Airport – 45 British American Blvd, Latham, NY 12110
• Hampton Inn Clifton Park – 620 Plank Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065
• Hampton Inn Downtown Schenectady Hotel – 450 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305

Coming soon:

• DoubleTree Schenectady – 100 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY 12308
• Home2 Suites Albany – 10 Metropark Road, Albany, NY 12205

"Hertz has been a leader in offering electric vehicles to our customers and we're pleased to add Albany to the list of cities where EVs are offered," said Louis Scarpelli, Region Vice President, Hertz. "By working with our partners, we've created local area infrastructure to make renting an EV a reality for travelers to New York's Capital Region. Environmental sustainability is important for Hertz, and we're committed to moving forward the development of EV options."

Skychargers provided funding for the pilot, which rolled out at the end of 2013. The project is part of Charge-NY, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's initiative to accelerate the use of electric vehicles in New York State by promoting the demonstration of EV charging equipment. Additional support came from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Now, in partnership with Skychargers, GE, and Hertz, any Hilton Worldwide hotel that is seeing an influx of electric vehicle use in their area is able to install EV chargers. With the U.S. Department of Energy estimating one million EVs to be on the road by 2015, the demand for electric charging stations will ultimately see growth in the coming months.

"Driving an electric vehicle fulfills a personal green commitment, and I encourage first time EV drivers to use the program as a test drive," said Skychargers' President David McGann. "The program is both environmentally and financially shrewd. I booked the program with a Chevy Volt for two days and experienced tremendous gas savings."

For more information about the program or to book a stay a Hilton Worldwide EV-friendly hotel in the Albany area, visit www.skychargers.com/travelers or visit www.hampton.com. To learn more about Hilton Worldwide's corporate responsibility initiatives, go to cr.hiltonworldwide.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 95 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company's portfolio of eleven world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,200 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with more than 690,000 rooms in 93 countries and territories, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com more information and connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.facebook.com/hiltonworldwide, www.twitter.com/hiltonworldwide, www.youtube.com/hiltonworldwide, www.flickr.com/hiltonworldwide and www.linkedin.com/company/hilton-worldwide.

About Skychargers

Skychargers, LLC is the premier provider of electric vehicle ("EV") charging stations serving the hospitality industry. Skychargers installs, operates and maintains EV charging stations at participating hotels committed to green initiatives. Skychargers empowers environmentally conscious business and vacation travelers to drive an EV and book a hotel room that includes a dedicated EV charging station. For more information, please visit www.skychargers.com.

About Hertz

Hertz operates its car rental business through the Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Firefly brands from approximately 11,555 corporate and licensee locations in approximately 145 countries in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and New Zealand. Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 10,090 corporate and licensee locations in approximately 145 countries. Our Dollar and Thrifty brands have approximately 1,400 corporate and franchise locations in approximately 75 countries. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 130 major airports in Europe. Hertz is an inaugural member of Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards Hall of Fame and was recently named, for the thirteenth time, by the magazine's readers as the Best Car Rental Agency. Hertz also swept the global awards for Best Rewards Program and Best Overall Benefits from FlyerTalk.com. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, NeverLost®, and unique vehicles offered through the Company's Adrenaline, Prestige, Green Traveler, and Dream Car Collections, also set Hertz apart from the competition. Additionally, Hertz owns the vehicle leasing and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation and operates the Hertz 24/7TM hourly car rental business. The Company also owns a leading North American equipment rental business, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, which includes Hertz Entertainment Services. More information about the Company can be found at www.abouthertz.com.

SOURCE Hertz

Contact:

Christine Miller
Hilton Worldwide
+1 901 374 6462
christine.miller@hilton.com

Dawn Ray
Hilton Worldwide
+1 901 374 5954
dawn.ray@hilton.com

 

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