A new report from Enatel examines the infrastructure and operational challenges airports face as electric ground support equipment adoption moves from initial deployment toward larger-scale implementation.

The Global State of Airside Electrification: From Commitment to Operational Reality looks at how power availability, charging infrastructure, equipment compatibility and long-term planning can affect the success of eGSE programs.

The report cites recent Ground Support Worldwide survey findings showing nearly 65% of airports intend to invest in eGSE fleets over the next five years, while more than 70% of respondents indicated their charging infrastructure is inadequate.

According to Enatel, the challenges vary considerably by airport size. Large international airports are more likely to encounter limits in available electrical capacity as their eGSE fleets grow, while small and medium-sized airports can face constraints involving staffing, budgets and expertise in charging infrastructure.

The report also points to battery energy storage systems and renewable energy as potential ways to address power limitations. Enatel says battery energy storage can reduce peak electrical demand and potentially lower total system costs by as much as $10 million at large U.S. airports.

Charging strategy is another focus. The report recommends operators assess fleet power requirements, peak and average electrical loads and charger placement before installing infrastructure. It also notes that a lack of standardization in charger designs, connectors and battery communication protocols can complicate operations involving mixed GSE fleets.

“Success depends on understanding where vehicles charge, how many chargers are needed, and which vehicles will use them,” said Ivar Bal, project lead at Deerns. “Pushback trucks, tractors, loaders and mobile stairs each have unique energy demands and operating patterns.”

The report includes perspectives from Bahrain Airport Services, FastCharge, Deerns, Enatel and IDEAL Industries and examines charging efficiency, safety, telematics, outdoor durability and scalability as eGSE fleets expand.