The Most EV-Friendly Airports in the US
At one point or another, we have all heard someone say “by 2020, there should be flying cars”. Here we are just a few years after 2020 and that really hasn’t happened yet.
Before we can fly, however, we need to drive, electrically that is. And sure, the number of electric vehicles on the road is growing, but it has been a slow progression to get EV’s into the mainstream. Just recently, an article by Reuters stated that “less than 1% of the 250 million cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks on the road in the United States are electric.”
However, this year and in the next few years to come, industry experts say that they expect electric car sales to ramp up. After all, 2021 was a record-breaking year for EV sales.
There are a few factors that are pushing the EV trend:
- The recent increase in gas prices
- The current administration’s aggressive goal of growing EV sales in the U.S.
- Major domestic and international car manufacturers introducing new EV choices in the market
Electric vehicles will seem less and less like the futuristic, unattainable, non-practicable car that it was once perceived to be. There are many industry forecasts out there that show the electrical vehicle market is growing and by 2028, we can expect the market to grow by over 400%.
To accommodate for this growth, airports are providing and continuously increasing their EV-friendly airport parking locations. Here are the most EV-friendly airports leading the charge…pun intended!
1. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the leader in going green with 400 EV charging stations available in three of their terminal parking structures. Airport visitors and travelers with electric vehicles can find charging stations in P5, P1, and P6. Their official LAX parking page says that 1000 more EV charging stations will be introduced before the end of 2022. To celebrate their expansion, they have launched a sweepstake contest for a chance to win a Tesla. To enter, all that is required is to Pre-book parking with them.
2. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
The Atlanta International Airport has installed 275 EV charging stations throughout various parking locations as part of their GreeningATL project. Their mission is to help reduce greenhouse gases and support the growing EV car movement. To see where ATL’s currently has electric vehicle parking spaces, available you can visit the ATL Airport’s official parking page and scroll down to their EV Charging Stations section.
3. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
In every one of SFO’s public garages, airport visitors and passengers can find plug-in vehicle parking spaces and charge their EV at no charge. Their stations have outlets for 110 V and 240 V charging but require vehicles to supply their own charging cord. Look for the Green Vehicle Parking spaces in Garage A, Garage G, the Long-Term Parking Garages, the Domestic Garage, and they even offer EV Charging at Valet. In total, there are currently 152 EV charging stalls, not including the ones available at valet.
4. Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
As mentioned on their parking page, SLC is doing its part to help clean up emissions. The airport has 66 EV charging ports that are available for both airport patrons and employees. The 66 ports make way for 132 parking spaces. The ports are Level 2 (240 V) standard connectors and each station has an instruction video available as well as a phone support service that is available 24/7. I have linked to a handy map of the EV charging stations around the airport here. Additionally, they recognize Fuel Efficient Vehicles and have 126 designated spaces through out their parking garages.
As mentioned on their parking page, SLC is doing its part to help clean up emissions. The airport has 66 EV charging ports that are available for both airport patrons and employees. The 66 ports make way for 132 parking spaces. The ports are Level 2 (240 V) standard connectors and each station has an instruction video available as well as a phone support service that is available 24/7. I have linked to a handy map of the EV charging stations around the airport here. Additionally, they recognize Fuel Efficient Vehicles and have 126 designated spaces through out their parking garages.
5. John Wayne Airport – Orange County (SNA)
This medium size airport has a total of 61 EV charging stations in their parking areas. Level 1 charging is available at the A1, A2, B2, and C parking structures. Level 2 charging is available at A2 and in their Main Street parking area. For being a medium size airport, the ratio daily parking visitors and EV charging availability is impressive. They have outfitted these EV specific parking pages with reflective signage to help identify where EV drivers can charge their cars. Their official parking page does not mention if there is an additional cost.
Other notable mentions:
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) – 48 EV charging stations
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – 36 EV charging stations
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago, IL. – 32 EV charging stations