World’s first: new JFK Terminal One to deploy fully electric ground handling fleet
The New Terminal One at New York’s JFK International Airport has been widely celebrated for its mid-century modern aesthetic and 2.4 million square feet of LEED Silver certified enclosed space. But now, there’s another sustainability milestone to celebrate at the new terminal: it will boast the world’s first, fully electric fleet of ground handling equipment.
With the short distances driven at limited speeds under extreme loads, ground handling and support equipment (GHE/GSE) at airports present a nearly ideal use case for battery-electric vehicles. That’s a good thing, too. As demand for on-road fossil fuels drops, airports and airlines – historically responsible for about 4% Earth’s global warming – are becoming a bigger and bigger slice of a rapidly shrinking pie when it comes to fossil fuel emissions.
To that end, JFK Terminal One management has selected the ground handling specialists at TCR to provide the new terminal with an all-electric GHE fleet at the new JFK international gateway that’s currently set to open in 2026.
Electric ground support at JFK Terminal One
The New York Port Authority insists that operating a fully electric GHE/GSE fleet through an innovative resource pooling model is a key component of the New Terminal One’s continuing sustainability strategy. The decision to choose zero emission battery-electric vehicles supports the Port Authority’s stated goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the agency’s operations by 2050.
That pooling approach will also make it easier for ground handlers to participate in a competitive bid to operate at the New Terminal One, as bidders will only need to provide manpower to operate the GHE, without having to purchase or maintain their own.
TCR’s all-electric GSE fleet will also integrate advanced telematics fleet management technology, providing real-time vehicle and battery health data to enhance the broader fleet’s operational efficiency, charging logistics, and decision-making.
The new ZEV equipment from TCR further promises to:
- Reduce emissions: An all-electric fleet eliminates tailpipe emissions, improving air quality
- Provide cost efficiency gains: A shared electric GSE fleet minimizes equipment redundancies and helps reduce costs
- Ensure energy savings: Electric GSE reduces overall energy consumption
The achievement isn’t just exciting for the people who live and work near the airport – it’s exciting for TCR, too. “Extending our presence in North America marks a significant milestone for our organization,” says Stephanie Rajzbaum, TCR Managing Director North America. “We are excited to collaborate with local communities and partners, fostering a diverse workplace and creating about 50 local jobs, including roles for electric GSE maintenance technicians contributing to the success of New Terminal One.”
TCR says it remains committed to the Port Authority’s previously stated targets for participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE/LBE), and working with third party logistics (3PL) providers.
Electrek’s Take
I have a lot of opinions about the Trump Administration and DOGE, but one thing I absolutely can’t get behind is the demonization of DEI initiatives. I am a firm believer in the fact that diversity breeds new perspectives, and that those perspectives have intrinsic value. So, when the New York Port Authority and TCR double down on their support for participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE/LBE), I feel compelled to celebrate that.
The fact that GHE like refueling trucks, baggage handlers, and airplane tugs are just kind of fun and interesting on their own is a bonus.
SOURCES | IMAGES: TCR, JFKTerminalOne.
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Environment
Trilogy Metals shares soar nearly 200% in premarket after U.S. takes stake in minerals explorer
On today’s budget-conscious episode of Quick Charge, we’re building up to the reveal of a new, more affordable Tesla Model Y tomorrow that will almost definitely not be a cheap pile of misaligned plastic body parts with inconsistent panel gaps that’s utterly incapable of turning the tide on Tesla’s global decline.
Plus, we’ve got news that Tesla is in hot water with California over its alleged mishandling of its insurance business, revisit the lies told about Cybertrucks drag racing Teslas, and look at the incredible 110% increase in EV sales over at GM that’s driving Cadillac’s renaissance.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Climate XChange, a nonpartisan nonprofit working to help states pass effective, equitable climate policies. The nonprofit just kicked off its 10th annual EV raffle, where participants have multiple opportunities to win their dream model. Visit the site at CarbonRaffle.org/Electrek to learn more.
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Waev Inc. has just unveiled the GEM eX, a new electric utility vehicle designed to bridge the gap between street-legal low-speed vehicles (LSVs) and true off-road work machines. The company calls it the most versatile electric work UTV yet.
Unlike most golf cart–based UTVs or high-speed recreational rigs, the GEM eX is purpose-built for commercial, industrial, and government fleets that need to move between city streets, job sites, and rough terrain, all while staying emissions-free.
The vehicle features a top speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) and is said to be DOT street-legal as an LSV on roads up to 35 mph (56 km/h), giving it a clear advantage over most off-road-only competitors.
Power is provided by a 6.5 kW motor in a rear-wheel drive setup with a limited-slip rear differential. An 8 kWh battery provides enough juice for a claimed maximum range of 85 miles (137 km).
The eX comes with several fleet-focused safety and utility upgrades, including 3-point seat belts, roof crush protection, backup camera, mirrors, pedestrian noise emitter, and a robust bumper system. It rolls on street, winter, or all-terrain tires, and the chassis features 9.5 inches (24 cm) of ground clearance, 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) of suspension travel, and a 50-degree approach angle for climbing curbs or crossing uneven work terrain.
Hill-hold assist and single-pedal descent control make it easy to handle on slopes, while a limited-slip differential helps maintain traction without chewing up turf.
In the back, a 1,250 lb (567 kg) composite dump box can fit a full-sized pallet and comes with gas-assist or electric lift options, while towing capacity matches that at 1,250 lb (567 kg). Optional hard doors, roll-down windows, and HVAC with heat and A/C turn it into a true all-weather workhorse.
The lithium iron phosphate battery pack is said to provide a long lifespan for extra durability in extreme climates from –20°F to 140°F (–29°C to 60°C). Charging is flexible via 120V, 240V, or J1772 public stations, and Waev backs the battery with a 7-year warranty – on par with many passenger EVs.
“We field-tested the GEM eX everywhere from Arizona deserts to Minnesota winters,” said Sven Etzelsberger, Waev’s Director of Engineering. “Every piece of customer feedback went back into this vehicle. The result is a work UTV that’s refined, reliable, and ready to go.”
The GEM platform has expanded significantly over the years, from its humble beginnings as a simple people mover to more recent adaptations into everything from ambulances and emergency vehicles to the new GEM eX electric UTV.
Priced at $24,955, the higher purchase price may be one of the few downsides to the quieter, cleaner, and easier to maintain alternative to traditional gasoline-powered UTVs.
Electrek’s Take
Waev’s new GEM eX seems to hit a sweet spot that’s been missing – a street-legal, electric work UTV tough enough for real jobs yet affordable and easy to maintain. For fleet managers juggling both paved and off-road environments, this could be a serious game-changer.
While the price is high, it comes in at significantly less than other well-known models like Polaris’ Zero-powered electric RANGER UTV.
At the same time, there are still more affordable options like those from KANDI that offer more power for a lower price. However, without GEM’s storied brand legacy and increased national support, cheaper options may not have the staying power to compete.
So sure, it’s expensive, but at least I’m glad to see more options coming to the market, especially from brands that have been around for years. Here’s to hoping for more affordable options in the future.
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