The transport of Glu into the cells by the EAAT transporters is coupled to the Na⁺ and K⁺ electrochemical gradient as a driving force. Hence, the uptake of Glu is dependent on the co-transport of three Na⁺ and one H⁺ ions, and the counter transport of one K⁺ ion.
In addition, to the well documented Glu uptake, the EAAT transporters show a Glu-independent Cl^– conductance. The physiological significance of the Cl^– current through the EAATs is currently unknown.