Munich airport opens bus charging depot
AeroGround has been operating these 37 electric buses on the airport apron for passenger service since May 2025, as reported, they are manufactured by MAN. These include 20 solo buses and 17 articulated buses with electric drives, which transport passengers from the terminal to the aircraft on the apron and vice versa. The new electric bus depot now provides a permanent charging infrastructure for the vehicles.
AeroGround is gradually converting its entire ground handling operations in Munich to alternative drive systems. Another 18 electric buses will be added this year. “The long-term target is to expand to up to 72 vehicles, in line with operational needs and charging capacity,” Munich Airport announced.
However, further expansion has already been decided: in the next construction phase, an additional 13 charging points will be created by summer 2025. A third expansion phase on the west side of the site is planned for 2026 and 2027. There, 22 additional charging points and carports with photovoltaic systems are to be built.
“With this new depot, we’re building the necessary infrastructure for fully electrified ground operations on the aprons. Half of our current ground fleet already runs on battery power. This project is another big step forward for our ‘Net Zero 2035’ strategy, bringing us closer to operating as a carbon-neutral airport,” said Jost Lammers, Chairman of the Management Board of Flughafen München GmbH.
Ulrich Lange, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport, adds: “By subsidizing 72 electric buses and the associated charging infrastructure, we are providing Munich Airport with targeted support to modernize its bus fleet. This sends a clear signal for progressive mobility, both for domestic and international guests.”
In addition to the buses, other vehicles on the apron are also being converted, including transporters, conveyor belts, stairs, lift transporters and cars. 173 such electric vehicles were already put into operation in 2024. In addition to the permanently installed charging points, there are also 20 electric ground power units (eGPUs) that supply aircraft at remote parking positions with power, meaning that the aircraft do not have to generate the power themselves via their engines, which reduces emissions and noise.
This article was first published by Sebastian Schaal for electrive’s German edition.
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