Airports around the world are installing EVSE, and at least one has decided that Level 1 charging is the most logical choice. Portland International Airport (PDX) has installed 42 Level 1 PowerPost EV charging stations, manufactured by Telefonix (profiled in the February 2014 issue of Charged).

PDX chose the PowerPost because of its integrated, retractable cord reel, which keeps cables off the ground, and because Level 1 charging is well suited for the long-term parking that is typical at airports.

The lower current requirements of Level 1 chargers also allowed the airport to install more charging stations, compared to Level 2 stations. Level 1 charging enables EV drivers to recover about 5 miles of range for every hour of charging, and the cost to the airport for the electricity used is minimal.

The PowerPost EV charging stations will be free to use for employees and visitors.

“Airports are really taking an aggressive approach to delivering on the need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure,” says Telefonix Business Development Manager Bill Williams. “Given that customers parking for 4 hours or more represent over 85% of all occupied spaces at an airport and the fact that airports often have sustainability initiatives in place, it’s a perfect fit.”

The airport claims that its 42 charging stations are the most at any US airport, but that’s a record that seems unlikely to stand for long.

Source: Telefonix