Charging Infrastructure Supports Both Air and Ground Vehicles
Florence Regional Airport (FLO) has installed South Carolina’s first electric aircraft charger through a partnership with BETA Technologies, a Burlington, Vermont-based electric aerospace company. The new charging infrastructure supports electric aircraft and ground vehicles, positioning FLO to expand its operations for the future.
Multimodal and Interoperable Charging Infrastructure
BETA Technologies designed the chargers to accommodate various electric aircraft and ground vehicles, such as cars, vans, and trucks. FLO has installed a Level 3 fast charger on the airside of the airport for electric aircraft and support vehicles. Additionally, a two-port Level 2 charger has been placed in the parking lot for public use.
With this infrastructure, FLO is preparing for the future of electric transportation, which could lead to economic growth and new job opportunities in the region. Mike Miller, President of the Florence Chamber of Commerce, stated, “This is a great investment for our airport to jump into this new technology. It keeps KFLO growing and creating new transportation options to service the region and state of South Carolina.”
Gregg Robinson, CEO of the Florence County Economic Development Partnership, also supports the development, saying, “My office stands ready to help industry partners take advantage of FLO’s unique set of assets to establish new business ventures that will create innovative new jobs for our region alongside new transportation services for our residents and businesses.”
BETA’s Charge Cube and Thermal Management System
The charging infrastructure includes BETA’s Charge Cube, which is UL-certified and designed for safety, efficiency, and ease of use. The system features a 50-foot cord, making it compatible with various aircraft configurations. It also integrates with BETA’s Thermal Management System (TMS), which helps cool battery packs and aircraft cabins between flights.
Nate Ward, BETA Technologies’ Head of Network Development, emphasized the importance of this infrastructure for future aviation. “There are so many opportunities that come along with new aviation technologies, like low-cost operations, new jobs, and economic stimulation. This infrastructure is key to enabling the aviation technology of the future. We’re glad to be working with Florence Regional Airport to bring these opportunities to South Carolina.”
Florence Regional Airport’s Role in Expanding Electric Aviation
Brad Beadles, Director of Florence Regional Airport, highlighted the significance of the collaboration with BETA. “We are proud to partner with BETA on such an innovative and emerging technology as electric aircraft and eVTOL. We warmly welcome BETA customers, business partners, and other electric aircraft users to take advantage of the resources we offer and partner with us as we build out a transit hub for our region.”
FLO joins a growing network of charging sites BETA is developing across the United States. BETA has already installed chargers at 47 locations, with more than 20 additional sites in progress. These installations serve commercial, military, and medical users and aim to connect communities in both urban and rural areas.
BETA Technologies and Its Electric Aviation Fleet
Beyond charging infrastructure, BETA is developing electric aircraft. Its fleet includes the ALIA CTOL, an electric airplane designed for airport-to-airport travel, and the ALIA VTOL, an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The company’s customers include UPS, Air New Zealand, United Therapeutics, Bristow, Blade, LCI, Metro Aviation, New Zealand Air Ambulance Service, Helijet, and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Florence Regional Airport’s investment in electric charging infrastructure aligns with broader efforts to advance electric aviation and sustainable transportation. As the industry grows, FLO’s strategic move could support future transportation needs while boosting local economic opportunities.
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Read more:
- Utah Partners with BETA Technologies to Launch Electric Aviation Ahead of 2034 Winter Olympics
- UPS Will Purchase BETA Technologies VTOL Aircraft: the Future of Drone Delivery
- FAA Issues Final Rule for Powered-Lift Aircraft: A Major Milestone for eVTOL and Advanced Air Mobility
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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In this blog, you’ll learn how charging infrastructure is evolving to support both air and ground vehicles, paving the way for integrated, sustainable transportation systems.