Electric Vehicle Charging at London Gatwick Airport: A Complete Guide
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular in the UK, the demand for reliable charging infrastructure is growing, especially in key travel hubs like airports. London Gatwick Airport offers several charging options for travellers, ensuring that EV drivers can park and fly with peace of mind. In this guide, we will explore the available EV charging stations at Gatwick Airport, the costs, and additional services. We’ll also introduce Parkos as a convenient solution for booking parking at Gatwick with or without EV charging.
Where Can You Charge an EV at London Gatwick Airport?
London Gatwick Airport provides multiple charging solutions for EV drivers, including rapid charging stations, meet-and-greet services with charging, and off-airport options. Below, we outline the main charging points available at and around the airport.
1. GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® at Gatwick Airport
- Location: Ring Road South, adjacent to the South Terminal and the M23 motorway.
- Number of Charging Points: 30, including:
- 22 high-power chargers (up to 350 kW) for rapid charging.
- 4 lower-power AC chargers (22 kW each).
- 4 Tesla Superchargers.
- Facilities:
- Charging available 24/7.
- Costa Coffee, a Little Fresh convenience store, lounge areas, and free Wi-Fi (operational from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM daily).
- A customer service hotline available at 0800 240 4242.
This GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® is an excellent option for EV drivers needing a quick charge before or after a flight.
📽️ Watch the video overview of the GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® at Gatwick:
London Gatwick Electric Forecourt® Overview
2. Q-Park Gatwick Charging Hub
- Location: Charlwood Road, Crawley (also known as Purple Parking).
- Charging Points:
- 7 devices with 21 connectors.
- Ultra-fast 150 kW chargers for rapid top-ups (80% charge in 10-15 minutes).
- Standard rapid 50 kW chargers.
- Access:
- Operated by bp pulse.
- Payment via the bp pulse app.
- Ultra-rapid charging is priced at 85p/kWh.
3. APH Park & Ride with EV Charging
- Location: Near the M23, with a shuttle service to Gatwick terminals.
- Service:
- Drop off your EV, and it will be charged while you travel.
- Requires a minimum charge of 5% before drop-off.
- Customers must bring their own charging cable.
This is a great option for travellers leaving their vehicle for extended periods and returning to a fully charged battery.
4. Forge Meet & Greet EV Charging
- Service: Secure meet-and-greet parking that includes EV charging.
- Benefit: Perfect for those looking for a hassle-free, premium parking service with a guaranteed charge.
Tesla Superchargers at Gatwick Airport
Tesla Superchargers are available at Gatwick, and some are now accessible to non-Tesla EVs with CCS ports. Pricing for non-Tesla vehicles ranges from 32p to 63p per kWh, with an optional £8.99 monthly membership reducing costs for frequent users.
For the latest availability, check the Tesla app or website before travelling.
Costs of Charging an EV at Gatwick Airport
Charging costs vary depending on the provider and speed of the charger. Here is a general breakdown of pricing:
| Charging Speed | Estimated Cost (per kWh) | Charging Time |
|---|---|---|
| Slow (AC 22 kW) | £0.30 – £0.50 | 3-6 hours |
| Fast (50 kW) | £0.50 – £0.80 | 30-60 minutes |
| Ultra-fast (150 kW+) | £0.85+ | 10-20 minutes |
These prices are subject to change, so it’s always advisable to check the latest rates through the respective charging network’s app.
How to Make EV Charging at Gatwick Stress-Free
- Check Charger Availability in Advance – Use apps like Zap-Map, bp pulse, or GRIDSERVE to monitor real-time charger availability.
- Ensure You Have the Right Payment Method – Some chargers require pre-registered RFID cards or app payments.
- Bring Your Own Cable – Some charging points do not provide cables, so make sure you have a compatible one with you.
- Arrive Early – EV charging bays can be in high demand, particularly during peak travel times.
- Consider Booking a Parking Spot with Charging – Avoid uncertainty by reserving a parking space that guarantees access to a charger.
Why Choose Parkos for Parking at Gatwick?
If you’re flying from Gatwick and need parking, Parkos offers a convenient way to compare and book parking spots, including those with EV charging.
🔹 Compare multiple parking providers to find the best option for your needs.
🔹 Guaranteed availability so you don’t have to worry about full charging stations.
🔹 Affordable rates that often beat direct bookings.
🔹 Secure parking facilities with 24/7 surveillance.
Whether you prefer meet-and-greet, park-and-ride, or on-site parking with EV charging, Parkos helps you make an informed decision with ease.
Conclusion
London Gatwick Airport is well-equipped with charging facilities for electric vehicles, including high-speed GRIDSERVE chargers, Q-Park hubs, and dedicated parking services with charging. However, due to the increasing demand for EV charging, it’s recommended to plan ahead, check availability, and consider booking parking with charging via Parkos.
By utilising Gatwick’s EV infrastructure wisely, you can ensure that your journey begins and ends with a fully charged battery, giving you peace of mind and a stress-free travel experience.
