The Challenge:

Existing charging poles were designed for earlier device standards, so Heathrow explored upgrades to support modern passenger needs, real-time monitoring, and scalability to support the airport's growth ambitions. At the same time, the airport sought innovative, low-risk solutions that aligned with its passenger-first ethos without disrupting operations.

The Solution:

ChargeBox introduced its FASTPodium solution, a modular high-quality furniture upgrade that wraps around existing poles to transform them into high-capacity, fast-charging hubs. Powered by its proprietary FASTHub intelligent engine, each unit features 16 USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) endpoints, including specially reinforced USB-C and Lightning charging cables, Qi2 wireless pads, and USB sockets, for seamless compatibility with devices.

Key features include:

·   Fast Charging: This feature provides up to a 25% battery boost in 10 minutes, supporting modern travellers' needs. Up to 60 watts of charging power is available for laptops and tablets.

·   Remote Management: Cloud-based IoT platform for real-time monitoring, fault detection, and predictive maintenance, ensuring proactive issue resolution.

·   Accessibility: Designed for seated, standing, and wheelchair users, with reinforced charging cables and intuitive interfaces.

·   Data Analytics: Granular insights into usage patterns, dwell times, and charging experience preferences to optimise placement and commercialisation (e.g., sponsorships). The rollout preserved existing aesthetics while futureproofing the infrastructure for a growing Heathrow.

Implementation:

The project began in November 2024 with a six-month Discovery Trial in Terminal 2, led by Heathrow's Innovation Team. To minimise disruption, six poles were upgraded overnight over two nights, integrating ChargeBox's hardware with the airport's power systems.

Phase 1 (Nov 2024–Apr 2025): Trial deployment in Terminal 2, focusing on high-traffic zones. Passenger feedback was collected through on-site surveys, charging station-specific QR codes, and anonymous usage data.

Phase 2 (May–Aug 2025): Heathrow welcomed a wider rollout following the positive trial results, into Terminals 3, 4, and 5, adding 35 more upgraded poles for a total of 41 stations. Installation began in early June 2025, with excellent coverage during the busy summer season, and was completed by mid-August.

The modular design enabled quick installs (under 2 hours per pole), and integration with Heathrow's wayfinding systems enhanced discoverability.

Ongoing Support: ChargeBox’s UK-based team provides remote monitoring, automated fault detection, software updates, and on-site maintenance where required. Heathrow also has access to a dedicated performance dashboard. As the partnership evolves, Heathrow is preparing to take on routine maintenance tasks in-house, enabling even greater operational efficiency and responsiveness.

Results and Impact:

The rollout delivered strong results in reliability and passenger experience: 

During the trial, zero Heathrow support calls were required, and hardware replacements were minimal. Real-time data revealed peak usage in the early afternoons and evenings, informing the optimal placement of stations.

Heathrow reported improved operational efficiency, with ChargeBox's analytics enabling smarter infrastructure planning, such as exploring ad-sponsored units. The initiative aligns with Heathrow's sustainability goals, reducing electrical risks and energy waste from inefficient legacy sockets, and supporting the airport's "Made in the UK" campaign, during which ChargeBox was spotlighted as one of 12 innovative SMEs.

This marks a clear shift in how passengers perceive charging: from a common frustration to a seamless, high-performing service. While many factors influence satisfaction, ChargeBox’s fast, accessible, and reliable charging, supported by real-time analytics and minimal support overhead, has been a standout contributor. It proves how targeted upgrades can transform passenger experience at scale.

The success of the Heathrow deployment has sparked interest from airports in Europe and North America, positioning ChargeBox for accelerated international growth.

Conclusion:

ChargeBox's Heathrow rollout demonstrates how targeted innovation can transform a seemingly minor service into a vital part of passenger-focused operations. By providing dependable, data-driven charging at scale, ChargeBox helped passengers stay connected and confident during their journey.

This partnership exemplifies the power of SME collaboration in aviation, paving the way for smarter, stress-free travel experiences worldwide. As Ian Hobson, CEO of ChargeBox, noted, "Airports should be places where technology quietly supports every journey. Our work with Heathrow proves that effortless charging can remove a layer of stress for passengers."

Heathrow’s Chief Solutions Officer, Helen Elsby, said: “With the rollout of ChargeBox stations across a further three Heathrow terminals, we are pleased to offer even more to passengers with reliable, simple and fast charging services. By working closely with SMEs like ChargeBox, Heathrow drives innovation across the airport to enhance passenger experience and help us meet our service goals.”

For more on ChargeBox, visit www.chargebox.com