Auckland Airport installs EV chargers as part of sustainability programme

AUSTRALIA. Auckland Airport has installed two electric vehicle (EV) rechargers at its domestic valet car park. A further two will be installed in its public car parks.

The recharging points give EV and plug-in hybrid vehicle owners the opportunity to top up for free while they are away.

The airport said a rapid plug-in charger was already available at the Z station on Tom Pearce Drive, with two more to be installed in the airport precinct’s shopping centre car park this year. This will take the total number of charging stations to seven, supporting the Australian government’s newly-announced Electric Vehicle Programme.

Auckland Airport General Manager – Airport Development and Delivery Graham Matthews said the installation of the recharging points was part of a wider commitment to sustainability that will underpin the development of the ‘airport of the future’. The initiative has already seen the airport make reductions in waste, water and its carbon footprint.

“Work is already underway on a significant upgrade and expansion of our international terminal, to cater for the possible tripling in passenger numbers over the next 30 years. However, to support the growth in domestic and international air travel, we are also committed to improving the infrastructure that not only supports journeys to and from the airport, but encourages sustainable travel choices,” he said.

“A key part of this is working with Auckland Transport to improve public transport links to the airport. But we are also investing in our own infrastructure, such as the plug-in recharging stations and new park and ride facilities to reduce vehicle movements around the airport precinct.”

The airport said its new international terminal upgrade would incorporate a range of environmentally-sustainable features on completion in 2018. These will include energy-efficient lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation as well as low water fixtures and fittings.