DHL Express has unveiled its mobile charging cart that aims to reduce CO2 emissions at select US airports by 800 tons per year.

The shipping company has invested $10m in the sustainability initiative, which uses a state-of-the-art AmpCart cart as a mobile charging platform for battery-powered ground support equipment (eGSE). DHL will replace older combustion powered equipment with newly purchased eGSE, including K-loaders, pushback tractors, belt loaders, baggage tugs and ground power units (GPU), which will all be charged by the new mobile unit.

“Mobile charging technology is a significant step forward in DHL’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and meeting ambitious sustainability goals in the coming years,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO, DHL Express US. “We’re looking at ways to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious across all aspects of our operation.”

The DHL Express operation at San Diego International Airport (SAN) will be the first to roll out this charging cart equipment in October 2023, leveraging 100% electric power. The equipment will later be introduced to three major airports where DHL Express has aviation operations: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Designed by JBT AeroTech, the AmpCart mobile charging station includes four to six chargers with two output charging cables each, for a total of eight to 12 charging connectors. The carts will also act as a backup system in the case of a power outage, allowing ground equipment to continue normal operations.

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