Airport Ground Vehicles: Choosing Electric GSE

Airport ground vehicles are in a period of transition. These refueler trucks, tractors, belt loaders, and more are part of many airlines’ efforts to reduce harmful emissions. How? By transitioning from gas-powered to electric vehicles.

The global market for ground support equipment (GSE), which includes airport ground vehicles, will reach an estimated value of $11.34 billion by 2033 — and sales of electric equipment are expected to grow fastest. In 2026, the New Terminal One at New York’s JFK International Airport will unveil the world’s first all-electric GSE fleet. Other airports are sure to follow.  

But not every type of airport ground vehicle makes the transition to electric power with equal success. If you’re looking to electrify your GSE fleet, start with these key types of electric ground vehicles. 

The 5 Airport Ground Vehicles to Electrify First

The best way to build an all-electric GSE fleet is to start with one type of vehicle. Here are five types of mobile GSE that provide quick ROIs when you switch to battery power.  

1. Aircraft Tractors. Electric vehicles don’t burn fuel while they’re idling, and their motors produce strong torque from a dead stop. That makes them ideal for aircraft tugs and pushback tractors. 
2. Cargo Tow Tractors. Power your baggage handling train with a zero-emission tractor. Baggage tractors tend to be relatively small, with high pulling capacities — which makes them ideal for electrification.   
3. Belt Loaders. Diesel-powered belt loaders tend to fill aircraft cargo spaces with fumes, which can contribute to a negative customer experience. Smoke-free electric belt loaders provide the solution.  
4. Fresh Water Trucks. Water is heavy, and the trucks that deliver potable water to aircraft tend to idle on the apron a lot. Electric trucks are good at carrying those heavy loads and saving energy during idle times.  
5. Lavatory Service Vehicles. The characteristics that make EVs great for fresh water trucks also make them ideal for handling lavatory services. 

In addition to environmental benefits, these electric airport ground vehicles can save costs over time, thanks to reduced maintenance and fuel savings. However, to get these benefits, you also need to invest in EV charging infrastructure — and Solus Group can help. 

EV Charger Stations for Airport Ground Vehicles

Airports face three primary challenges when planning fleet-charging stations: Finding space, protecting charging equipment, and ensuring convenient access to charging cables. EV Charger Pedestals and Cable Management Kits from Solus Group provide solutions to all three.   

• EV Charger Pedestals store EV charging equipment within an extremely compact footprint, and bolt-through bases secure to any flat surface. Install two chargers per pedestal to double your space savings. 
• Steel, powder-coated posts keep chargers elevated, protecting them from potential vehicle strikes. 
• Integrated Cable Management Kits include cable retractors that keep cables off the ground, but provide convenient access when it’s time for a charge. 

EV Chargers and Cable Management Kits are suitable for indoor or outdoor installation, and they’re compatible with most EV chargers that power airport ground vehicles. If your airport has unique needs, we can work with our suppliers to provide fully custom models. 

If you’re ready to make the switch to electric airport ground vehicles, Solus Group can help you build charging stations that keep your fleet moving. Contact us at 314-696-0200 to discuss your electrification project.