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EVs for Airports: 5 Benefits of Electric GSE
In 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) teamed up with the aviation industry to establish the Airport Climate Challenge. The program’s ultimate goal was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from airports to zero by 2050.
Airplanes themselves are responsible for most airport emissions. Aviation fuel emits lots of carbon dioxide, along with vapor, soot, and other aerosols that contribute to a warmer climate. In fact, up to 4% of rising temperatures are attributable to aviation.
That’s not what the Airport Climate Challenge was about, however. (Other projects are devoted to developing lower-emission aviation fuels.) This initiative was concerned with reducing airport emissions on the ground, and recommended several best practices to do so.
A shift to zero-emission vehicles — such as electric ground support equipment (electric GSE) — was at the top of the FAA’s list. The 2012 Airport Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Infrastructure Pilot Program was already available to help fund moves in this direction. The Airport Climate Challenge added a series of discretionary Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to the toolkit.
It’s true that electric vehicles (EVs) for airports can help operators meet aggressive green goals. But that’s only one of the benefits of electric GSE. Here are five other reasons airport managers should consider investing in EVs for airport operations of all types.
5 Ways Electric GSE and Other EVs Improve Airport Operations
Electric ground support equipment — sometimes abbreviated eGSE — offers clear environmental benefits. It can also help you run a more efficient airport. Compared to traditional ground support equipment, specific benefits of electric GSE include:
- Stronger energy efficiency. EVs for airports share the same efficiency benefit of any electric car. A gas-powered vehicle only uses about 20% of the energy generated by burning fuel to turn the wheels. Electric vehicles use closer to 90% of the battery’s energy for motion. No matter where that energy comes from, that’s much greater efficiency — which can translate into lower energy costs.
- Quieter operation. Electric GSE runs quietly. That reduces noise hazards for airport employees and creates a better customer experience. It can even improve safety by ensuring staff can hear each other while they work.
- Simpler controls. Operators often have to position GSE very precisely, inching around to make a precise connection with an aircraft. The controls and internal design of electric GSE makes such minute adjustments easier to accomplish. Simpler controls mean less time training operators, which enhances overall facility productivity.
- Less maintenance. You never have to change the oil on an airport EV. You can keep electric GSE running safely and effectively with fewer maintenance expenses.
- More incentives. As we mentioned at the start of this article, the FAA offers several programs to help airport operators pay for electric GSE and related EVs. States and local governments may also offer funding assistance. These resources aren’t available for gas-powered airport vehicles.
The biggest challenge associated with EVs for airports is probably charging infrastructure. In addition to electric GSE itself, you’ll need charging stations to keep them powered. Ideally, you’ll place these EV charging stations strategically throughout your facility, so staff can charge GSE without a long trip to the depot.
Compact EV Charger Pedestals and Cable Management Kits provide the solution. These all-weather, steel EV charger stands bolt securely into the floor or pavement, supporting up to two chargers within a narrow footprint. Integrated Cable Management Kits provide convenient access to connectors while protecting charging cables from damage.
If you’re thinking about switching entirely to electric GSE at your airport, EV Charger Pedestals and Cable Management Kits from Solus Group can help. Call us at 314-696-0200 to discuss EV Charger Handling Equipment for airports today.