The 66th Civil Engineering Division at Hanscom Air Force Base (AFB) in Massachusetts is beginning an energy infrastructure project to support the transition from gas-powered to electric vehicles on the base.

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 government motor vehicles and privately owned vehicles, according to a news release.

Planning for Charging Infrastructure

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 (NTV) — such as sedans, pick-up trucks, and minivans — at a time. 

“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 target, 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 array of geographic conditions, missions, sizes, and tenants.

Officials determined that of Hanscom’s government motor vehicle 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.”

Other military branches are also exploring electrification opportunities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Army Materiel Command is leading the effort to help army bases and posts begin electrifying non-tactical vehicles and add charging infrastructure for both government and non-government vehicles.