If you drive an electric car, the dream is to arrive at the airport, plug in, and come back to a full battery. The reality in 2026 is more nuanced. Most major UK airports now have EV charging in their car parks, but the number of bays is limited and they are designed for topping up, not for a two-week trickle charge. Here is what to expect and how to plan.

Which UK airports have EV charging?

The picture is improving quickly. Most large official car parks , at airports like Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Stansted and beyond , now include a number of EV charging bays across short and long stay. Some off-airport park and ride and meet and greet operators also offer charging, sometimes as a paid add-on. The catch everywhere is the same: there are far fewer charging bays than EV drivers, so availability is never guaranteed.

Why you can't rely on it for the whole trip

Airport charging bays are shared, monitored and often time-limited. You should treat them as a way to arrive or leave with charge, not as a fortnight-long parking spot with your car plugged in the whole time. Some car parks move vehicles off charging bays once charged, and leaving a car connected for two weeks is neither practical nor fair on other drivers. Plan your charge for the drive home, not the whole holiday.

What to check before you book

  • Does the specific car park have charging? Check the airport's own EV page for your car park, not just the airport in general.
  • Connector type and speed , make sure it suits your car.
  • Cost , charging is usually paid separately from parking, at the charge point's own tariff.
  • A back-up plan , if the bays are full when you arrive, know where you will charge instead.

FAQ

Can I charge my EV at the airport while I'm away?

You can usually top up on arrival or departure, but airport bays are limited and not meant for a whole-holiday charge. Plan your charge around the journey, not the trip length.

Is EV charging included in airport parking?

Rarely , charging is normally paid separately at the charge point's tariff, on top of your parking.

Whatever you drive, the cheapest parking still comes from booking ahead. See our guide on when to book airport parking.