LAX Offers Free Parking, Charging to Electric Vehicle Owners

September 22, 1997

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) now offers free parking and electric charging in its Central Terminal Area, with one catch – you have to drive an electric vehicle (EV).

Some of the first EV drivers to plug in at LAX did so today (September 22) at a ceremony inaugurating 10 newly installed electric vehicle charging stations on the east outside wall of Parking Structure One.

"The installation of these 10 electric vehicle charging stations is the latest step the airport has taken to demonstrate our commitment to clean air," said John J. Driscoll, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports. "We are providing electric vehicle owners with electricity and parking spaces free of charge. Our goal today is to make life a bit easier for owners of electric vehicles."

"This is in line with our plan to build a transportation infrastructure for the next century," said Airport Commissioner Ed Manning. "It’s part of our overall vision for cleaner air and a better environment at the airport and throughout the community."

David Freeman, DWP general manager congratulated Los Angeles World Airports on its new charging stations and its use of electric vehicles in the company fleet. "I’m proud that the City of Los Angeles has taken a leadership role in promoting these vehicles," said Freeman. "It’s up to all of us to help clean up our air, and we take steps toward that goal with the use and support of clean transportation."

These 10 stations were installed as part of the Quick Charge L.A. electric vehicle (EV) program. The program was created this year when the City of Los Angeles received a $862,500 grant from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC), under its Electric Vehicle Corridor Communities Program, to install 194 EV charging stations at 42 high-profile locations throughout the City. The MSRC is a California state committee that advises the Air Quality Management District on funding programs and projects related to reducing mobile source air pollution.

"Los Angeles is committed to creating a community that supports clean transportation and provides for better air quality for its residents," said Detrich Allen, director of air quality at the Department of Environmental Affairs. "Since conventional transportation is responsible for over 60 percent of L.A.’s air pollution, electric vehicles offer enormous potential for cleaning up our air."

LAX has plans for two additional EV charging stations to be installed in remote Parking Lot C and 20 more in Parking Structure Six, which will begin construction early next year. The parking structure will be able to accommodate 170 EV stations as the need arises.