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The push to electrification is reaching more than electric vehicle owners or the public transportation sector. Sustainability initiatives have opened an opportunity to a promising new market demand for fully electric ground support equipment on airport grounds. From cargo trucks to towing tractors, electrification is growing not only as a trend, but the next stage for modernizing airports around the world. Apron buses are key in the eGSe movement, being the vehicles tasked with ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers as they move across the apron.
DINOBUS is establishing itself in this very market. Specializing in electric apron buses, the company is helping airports replace outdated diesel buses. At the forefront of this brand is Christopher Tabaraki, director of DINOBUS, overseeing its growth and development. Christopher has been a part of its inception all the way to its current position as a trusted supplier, rapidly expanding the eGSE movement in Europe and abroad. With an extensive knowledge of electrification in the aviation industry, Christopher offers insight into its market in this interview.
Electrification is taking many mobility sectors by storm, and airports have been a big part of the global initiative. What are the barriers holding back more electrification in aviation ground transport?
Electric is growing fast in so many regions of the world. Airports today have a wider array of options to decarbonize daily operations; now more than ever. This sudden large demand for new electric equipment results in the need for ample charging stations onsite. Without adequate charging solutions, airports risk operational downtime, which can be particularly disruptive in fast-paced environments like the apron.
Delays in infrastructure deployment can really affect the transition to electric, especially when eGSE providers fail to respond on-time and efficiently. We want to avoid issues on the apron for both operators and passengers traveling through the terminals. For this reason, unresponsive providers can very much impede the electrification process for a location, while also creating long term issues in operations.
And of course, compatibility issues can also arise. Different equipment may have different needs and requirements. To avoid issues, charging station capacities and available infrastructure should be able to accommodate the different types of equipment. This does mean careful planning and consideration, but it leads to the incredible benefits of eGSE down the line.
Some airports hesitate to switch to electric due to the initial investment required. How would you address these cost concerns?
What airport and ground handling operators may not know about electric buses is that the total cost of ownership is really lower than diesel – which means a lifetime of savings down the line. Going electric means that there are fewer moving parts and less costly repairs. In fact, our calculations consistently show that a diesel bus is seven times more costly per month than a DINOBUS model. A traditional diesel bus uses up to 30 liters of fuel for 100km, whereas an electric bus would need only roughly 90 kWh of charge. The cost to charge is significantly lower and isn’t vulnerable to the price volatility of diesel fuel.
On top of that, DINOBUS consults the airport’s site to develop the smartest charging system and infrastructure. We match the bus model to the location to get the most out of every charge. Not to mention, the advantage and edge that electrifying your fleet can have on your future. Staying ahead of sustainability initiatives will future proof your location’s compliance with upcoming eco-friendly regulations.
What differentiates DINOBUS from other electric bus manufacturers in the market today?
As a provider, DINOBUS is a relatively young brand partnered with an already globally established bus manufacturer. Essentially, our company is at an intersection of new R&D and very trusted technology on a global scale. From researching the needs of airports firsthand, we have identified the current issues and needs of the electric apron bus market.
From the very beginning, our team really understood that in this market, client support is a must. The after sales team is there to support every new bus joining a fleet. From design specifications to the logistics of shipping, DINOBUS handles it for the client. Warehouses across Europe minimize the overall downtime from reparations and maintenance needs. Our specialists can be onsite within weeks to diagnose issues and solve problems as they arise. Additionally, our warranties are a guarantee of excellent conditions and a long lifetime for each and every apron bus.
From the technical side, DINOBUS is able to offer different heights for apron bus models in order to fit more compact spaces. For some locations, this can be a valuable design specification that ensures the bus can maneuver with ease in tighter areas. Additionally, the buses can withstand temperatures from -40 °C to +40°C (and adjustable to fit the climate).
What motivates you the most about contributing to the electrification of aviation ground handling?
Knowing that the electrification of ground handling is only going to succeed and grow. This is a fact that we continuously see in the industry. Although DINOBUS is based in Europe as of now, the trend of switching to eGSE is increasing at an exponential pace around the world. Such as this state strategy outlined by California, leading the way towards decarbonization efforts, among others.
We will see more demand for well-developed electric models sporting simple, compatible designs. Vehicles backed by a responsive supplier will be leading the change in the future. It is exciting to be a leading player in such a promising sector of sustainable transportation, and our company is really looking forward to seeing what the future will hold for emission-free vehicles in aviation.
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