Airport parking and electric mobility: a transformation in progress

Airports arestrategic hubs for mobilityand, with the growing popularity of electric vehicles, are undergoing a profound transformation. Airport parking lots are no longer just parking areas, but are evolving intoincreasingly comprehensive hubs, with electric vehicle charging services becoming more and more common. This evolution responds to rapidly growing demand and represents both an economic and environmental opportunity for airport operators.

Why airports are the ideal place for electric charging

Airports have unique characteristics that make them particularly suitable for the installation of charging infrastructure. The first key factor isdwell time, which varies greatly depending on the user profile.

While some people leave their cars parked for several days, there is also a large pool ofday trippers, taxi drivers, chauffeur services, and people who drop off or pick up friends and relatives. In these cases, waiting times can be turned into real opportunities to "recharge" your batteries.

Another key factor isthe high volume of traffic. Airports welcome millions of passengers every year, many of whom arrive at the airport in their own vehicles. Offering a charging service therefore becomes an added value that improves the overall experience, increases user satisfaction, and promotes loyalty.

Added to this is the fact that airports often haverobust electrical infrastructure, ideal for supporting high-power charging points. These facilities can integrate solutions with renewable sources, such as photovoltaic systems installed on parking lot roofs. The high number of visitors also helps to increase thevisibility of the brandoffering the charging service, transforming the infrastructure into an effective communication and positioning tool.

Many airports are already embarking on a path towardelectrifying their corporate fleets. Staff transport vehicles, internal shuttles, ground support equipment, and service cars are gradually switching to electric power. This evolution requires dedicated charging infrastructure which, once installed, can be integrated or shared with passenger charging infrastructure, optimizing investments and generating economies of scale.

Benefits for passengers and airport operators

For passengers, finding a charging station at the airport meansleaving and returning with a fully charged car, without any logistical worries. Many airports also offer dedicated ways to reserve a parking space with charging, sometimes withdiscounted ratesdepending on when you book.

For airport operators, installing charging points is astrategic investment. In addition to generating new sources of revenue, it helps to strengthen the airport's reputation as a sustainable and innovative infrastructure.

There are also opportunities for integration withinpremium parking packages, offering value-added services for business customers or frequent flyers. The infrastructure built for corporate fleets can be amortized more quickly if shared with passenger services.

The current situation at Italian airports

In Italy, airports such as Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Bologna, and Venice have installed charging points for electric vehicles in dedicated parking lots. Malpensa has four high-power charging stations (up to 300 kW) that can charge seven vehicles simultaneously. Rome Fiumicino has activated 16 ultra-fast charging stations distributed among the terminal parking lots. Bologna and Venice also offer charging services in their parking lots, with infrastructure currently being expanded.

Coverage is still uneven across the country. While large international hubs are investing in dedicated infrastructure, smaller airports are gradually adapting, as in the case of Trieste Airport, which has electrified 90% of its operational vehicles and installed charging stations for external users. European legislation AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) requires airports to provide electricity to aircraft parked at all gates by 2025 and at remote stands by 2030, stimulating broader investment in the electric transition of airport operations.

Integrated technologies: smart charging and dynamic management

The most advanced airports are implementingdynamic load managementsystems to optimize energy distribution among hundreds of vehicles simultaneously. These systems monitor the airport's total energy consumption and allocate available power intelligently, avoiding overloads and reducing costs.

Some airports are also experimenting with integration withbattery energy storage systems(BESS) to store renewable energy produced during the day and use it for nighttime charging. This increases overall sustainability and reduces dependence on the traditional power grid.

The future: airports as integrated mobility hubs

The future will see more and more airports transforming into trueintegrated mobility hubs, where electric cars, shuttles, taxis, and electric car-sharing services will be perfectly interconnected.

Collaboration between airport operators and specialized charging operators such as Powy essential to realizing this vision. The installation, maintenance, and management of charging points require specific skills and an efficient service network.

Are you an airport operator or a company operating in the sector?Powy customized solutions to transform parking lots into charging hubs, increasing revenue and improving the passenger experience. Contact us for a dedicated consultation.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about recharging at the airport

Which Italian airports offer charging points for electric cars?
To date, the main Italian airports equipped with charging infrastructure for electric vehicles are Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, Bologna, and Venice. Other airports are gradually implementing the service.

Can I charge my car during a multi-day parking stay?
It depends on the airport, the charging operator, and the agreements with the parking lot managers. Some airports offer integrated packages that include parking and charging for extended stays, while others separate the two services. It is important to check the specific conditions on the airport or charging operator's website before departure and assess whether it is necessary to book in advance.

Do airports also charge airport fleet vehicles?
Yes, many airports are electrifying their operational fleets (shuttles, service vehicles, staff vehicles) and have installed dedicated charging infrastructure. This infrastructure is often integrated or shared with that intended for passengers, optimizing investments and contributing to environmental sustainability goals.

About Powy

Powy a company that owns, develops, and manages Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy