Sustainability has taken off in the airport industry. Driven by the ambitious targets of the European Green Pact, more and more airports are committed to reducing CO2 emissions and transitioning to cleaner technologies. This shift is not just an obligation, but an opportunity to improve the competitiveness and image of the sector. From electric aircraft towing vehicles to cargo and passenger handling equipment, the electrification of ground support equipment is gaining ground by leaps and bounds.
Electrification is transforming airports
The future of airport equipment is electric, but the road there is gradual. While some early adopters have already embraced lithium, others are now evaluating the most cost-effective long-term options.
This has led to two clear trends:
- The manufacture of new all-electric equipment
- Upgrading existing equipment with lithium batteries
Ground handlers play a crucial role in the electrification of airports. While some facilities already have electric equipment with lead-acid batteries, the industry is rapidly migrating towards lithium as the preferred technology to drive this transition.
Emphasising return on investment
Investment in lithium batteries for airport equipment, although higher initially, is justified by the total cost of ownership (TCO). Studies show that the long-term savings, through reduced maintenance requirements and higher energy efficiency, make lithium electrification a highly profitable investment.
Focusing on the obsolescence of lead and the superiority of lithium
Lead-acid batteries are a thing of the past. Their low efficiency, high maintenance costs and limited charging capacity make them an obsolete technology. In contrast, lithium batteries offer superior efficiency, fast charging, long life and greater flexibility of use, making them the ideal choice for ground support equipment.
Focusing on sustainability and security
The electrification of airport equipment, driven by lithium batteries, represents a major step towards sustainability and safety. By eliminating polluting emissions and reducing noise, this equipment contributes to a cleaner and healthier airport environment.
In addition, lithium battery technology, especially LFP chemistry, offers increased safety by minimising the risk of fire and ensuring stable operation.
NCPOWER: DRIVING INNOVATION IN AIRPORT EQUIPMENT ELECTRIFICATION
Airports are technological ecosystems where every element is interconnected. Ground support teams, with their diversity of functions, are essential to keep this system running, ensuring smooth operations and passenger satisfaction.
From the tractors that tow our luggage to the stairs that take us to the plane, airports are filled with a wide variety of machinery. This equipment, which includes shuttle buses, platforms for people with reduced mobility, GPUs, belt loaders and pushback vehicles, is increasingly reliant on lithium batteries to operate.
In short, the electrification of airport equipment is a reality. NCPOWER, a pioneer in lithium battery solutions since 2012, has been a key partner for airport manufacturers and operators in this transition. Our customised batteries optimise the performance of each machine, ensuring greater efficiency and productivity.
Focusing on customisation and adaptability
The choice of lithium battery supplier is not limited to power and size. Each application, especially in demanding environments such as airports, requires a customised solution. For NCPOWER, it is very important to perform detailed analyses of the machine's consumption, the environmental conditions in which it will be used and the available electrical infrastructures.
NCPOWER offers batteries with specific features such as high IP protection (IP54-65), thermal management systems and remote diagnostics, ensuring optimal performance in all weather conditions and efficient predictive maintenance.
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