The Main Runways of Airport EV Charging Infrastructure

Airports are large operations, with thousands of people and vehicles moving through terminals, cargo buildings, and parking lots every day. While electric airplanes are still in development, many airports are electrifying their ground support equipment (GSE) fleets and adding electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for staff and travelers. 

Ground support fleet vehicles may include:

• Belt loaders

• Luggage tugs

• Aircraft tugs and pushback tractors

• Inter-terminal shuttles

• Parking shuttles

But just like with trying to find the best flight, it can be difficult to know where to start with airport electrification. That’s where Blink can help. Here are the key factors to consider when equipping your airport with EV charging infrastructure.

Four Keys to Airport Electrification

Key #1: Level 2 Charging Stations

The first question airports should ask is: What types of EVs will you charge? Many airports start with light-duty passenger vehicles or medium-duty shuttle buses.

Once you determine the vehicle type, the next step is to conduct an EV charging site assessment. This assessment will evaluate your airport’s electrical capacity, available space for EV charging stations, and the number of fleet vehicles that will need regular charging.

Level 2 charging stations, like the dual-port Blink Series 8 with a credit card reader for easy payments, are perfect for light-duty vehicles in employee and customer lots. For electric maintenance fleet vehicles or shuttles, the dual-port Blink Series 7 can be restricted for fleet use only, without requiring credit card payments.

Why choose Level 2? Installing Level 2 charging stations and associated electrical infrastructure prepares your site for future expansion. Commercial Level 2 charging stations include power management, safety testing, and payment systems, ensuring that EV drivers use safe equipment and pay for their electricity. Blink’s 80-amp Level 2 chargers are designed to support both current and future EVs.

If your airport plans to electrify heavy-duty EV fleets, Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC), such as Blink’s 60kW - 360kW models, may be necessary. However, this power level is generally not required for employee or customer use. 

Key #2: Make-Ready infrastructure

Installing EV charging infrastructure at an airport usually happens in phases. Airports often create a master plan for electrification and begin with a small number of charging stations, alongside make-ready infrastructure for future expansion.

Your airport may also require electrical upgrades, such as installing a transformer, to support EV charging. These upgrades can take months to coordinate with your utility provider

Key #3: Charging Station Maintenance

After you install charging stations and connect them to the Blink Network, you’ll need to maintain them to ensure they remain functional for guests, employees, and others. The Blink Care Program offers comprehensive preventative maintenance for Blink EV charging infrastructure. 

For L2 charging stations, Blink Care includes:

• Two service visits per year

• Equipment detailing, including cleaning screens, cables, and cable management systems.

• Inspection of RFID card readers for malfunctions.

• Equipment testing with a plug-in simulator or EV.

• Visual inspection and documentation of any damage.

• A full service report with a checklist and before-and-after photos

For DCFC, Blink Care offers:

• All of the same services, plus;

• Inspection of filters and coolants and replacement as needed.

• Inspection of cabinets to ensure optimal operation.

Key #4: Revenue Generation

EV charging infrastructure offers airports a new opportunity for revenue generation. In competitive markets like Washington, DC, or New York City, public EV charging can provide airports with an edge by attracting EV drivers. EV charging stations also allow airports to monetize parking facilities. With networked EV charging stations in employee, valet, or short-term parking, parking managers can generate revenue by billing drivers for electricity use. While some drivers may plug their 110V cables into wall outlets, installing commercial chargers ensures that they pay for their electricity.

How the Blink Network Supports Your Ride to Airport Electrification

The primary reason to install EV charging infrastructure at airports is to meet growing customer demand. In 2023, 1.6 million EVs were sold in the U.S., a 60% increase from 2022. As these numbers rise, so does the need for public EV charging, and airports are ideal locations where EV drivers expect to charge their vehicles.

The Blink Network powers your airport’s electrification strategy by offering access, pricing, and energy control options. Blink also generates environmental reports, estimating how much CO₂ your charging stations prevent from entering the atmosphere, among other key metrics. 

Benefits for Public and Workplace Charging

When charging stations are used in employee or public charging lots, revenue generation becomes essential. Blink offers customized pricing based on power usage, time spent connected to the charging station, or specific times of day (e.g., higher fees during peak hours and lower fees during off-peak hours). Parking managers can create user groups so employees receive discounted rates. Public charging stations can also be added to the Blink Mobile App and other EV locator platforms, such as PlugShare and Google Maps.

Getting Help with EV Charging Funding

Blink assists airports in finding local, state, or federal funding to reduce project costs. Airports can take advantage of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure and Advanced Vehicle Grants, or the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Zero Emissions Vehicle and Infrastructure Pilot Program.

Airports can also benefit from bulk purchasing contracts to obtain discounted EV charging stations. Your Blink sales manager can help determine if your airport qualifies for group purchasing agreements.

Conclusion

Electrifying your airport is a significant upgrade, but you can phase it in gradually. Make-ready infrastructure for Level 2 charging stations helps save money, and Blink Care ensures your chargers stay in top condition. Ready to get started? Contact Blink Charging today to speak with an airport electrification expert.