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, each rated at 200 kW, 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.”

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 specify which rental car companies will use them, but Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, and Zipcar all have a presence at PDX.

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.

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