Photo: ChargePoint Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon can now charge up to 20 rental EVs at once without sacrificing valuable floor space, thanks to a new overhead ChargePoint fast charging system. ChargePoint installed 10 dual-port fast-chargers at PDX’s Quick Turnaround Facility (QTA), where rental companies clean and service cars between customers. The chargers are mounted above the cars, with retractable cables that operators pull down when needed. Putting the equipment overhead keeps chargers and cables out of the path of rental cars moving through the busy facility. It also leaves more room for staff to maneuver and process cars. Jeremiah Hartley, airport rental car manager at Portland International Airport, said, “The innovative overhead charging system enabled us to save on installation costs by limiting the conduit and wiring needed, and helps protect against potential damage caused by vehicles in the QTA.” Advertisement - scroll for more content The setup allows car rental companies to fast-charge EVs during the relatively short window between rentals so the cars return to service more quickly. ChargePoint didn’t disclose the charging speed of each fast charger or specify which rental companies will use them, so I’ve asked them for that information and will update if I hear back. ChargePoint’s fleet software gives operators remote monitoring and troubleshooting tools, along with the ability to manage charging based on how and when vehicles are needed. Airports present a unique charging challenge for rental fleets. They need a lot of power, cars have a quick turnaround, and installing rows of conventional charging stations takes up valuable space and can put the equipment of being bumped. If PDX’s ceiling-mounted setup works well in daily rental operations, it could give other space-constrained airports a practical template for adding high-power EV charging. Read more: GM just added ChargePoint to its EV apps If you’ve ever considered going solar, make it easy by finding a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing by checking out EnergySage. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online, and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. Stay up to date with the latest content by subscribing to Electrek on Google News. You’re reading Electrek— experts who break news about Tesla, electric vehicles, and green energy, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow Electrek on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our YouTube channel for the latest reviews.
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