AC Hotel Kingston offers electric car charging

Kingston’s new landmark, AC Hotel Kingston, is set to become the first ever hotel in Jamaica to offer electric car charging as part of a partnership established between the hotel, the ATL Automotive Group, and Jamaica Public Service (JPS).

The 220-room business-lifestyle hotel, scheduled to open next month, will feature a custom-designed charging station, which will allow electric and plug-in hybrid car owners free charging facilities within the property, which also plays host to car brands BMW and MINI.

“Electric and hybrid cars are the fastest-growing segment in the automotive industry. It’s the future. Virtually every automotive company in the world is preparing to launch full electric variants in the near future, if they haven’t already, and we’re delighted to be able to offer this future-proof convenience to Jamaican motorists. Given the demand we’re already seeing for plug-in hybrid cars and the sheer number of full electric cars, we’re anticipating to launch in the next 18-24 months. We expect it to be a popular addition,” commented Adam Stewart, CD, deputy chairman and CEO of the ATL Automotive Group and the AC Hotel Kingston.

According to a report from analysts at JPMorgan, by 2025 all-electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will account for 40% of all new vehicle sales throughout the world. In 2016, just 1% of global vehicle sales were EVs and PHEVs.

The three EV charging systems were conceptualised and developed specifically for AC Hotel Kingston by Forge Dynamics & Innovations Ltd. The chargers facilitate 7.6kW Level 2 output charging, which powers most hybrid and electric vehicles, with the option of supercharging for sports cars. “The charging solutions include capabilities to monitor charging and provide valuable data insights as well as many other exciting options” Patrick DeRizzio, director of Forge, said.

“JPS Business applauds this initiative and is a proud partner with the ATL Automotive Group and AC Hotel Kingston on this monumental leap in offering electric vehicle charging within the hotel and welcomes a partnership that benefits all stakeholders. We’re committed to driving growth and supporting a sustainable EV market in Jamaica.” Andre Mangue, marketing officer, JPS Business said.

The AC Hotel Kingston will offer more than 18,600 square feet of meeting space in six separate rooms, the largest being the main ballroom, with a capacity to seat up to 600 people. Maintaining a strong environmental theme, the hotel will also be fitted with more than 200 solar panels, energy-efficient glass, as well as a check-in desk that caters to guests with disabilities needs.