The electric vehicle (EV) market has been witnessing strong growth owing to the increased awareness of the need to reduce emissions. Recently Navigant research predicted that plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) market will reach three million vehicles sold in 2020, representing 3 percent of the global light-duty vehicle market.
As the market of EV grows, suppliers of electric vehicle chargers and equipment are also witnessing strong growth. To meet the demands of EV owners, electric vehicle charging stations are also being set up at public places.
Of late, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has installed 14 electric vehicle chargers have been installed in its parking ramps.
“We installed the chargers to encourage use of electric vehicles and to accommodate those travelers who own them,” said Dennis Probst, executive vice-president of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP and six general aviation airports, in a statement.
“Operating MSP International Airport in a sustainable fashion includes ensuring airport users have access to services and infrastructure that support eco-conscious decisions,” Probst added. “The addition of vehicle charging stations represents another advancement toward that end.”
The EV charging stations do not charge extra from users. Users simply pay the regular parking rate for the time they are parked in the ramp. The electric chargers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The equipment is installed as part of the Stewards of Tomorrow’s Airport Resources (STAR (News - Alert)) program. The MAC’s vehicle fleet includes 80 alternative fuel cars and trucks. Among them are four electric and two hybrid vehicles.
MAC announced it plans to add a compressed natural gas vehicle to its fleet this year. In addition, planning is underway to convert a portion of airlines’ ground service equipment from diesel to electric in the near future.
“We purchase alternative-fuel vehicles for our own use whenever practicable and want to provide the infrastructure needed to support travelers who do the same,” Probst said.
Edited by Alisen Downey