AvFuel Adds Electric Refuelers to its Strategy for Sustainability

Electric GSE is everywhere, including Avfuel's suite of fueling services. To find out more, we talked with Bradley Van Camp, director of technical operations.

"As a global fuel supplier and logistics partner to more than 700 branded locations, Avfuel has long supported its FBO partners with solutions from traditional gas- and diesel-powered trucks to new fuel technologies like SAF and everywhere in between," Van Camp says.

"Now, with the introduction of an electric refueler truck, we’re expanding our capabilities to help partners meet their environmental goals. The two units, delivered to Del Monte Aviation in Monterey, California, marked our first delivery of electric-powered jet fuel trucks. It was a natural progression as we previously collaborated with the FBO on establishing a consistent supply of SAF at KMRY. This is a powerful example of how Avfuel collaborates with forward-thinking FBOs to bring sustainable solutions to life - both in the air and on the ground."

AvFuel collaborates with Rampmaster, Del Monte Aviation

These particular electric refueler trucks are the result of a close collaboration between Avfuel’s in-house shop team, Rampmaster, its sales organization, and Del Monte Aviation.

"Avfuel is actually the only fuel supplier with its own in-house OEM for refueling equipment and leads the industry in managing more than 1,000 units for its customers," Van Camp states. "This means we’re well equipped with the resources to facilitate this kind of personalized collaboration."

He continues, "Together, we worked to customize the design over the course of a year to ensure seamless integration into the FBO’s operations. The trucks operate with zero tailpipe emissions and deliver reliable, day-to-day fueling performance without compromising safety or service quality. They feature the same fueling efficiency as our conventional trucks, but with the enhanced quiet operation and reduced maintenance needs of an electric drivetrain."

Strategy for sustainability

Sustainability at Avfuel is a multifaceted effort that includes both customer-facing solutions and in-house efforts. "These electric refueler trucks are an exciting new piece for our customer-facing solutions, joining other efforts like supply of sustainable aviation fuel, a carbon offsetting program, book and claim for SAF, and AvfuelZero, which helps customers manage their carbon portfolio from emissions assessment through reduction reporting," Van Camp says.

"By eliminating a significant source of emissions from the ground support side, we were able to help Del Monte Aviation reduce its carbon footprint in a measurable way."

Electric refuelers do come at a premium cost - currently about double the cost of their diesel-powered counterparts - however, over time, FBOs might realize some cost savings in their operation, including lower fuel expenses compared to the cost to charge the unit.

"The real value comes in the carbon emissions reduction," Van Camp states. "When you purchase an electric truck, you’re buying into the environmental benefit it provides."

The charging setup will vary based on operational needs, but most electric ground support equipment runs well on Level 2 chargers for overnight charging, or DC fast chargers if faster turnaround is required.

Del Monte Aviation leading the charge

Del Monte Aviation is the launch location for this new technology with the delivery of two trucks.

"It’s fitting as Del Monte Aviation was among the first in the Avfuel Network to pioneer SAF’s adoption and is one of our leading network locations for supplying SAF," says Van Camp. "The FBO operates with sustainability as a key strategic objective; the integration of these electric trucks is representative of that dedication and we’re proud to support its efforts with solutions that make a significant difference in carbon emissions."

He adds, "We’re excited to gather operational data and customer feedback from our partner to help guide future deployments."

AvFuel is focused on scaling clean technology solutions across its network, from expanding SAF access and investing in new fuel technologies to further developing carbon reduction programs and supporting the unleaded avgas initiative.

"As technologies evolve, so will our offerings," Van Camp concludes. "Avfuel is fully committed to helping shape a more sustainable future for aviation."