Simplifying the Path to Airport Electrification

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, airports are at the intersection of two worlds: one built for traditional combustion engines and fossil fuels, and another that is sustainable, innovative, and rapidly evolving.

Airport directors, operators, and managers are managing this transition while also supporting 24-hour operations and ensuring longevity of capital investments, so it’s not surprising that they have a lot of questions about vehicle electrification, such as:

• What are the advantages of electrification, and where are the opportunities?
• How does the new equipment connect to existing infrastructure and equipment?
• How does load management work based on increased electrical consumption?

The challenge is that airport teams — leaders, sustainability specialists, and design engineers — often need partners with deep experience in electrification and electrical infrastructure to make informed decisions throughout the lifecycle of EV adoption.

Airports are at different stages; some are exploring EVs and others have been managing EV fleets for years. Second-generation EV chargers are now replacing early models, delivering higher power and faster charging. But electrical gear installed to support the first generation of EV chargers was not built for this leap. Without effective planning, airports risk costly re-work or downtime as charging power scales. Read on to learn how to pave a clearer path to successful vehicle electrification at airports.

Starting or expanding vehicle electrification

The most immediate benefit of transitioning to EVs is lower carbon emissions, which is a common commitment among airports everywhere and often the primary motivation. But there’s more: According to the U.S. Department of Energy,EVs also can lower operational and maintenance costs and are as safe as traditional vehicles. Vehicle electrification also offers potential revenue streams with pay-for-use charging stations for consumers and vendors.

But vehicle electrification doesn’t have to happen everywhere all at once. Airports can add capabilities in targeted areas as part of planned upgrades and expansions, such as replacing outdated fleet vehicles or adding parking capacity as passenger numbers rise. Look for opportunities for vehicle electrification where it can be added with minimal changes and low risk, such as:

• Consolidated rental car centers for charging transport vehicles and EV rentals
• Ground transportation services for passengers
• Parking garages for airport users to charge their EVs while away
• Electrified Ground Service Equipment (eGSE), such as aircraft pushback tractors and tugs

Airport directors and operators, sustainability directors, and airport facility managers should all be involved in electrification planning and execution, communicating frequently. It’s a complex process, and facility managers will need to adjust to managing new types of vehicles and charging equipment while still managing legacy fleets and fueling equipment.

Implementing vehicle electrification at airports can introduce new operational needs, such as assembling dedicated teams for rental car centers or training airport staff to assist passengers using EV charging services in parking garages. While these changes may involve upfront investments, they also unlock new revenue opportunities through pay-for-use charging models.

ABB has deep expertise in electrical infrastructure and mobility solutions that can help airport leaders confidently navigate this transition. ABB’s proven technologies and end-to-end support help reduce complexity, streamline deployment, and ensure that electrification efforts are both efficient and ready for the future.

Understanding the bigger electrification picture

Long-term success with vehicle electrification requires a detailed understanding of grid infrastructure and evolving capabilities for electrical equipment. Chargers themselves don’t generate electricity, so airports need to work with electric utilities to assess and plan around local energy generation, transportation, and distribution needs. Consider these questions when adding or expanding vehicle electrification:

• Will the local energy supply be adequate and reliable for peaks in demand? If not, can it be augmented locally with a microgrid, electric storage, or another option?
• Are lower-powered electrification options the best choice based on available energy?
• Are there planned grid upgrades in the near future that should be considered in today’s planning?

Another important aspect of vehicle electrification to understand is that innovation can happen anywhere within the system, and this includes existing electrical infrastructure. It’s important to work with an expert in every aspect of energy to ensure the airport is getting all the benefits of innovation and that vehicle electrification infrastructure is future-proofed.

For example, ABB has committed to ongoing R&D as part of its ABB Grid-to-Charger services, and is working on solutions such as load management and microgrid controls. By moving EV load management from the EV charger level to a higher level in the electrical distribution system, the airport site becomes more charger-agnostic. With intelligent switchboards and circuit breakers paired with digital controls built on standardized communication protocols, sites become more future-proofed against evolving charger supplier and technology. This could reduce capital expenses for airports because switchboards and breakers also have about three times the longevity of EV chargers.

Another advantage of working with ABB is relatively shorter lead times on equipment because of the company’s global footprint; some lead times are as low as 10 weeks. Getting up and running as soon as possible is one of keys to achieving optimal ROI from vehicle electrification investments.

See the future with success stories and tools

Airports operate in specialized environments, but the implementation of EVs can build on proven strategies from other sectors. For example, by examining how transit agencies, cargo logistics hubs, and public charging networks are implementing EV solutions, airport leaders can uncover practical strategies, learn to anticipate challenges, and build confidence in their own electrification initiatives.

Tools such as the ABB Grid-to-Charger simulator can simplify planning for engineers, contractors, and utilities by providing an early indication of the electrical equipment and power needed to support any desired combination and quantity of EV chargers.

Fleet electrification is a major milestone, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth and strategic transition. By partnering with experienced electrical infrastructure providers, airport leaders can streamline the process and minimize risks as they prepare their facilities for EV integration. Stay up to date on modernizing airport infrastructure with ABB Aviation where you can find educational resources, tools, and ways to connect with experts for your operations.

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