Earlier this month, Portland International Airport (PDX) became among the first major airports with a DC fast charger system available for on-site rental car partners to use. The technology—a ChargePoint Express Plus 1000—charges electric vehicles approximately eight times faster 1 than a standard Level 2 charger, helping get arriving travelers on the road quickly.
"Many of our rental car partners are transitioning more of their fleet to electric vehicles over the next decade, so we’re investing in infrastructure to help them meet those goals," said Chris Czarnecki, Director of PDX Business and Properties at Port of Portland.
The system is located in PDX’s Quick Turnaround (QTA) Facility, which opened in 2018 and received ENVISION® Gold Rating for its water- and energy-saving design. In order to install the power-intensive equipment within an existing structure, project participants ChargePoint, Conrac Solutions (a Meridiam-owned company) and ENGIE Services U.S. Inc., had to get creative with the approach. The result is 10 200kW dual dispensers—meaning 20 vehicles can be plugged in at the same time, with 10 actively charging—mounted overhead with retractable cable management, which is a first for an airport. The overhead configuration made it more efficient and cost effective to run conduit and wiring to the units, while also reducing the risk of damage by having them out of the way of vehicles.
"PDX has taken a major step towards a sustainable future with an ambitious project to electrify its rental car fleet," said Courtney Jenkins, president of ENGIE Services U.S. Inc. "By addressing stakeholders including rental car companies, drivers, and facility operators, PDX has created a collaborative solution and is moving forward with a groundbreaking electrification strategy."
Conrac Solutions’ CEO, Manuel Zafra Solas said, "Conrac Solutions is excited to support the Port of Portland in providing an enhanced travel experience while enabling the rental car industry to offer increased electrified fleet services. This important project improves the long-term sustainability of Portland International Airport and its tenants as critical transportation infrastructure."
With the integration of smart charging platforms, charges can be capped based on time or charge limit, and the system allows for streamlined monitoring and remote troubleshooting.
"We designed the system to be forward-thinking and scalable," continued Czarnecki. "It’s part of a broader electrification effort across our business to reduce vehicle emissions."
PDX currently offers free EV charging sites for travelers in parking garages and off-site economy parking and is preparing to transition all Port-owned vehicles to zero emissions vehicles. Further, with funding support from the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program, PDX is transitioning gasoline- and diesel-powered ground service equipment, like baggage carts and operations vehicles, to electric—a project set to be completed by February 2026.
FAST CHARGING SYSTEM PROJECT PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:
- Client: Port of Portland
- Designer / Energy Performance Contracting: ENGIE Services U.S. Inc.
- Project Management: Conrac Solutions
- Charging Solution Provider: ChargePoint
- Engineers: Coffman Engineers
- Electricians: Tice Electric
About Port of Portland:
With three airports, four marine terminals, and five business parks, the Port of Portland is an economic engine for transforming the region into a place where everyone is welcome, empowered, and connected to the opportunity to find a good job or grow their business. The Port works to pull down barriers and provide access to people and local businesses who have been left out of the region’s economic growth—including people of color, low-income workers, and people with disabilities. Collectively, the Port leads big projects in the region, including expanding PDX airport and making it more accessible and efficient; transforming a former marine terminal into a site for innovation in the housing construction and mass timber industries; and providing more options for Pacific Northwest businesses to send their products around the world. For more information, visit www.PortofPortland.com
1https://www.transportation.gov/rural/ev/toolkit/ev-basics/charging-speeds