ENECHANGE to Install EV Charging Ports at Nine Facilities of Hokkaido’s Tsuruga Group

ENECHANGE Ltd. is pleased to announce the decision to install ENECHANGE EV Charge 6kW Level 2 charging ports at nine accommodation facilities operated by four companies under the Tsuruga Group, a subsidiary of Tsuruga Holdings Inc.. This initiative supports sustainable tourism within the region by improving charging infrastructure.

ENECHANGE EV Charge to Be Introduced at Nine Tsuruga Group Facilities

Contributing to the Promotion of Sustainable Tourism in Hokkaido

The Tsuruga Group operates 15 unique hot spring inns, resort hotels, restaurants, sweets, and bakery shops within national and quasi-national parks in Hokkaido. Aiming to protect the magnificent nature of Hokkaido, the group has been implementing the “Tsuruga Group Energy Conservation Reform: Zero Carbon Project” since 2009, striving for environmentally friendly hotel construction and the promotion of energy conservation. Efforts include the utilization of hot spring heat for heating and cooling, and the switch to LED lighting to reduce CO2 emissions. Recently, they decided to introduce ENECHANGE EV Charge for charging infrastructure in nine resort facilities operated by four Tsuruga Group companies.

In Hokkaido, cars are indispensable for tourism, and an increase in travelers choosing electric vehicles (EVs) via rental cars is expected. In many cases, charging cards are provided for free with rental cars, and ENECHANGE EV Charge*1 allows for simple charging by just holding the card to the charging port, making it an accessible option for those unfamiliar with EV charging operations. ENECHANGE and the Tsuruga Group aim to promote the spread of EVs in Hokkaido’s tourist destinations, thereby contributing to both environmental preservation and the fostering of tourism.

*1. Please note that charging cards can only be used with Charge 2.

List of Facilities Introducing ENECHANGE EV Charge

ENECHANGE will begin the phased introduction of 6kW Level 2 charging ports, two per facility, to the following facilities of the Tsuruga Group starting from the summer of 2024.

Charging Port Overview

Number of Ports: 2 per facility
Usage Hours: 24 Hours
Model installed: Charge 2
・Authentication type: ENECHANGE EV Charge App & Charging Card
・Maximum Output: 6.0kW – capable of charging at twice the speed of typical Level 2 chargers (3.2kW)
・Connector: Type 1 standard, usable with all EVs and PHVs (Tesla requires a conversion adapter)
・Voltage: 200V (AC)
・Charging Cable Length: approx.5m

Comment from Tsuruga Group Executive Managing Director Yoshiyuki Nagata

Recently, we have been receiving an increasing number of inquiries from our guests regarding the availability of EV charging ports. There have also been instances where guests consider postponing their stay if charging facilities are not available. After comparing various EV charging service providers, we have decided to ask ENECHANGE to install their charging stations. The reasons for choosing ENECHANGE were the use of charging cards, the high utilization rate, and the customer-centric, high-quality app—these factors were pivotal in our decision. The introduction of ENECHANGE’s services will, without doubt, satisfy our guests, and we eagerly await its early implementation.
We earnestly hope for the development of infrastructure and the promotion of EV charging ports that will allow tourists using EVs to travel around Hokkaido with peace of mind.

About Zero Carbon Drives in National Parks

The Ministry of the Environment is promoting decarbonization in national parks and advancing the creation of sustainable tourist destinations. As part of these efforts, zero-carbon drives are encouraged, and parking fees are waived for EV and PHEV users in national parks. Furthermore, toll-bearing tourist roads leading to national and quasi-national parks have introduced measures that favor EVs. The spread of EVs is becoming increasingly important to achieve sustainable tourism by balancing environmental conservation and tourism promotion.

Tsuruga Group

The Tsuruga Group, situated on the shores of Lake Akan in Hokkaido, established the first hot spring inn in a nationally designated park in Japan and has since developed 15 hot spring inns and resort hotels across Hokkaido, as well as restaurants, sweets shops, and bakeries. These facilities are located within national and quasi-national parks, set against the backdrop of Hokkaido’s rich natural environment and filled with its history and culture, offering the unique charm of Hokkaido including Ainu and Okhotsk cultures.

Name: Tsuruga Holdings Co., Ltd.
Location: 4-6-10 Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido
URL: https://www.tsurugagroup.com/

ENECHANGE EV Charge

ENECHANGE EV Charge is an all-in-one service to install charging ports for electric vehicles at condominiums, commercial facilities, lodging facilities, and other destination locations starting at 0 yen per month. The service currently has the highest number of installed EV charging ports in Japan, and offers a comprehensive service for EV users. With the No. 1 EV charging app in user numbers, you can not only search for charging spots but also enjoy the simplicity of paying only for what you use without a monthly fee – a feature available for anyone to use at any time. This user-friendly service has been recognized and awarded the Good Design Award for the year 2023.

URL: https://ev-charge-enechange.jp/
X: https://twitter.com/enechange_ev 

ENECHANGE Ltd.

ENECHANGE is an energy technology company that promotes a carbon-free society through digital technology with the mission of Changing Energy For A Better World. We offer services based on data utilization in the 4Ds of Energy: Deregulation, Digitalization, Decarbonization, and Decentralization. Our company’s roots come from an energy data lab at the University of Cambridge, UK, a country where liberalization is mature. ENECHANGE has a UK subsidiary, ENECHANGE Innovation Limited, as well as a global network and analytical technology for energy data.

URL: https://enechange.co.jp/en/

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