Many airports are converting their ground fleets to electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase airport operation sustainability. Although this paradigm shift is relevant to the environment, it is necessary to understand the economic feasibility to justify the decision. This study used life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) to compare the economic performance of electrified ground fleets in the airport with a conventional fossil fuel fleet. Three different charging systems (plug-in charging, stationary wireless charging, and dynamic wireless charging) for pushback tractors and inter-terminal buses at a major hub airport were considered in the analysis. Although the conventional fossil fuel options present the lowest initial cost for both fleets, they cost most in a 30-year analysis period. Among three electric charging infrastructures, the plug-in charging station shows the least accumulative cost for pushback tractors, and their cost differences are negligible for inter-terminal buses. Although the electric ground fleet is proved to show economic benefits, the most cost-effective charging infrastructure may vary depending on driving mileage and system design. The use of LCCA to analyze new systems and infrastructures for decision making at the project level is highly recommended.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Economic Feasibility Analysis of Charging Infrastructure for Electric Ground Fleet in Airports


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:
    Soares, Laura (author) / Wang, Hao (author)


    Publication date :

    2021-09-09




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English