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.