Awarded: 2011
Completion Date: 2013

Project
Clean Cities Georgia partnered with the Center for Transportation and the Environment and Delta on a project to repower 35 diesel ground support equipment (GSE) with all-electric drive systems at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The project received funding through the US Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program, part of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA). The project team repowered units at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The project, in cooperation with EPA Region 4, was a collaboration of corporate, government, non-profit, and community-based partners that demonstrates the commitment of the city, the airport, and Delta to sustainability and emission reduction.

Results

Hercules Engine Components repowered 24 TUG Belt Loaders, JBT Corporation repowered 11 FMC Container Loaders, and Averest, Inc. supplied the batteries for the converted GSE. The loaders were removed from service in Atlanta and shipped to Hercules and JBT for conversion. The repowering process included removal of the existing diesel engine, fuel tank, transmission, and cooling system and replacing them with an electric drive motor, battery pack, and electric control system.

The repowered GSE were returned to Atlanta and placed into operation at several terminals, including the cutting-edge LEED-certified 12-gate International Terminal F, where each gate is equipped with electric chargers that can support the upgraded GSE.  There, the units were furnished with decals identifying them as an electric vehicle purchased as part of EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Program.

As a result of this project, an estimated 250,000 of diesel fuel consumption will be reduced, preventing the emission of over 6,800 tons of greenhouse gases, helping to improve Atlanta’s air quality.