HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Civil Engineering Division here is initiating an energy infrastructure project to support the transition from gas powered to electric vehicles.
Initially, charging stations will only be used for government owned vehicles, as any electricity used for non-government purposes requires reimbursement. However, the Air Force is exploring the possibility of dual use for both GOVs and privately owned vehicles.
The installation of 17 EV charging stations has begun at several of 12 sites across the base. Charging stations will have the capacity to support 34 non-tactical vehicles at a time. NTVs are commercial vehicles, such as sedans, pick-up trucks and minivans, which are owned or leased by the U.S. government.
“This installation project prepares us for receiving electric vehicles,” said David Wong, 66 CED chief of engineering. “We didn’t want to receive vehicles without having infrastructure in place.”
The project is expected to be completed within six to eight months.
This initiative aligns with the Department of the Air Force’s Climate Action Plan, which mandates that 100% of all NTV acquisitions be EVs by 2035.
In support of this goal, Hanscom AFB participated in the NTV Fleet Electrification Pilot Program in 2023, conducted by Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Environment, Safety and Infrastructure.
The study evaluated electric fleet opportunities and potential impacts across 50 installations, representing a diverse scope of geographic conditions, missions, sizes and tenants.
Officials determined that of Hanscom’s GOV fleet, 139 vehicles would eventually be eligible for transition to electric.
"We’re not going to give back all of the gas vehicles at once when the chargers are installed," Wong said. “It will happen over time. As the cycle comes up, if an eligible vehicle can be swapped out for an electric vehicle, it will be an electric vehicle when we get the new one.”
Electrifying the vehicle fleet and flightlines is a key strategy by the Department of the Air Force to enhance mission readiness, strengthen installation resilience, and reduce operational risks associated with emissions and climate impacts.