Airports worldwide are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and meet stringent emissions regulations regarding Scope 1 emissions. However, the high upfront cost of full electrification of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) has led many airport operators to hesitate in transitioning their fleets. Instead of prematurely retiring existing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) GSE and diesel based vehicles, airports can adopt lithium-ion-based Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) on their work trucks and GSE to significantly reduce Scope 1 emissions while extending the life of their existing fleet.
The Financial Challenge of GSE Electrification
The transition to fully electric GSE is a significant financial undertaking. Purchasing new electric models or converting ICE-powered GSE requires substantial investments in both equipment and charging infrastructure. Many airports and ground handling companies find these costs prohibitive, particularly for specialized vehicles such as de-icing trucks, catering trucks, fresh water trucks, and lavatory service vehicles.
While the long-term benefits of electrification include lower fuel and maintenance costs, the initial expense remains a major barrier. However, rather than an all-or-nothing approach, airports can take a phased transition by retrofitting ICE GSE with lithium-ion APUs to achieve immediate emissions reductions and fuel savings at a fraction of the cost of full electrification.
How Lithium-Ion APUs Reduce Scope 1 Emissions
Scope 1 emissions refer to direct greenhouse gas emissions from owned or controlled sources, including fuel combustion in airport GSE. Traditional ICE-powered GSE often rely on their main engines to power auxiliary systems, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and emissions during idle periods.
By integrating lithium-ion-based APUs, airports can dramatically cut emissions by allowing GSE to operate essential functions—such as hydraulic lifts, water pumps, and de-icing systems—without running the main engine.
Lithium-ion APUs provide:
- Significant fuel savings by reducing engine idling.
- Lower maintenance costs by decreasing wear and tear on ICE engines.
- Reduced carbon footprint by cutting down emissions from diesel and gasoline consumption.
Implementation Across Different GSE Types
Lithium-ion APUs can be installed in a variety of GSE to enhance efficiency and sustainability:
- De-Icing Trucks: Instead of running diesel engines to heat glycol solutions and power spray systems, an APU can supply the necessary energy, cutting emissions without compromising performance. Heated compartments or heating blankets for batteries can overcome battery operating temperature restrictions.
- Catering Trucks: Hydraulic lift operations can be powered by an APU, reducing fuel consumption during service operations.
- Fresh Water & Lavatory Service Trucks: Water and vacuum pumps can be run via lithium-ion power, eliminating unnecessary engine idling while servicing aircraft.
The APU should consist of an inverter charger, lithium batteries and potentially solar panels to keep the battery topped up while in position.
A Practical and Cost-Effective Sustainability Strategy
Adopting lithium-ion APUs is a realistic and cost-effective way for airports to meet sustainability goals without prematurely decommissioning ICE GSE. This retrofit approach allows airports to gradually transition towards full electrification while achieving immediate environmental and operational benefits.
For airports hesitant about the upfront costs of electrification, lithium-ion APUs provide a strategic middle ground, enabling them to extend the lifespan of existing equipment, reduce Scope 1 emissions, and comply with evolving regulatory requirements—all while maintaining financial viability.
By integrating lithium-ion APUs, airports can make meaningful progress toward sustainability without disrupting operations or incurring prohibitive expenses, paving the way for a smarter and more sustainable future in aviation ground support.