Running on "E"

E-mobility at the airport

Munich Airport currently operates a fleet of 280 electric vehicles – mostly specialized equipment such as baggage tractors, lifts and passenger boarding bridges. In the future, however, the airport plans to make electric vehicles part of its fleet of passenger cars, too. Over the coming three years, millions will be invested in e-mobility, with 121 gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles slated for replacement through electric models. By 2030 the airport plans for its fleet to consist almost entirely of electric vehicles. At the same time, efforts are continuing to expand the necessary infrastructure of charging stations.

Dominik Mast, an automotive electrician in Munich Airport's vehicle workshop, is busy with his colleagues ensuring a smooth transition of the vehicle fleet to electric drive technology. When one of the new electric cars arrives in the airport's workshop, special precautions are needed: The electricians wear protective gloves, and a sign warns that parts of the vehicle are under high voltage.

In the case of the Smart car Dominik Mast is now working on, for example, the battery can deliver up to 400 volts. The car is here to be fitted with front strobe lights, a red warning beacon and a new hands-free communication set to prepare it for use on the airport ramp.

I prefer working on electric vehicles because I think that this is the right step: The climate issue affects all of us. But we also have the technical possibilities for getting it under control.

Dominik Mast

Dominik Mast

Mechatronic technician

Plenty of variety and a good atmosphere

Specializing in e-mobility. Dominik Mast and his 10 colleagues in the automotive electric unit have completed a special training program on high-voltage cars to prepare them for the coming developments. That's because they are well aware that most vehicles at the airport will be electric-powered in the future. The conversion of the fleet to e-mobility is already well underway.

Mast, 27, trained as a mechatronic technician and joined the airport's vehicle workshop as a vehicle electrician five years ago. He believes in the concept of modern electric cars: "The technology has matured. Now it's just a matter of improving the cost picture," he says. "I prefer working on electric vehicles because I think it's the right step: The climate issue affects all of us. But we also have the technical possibilities for getting it under control."

Dominik Mast certainly cares about the climate – including the climate at work: "Teamwork is a top priority here in the workshop. Everyone helps everyone else. And we've also got great bosses." He also loves the variety of tasks: "You can learn something new almost every day."

Live-wire testing: Vehicle electrician Dominik Mast performs a voltage check on the E-Smart to ensure proper charging.

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