42 ENVIRONMENTAL October 2026 AirportImprovement.com BFI “That was priceless,” Henderson remarks. “We walked him through our normal setup and operation of a diesel sweeper…and he was able to break down how certain things make a difference.” For example, applying slightly too much downward pressure on the brooms causes the main batteries to lose a half-amp of power per hour. While that may not sound like much, it adds up quickly during a 10-hour day. And the batteries power not only the motor, but also the water pump, wipers, heating/cooling systems, lights, etc. “Although the core functionality of the electric sweeper is the same as a diesel, there are little nuances that you must keep in mind if you’re going to utilize the machine to its full potential,” Henderson says. Tips to Remember Thorough research is critical for successful fleet electrification, says Chauntelle Hellner, director of the county’s Fleet Services Division, which purchases and maintains its vehicles and equipment. “The industry is always changing, so we try to stay on top of the current technology and industry trends,” says Hellner. “We have a team of zero-emission coordinators that do a lot of research. We also have an asset purchasing team that focuses on understanding the operational needs of the airport.” Department officials stay abreast of trends in sustainable vehicle technology by attending events such as the NAFA Institute and Expo, the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo and the Forth Roadmap Conference. Parrott encourages airport officials who are considering electric vehicles to define what success will mean to them. “If you’re trying to move the needle on electrification as a goal, sure—that’s a success,” he explains. “But if you’re trying to operate more economically, that’s probably not going to be a success because a lot depends on fuel and electricity prices and the cost of new infrastructure and vehicles. So you have to define success going into the project.” Parrott also advises making sure there will be enough local electric power to meet the airport’s new needs. “If you’re in an area where two or three data centers have set down stakes, you’re going to be hard pressed to get enough electricity,” he cautions. Hellner agrees that early engagement with local utilities is vital. “You also need to be patient about the process,” she adds. “It always takes longer than you expect it should in terms of purchasing vehicles, then taking delivery and getting them operational. If you’re not prepared for that, it can be very challenging.” MORE THAN A CONSULTANT A trusted partner, passionate about aviation, dedicated to the industry, and committed to your airport ENGINEERS & PLANNERS 1-888-AVCON-99 www.avconinc.com CHAUNTELLE HELLNER The airport also purchased hybrid electric pickup trucks (pictured) and light-duty landscaping trucks that are full electric (not pictured).
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