Portland International Airport (PDX) in Oregon has introduced a new overhead fast charging system from ChargePoint, enabling up to 20 rental electric vehicles to be charged at once without taking up valuable ground space. This innovative setup is designed to streamline operations for rental car companies and improve EV fleet turnaround times.
Overhead Charging System Details
ChargePoint has installed 10 dual-port fast chargers at PDX’s Quick Turnaround Facility, where rental vehicles are cleaned and serviced between customers. Each charger is rated at 200 kW and is mounted above the vehicles, with retractable cables that can be pulled down as needed.
By placing the equipment overhead, the system keeps chargers and cables out of the way of moving vehicles and staff, reducing the risk of accidental damage and freeing up floor space for more efficient operations.
Operational Benefits for Rental Fleets
The overhead charging system allows rental companies to fast-charge EVs during the short window between rentals, ensuring vehicles are ready for the next customer more quickly. According to Jeremiah Hartley, airport rental car manager at Portland International Airport, ‘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.’
ChargePoint’s fleet software provides operators with remote monitoring and troubleshooting tools, as well as the ability to manage charging based on vehicle demand and scheduling.
Competitor Comparison
ChargePoint is a leading provider of networked EV charging solutions, competing with other major players such as ABB, Tesla, and Blink Charging. While many airports have installed ground-level charging stations, the overhead system at PDX offers a unique approach to maximizing space and minimizing equipment damage, potentially setting a new standard for high-traffic rental facilities.
Historical Context
The global shift to electric vehicles continues to accelerate, with 20.7 million vehicles sold worldwide in 2025, representing a 20% year-over-year increase. As EV adoption grows, airports and rental companies are under increasing pressure to provide efficient charging solutions for expanding electric fleets.
Regional Availability
At Portland International Airport, major rental car brands including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, and Zipcar all operate on site. While ChargePoint has not specified which companies will use the new chargers, the system is available to all rental operators at the facility.
Why this matters
The implementation of overhead fast charging at PDX addresses a key challenge for airports: providing high-power charging for large rental EV fleets without sacrificing operational space or risking equipment damage. If successful, this model could be adopted by other airports facing similar constraints, supporting the broader transition to electric mobility.
What this means for buyers
Travelers renting EVs at Portland International Airport can expect faster turnaround times and improved vehicle availability as a result of the new charging system. For fleet operators and airport managers elsewhere, the PDX installation provides a potential blueprint for efficient, space-saving EV charging infrastructure in high-traffic environments.
Key Specs
- Number of Chargers: 10 dual-port overhead fast chargers
- Simultaneous Charging Capacity: Up to 20 EVs
- Charger Power Rating: 200 kW per charger
- Installation Location: Quick Turnaround Facility, Portland International Airport
- Supported Rental Brands: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, Zipcar
Source
Images sourced from: electrek.co, rivian.com, energysmartnola.com
