Electric Planes Coming to Mtn. View

The Board of Aldermen for the City of Mountain View met in special session Tuesday night to discuss a proposal from Beta Technologies to install chargers for electric aircrafts at the Mountain View Municipal Airport. 

Mayor Donnie Pruett introduced Chip Palombini, an engineer from Beta Technologies. According to the draft minutes of the meeting, Palombini told the Aldermen that his company is searching for locations to install charging stations for electric airplanes to meet the existing demand for their products. They have some locations across the country currently but need more charging locations to complete flights. The closest location is in Ohio. Beta Technologies’ existing clients are UPS, the United State Air Force, and United Therapeutics, but they fully expect additional aircraft to use the chargers in the future as well. 

Aldermen Punkie Stevenson and John Krasuski both questioned Palombini about the amount of air traffic the charger will attract. Initially, Beta Technologies expect there to be no more than one plane per day, but the volume will likely increase over time. 

Palombini told the Aldermen his company will pay the entire cost of the installation of the charger and the upgrades to the city’s electrical system. To accommodate the upgrade, the airport will require an increased conductor size. The cost will be approximately $380,000, which will be paid 100% by Beta Technologies. 

The City will receive a profit-share for every charge in the amount of about $4. The city will also earn revenue from the use of the electricity. After the ten-year contract with Beta expires, the upgrades to the electrical grid are the city’s to keep. 

The City’s Electric Department supervisor, Kyle Roberts, was present and spoke in favor of the project. He told the Aldermen that the extra demand on the electrical system is not a problem, and that the upgrades are good for the airport as well. Currently, the airport has single phase service, which is not big enough for what they really need. 

Alderman Krasuski asked about noise pollution, and Palombini said nearby residents can expect propellor noise, but not motor noise. 

Alderwoman Judi Colter made a motion to authorize the City Attorney to receive, review, and negotiate a contract with Beta Technologies. Alderman Krasuski seconded it. The motion passed by unanimous vote.