Gatwick Airport Parking with EV Charging, Complete Guide to 20 Charging Points, Tips & FAQs

In an era of record-high electric vehicle sales, the demand for reliable charging at travel hubs has never been greater. UK airports are responding to this need, and Gatwick Airport in particular has become a leader by expanding its EV charging infrastructure, including the opening of a state-of-the-art GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt in early 2024. This comprehensive guide (in the style of APH’s travel blog) is tailored for EV drivers flying from Gatwick. We’ll start with the latest on Gatwick’s EV charging facilities (such as the new forecourt), then provide a detailed listing of 20 EV charging locations in and around Gatwick Airport. Finally, we’ll cover practical tips for EV travellers, highlight the best value picks for charging near Gatwick, and answer frequently asked questions about Gatwick’s electric car charging options.

Why focus on Gatwick? Gatwick Airport is emerging as one of the UK’s most EV-friendly airports. With its new high-powered charging hub and many nearby charging points, Gatwick offers more ways than ever to park and charge your electric car while you travel. Whether you need a rapid top-up at a Gatwick charging point before a long drive home or prefer to book airport parking with EV charging included, understanding your options will help ensure a smooth trip.

The GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt at Gatwick Airport provides dozens of high-power EV charging points (22 kW up to 350 kW) along with on-site amenities for travellers like coffee shops and Wi-Fi lounges. This flagship charging hub opened in 2024 and signifies Gatwick’s commitment to supporting electric cars.

Gatwick Airport and its surrounding area offer a variety of EV charging options to suit different needs:

• On-Site High-Power Charging: The Gatwick Airport Electric Forecourt (operated by GRIDSERVE) features around 30–32 chargers ranging from fast AC (22 kW) to ultra-rapid DC (350 kW), priced at £0.79 per kWh. It’s located on airport grounds (adjacent to the South Terminal) and includes both CCS and CHAdeMO connectors, plus dedicated Tesla Superchargers, allowing minimal wait times for a charge.
• Cheapest On-Airport Charging: In the Gatwick South Terminal Short Stay (Orange) Car Park, you’ll find Pod Point chargers (4 connectors, up to 22 kW) priced at £0.25 per kWh, making it the most cost-effective on-site option per kWh. (Standard short-stay parking fees apply while charging.)
• Tesla Supercharger for Gatwick: Tesla drivers have access to the London Gatwick Supercharger located on-airport (part of the GRIDSERVE forecourt complex). It offers 4 rapid stalls up to 250 kW, with pricing about £0.37–£0.47 per kWh depending on time of day. This is a convenient, high-speed option exclusively for Tesla vehicles (at least as of now).
• Off-Airport Budget Charging: Several nearby sites provide affordable charging. For example, Tesco Extra Gatwick (1.6 miles away) has free parking for up to 3 hours and Pod Point chargers at £0.44–£0.49 per kWh (rising to ~£0.62–£0.69 for rapid). And for completely free charging, the Motorline Gatwick Hyundai dealership (about 4.5 miles from Gatwick) offers free 7 kW charging; drivers just need to check in at reception.
• EV Charging with Parking Services: If you’d rather return from your trip to a fully charged car, consider booking a parking service that includes charging. APH Park & Ride Gatwick is one such provider, offering secure off-site parking with an EV charge carried out while you’re away. You drop off your car and keys, and the staff will charge your vehicle (typically adding 30–60 kWh during your stay) so you come back to a battery ready for the drive home. This valet-style service is ideal for long trips. (Official Gatwick Valet parking also offers an add-on EV charge service for a fee, using 22 kW chargers while your car is parked, an option worth considering for ultimate convenience.)

With the big picture in mind, let’s dive into the full list of 20 electric car charging locations at Gatwick Airport and the surrounding area. For each location, we detail the distance from Gatwick, the provider/network, the connector types and power, costs and payment methods, and whether it’s a self-service or valet type of charging. Use this as a reference to find the right Gatwick EV charging solution for your journey.

Gatwick Airport EV Charging Points: 20 Locations On-Airport & Nearby

Below is a comprehensive guide to twenty EV charging points in and around Gatwick Airport. These include on-airport charging bays, public rapid chargers, hotel and supermarket chargers, and dedicated EV parking services. Distances are given from Gatwick Airport (terminals), and costs are noted in £/kWh (pence per kWh) unless otherwise stated.

1. APH Park & Ride, Gatwick Airport Parking (with EV Charging)
   • Location: APH Parking Centre, 1 Copthorne Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 3PD
   • Distance from Airport: ~4.3 miles (located near the M23, about 10 10-minute shuttle ride to terminals)
   • Provider: APH (Airport Parking & Hotels), private parking operator
   • Valet or Self-Park: Valet service, you hand over your car to APH staff at check-in. They park it and handle the charging for you while you ride their shuttle to the airport.
   • Connector Types: Commando (standard 3-pin or 16A/32A industrial connectors). They likely use portable EV chargers to add charge to your car (since they mention “30 kW or 60 kW charge” as an added service, not a specific connector type for public use). Essentially, they will use their equipment to charge your car.
   • Number of Connectors: 4 dedicated EV charging bays (where they rotate cars to charge)
   • Power: ~7 kW (slow to medium charging, given they deliver 30–60 kWh over a long stay)
   • Cost: The EV charge is included with the parking service when you pre-book the “EV Charging” option. APH typically offers two packages: ~£39.99 for a ~30 kWh charge or ~£59.99 for ~60 kWh, added on top of your parking fee (these prices were reported by third-party sources). The guide indicates that any charges for the electricity are rolled into your parking booking.
   • Payment: Pre-book via APH’s website or phone, select the EV charging add-on. No payment on site is needed except for any due balance on your booking.
   • Additional Details: How it works: You leave your car with at least ~5% battery upon drop-off (required), supply your own charging cable (Type 2), and APH staff will plug it in after you depart. They perform one charging session (usually right after you drop off), then move your car to storage. When you return, the car has gained the promised charge and is ready for you. This service is great for travellers who want peace of mind and to avoid searching for a charger after a long flight.

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2. Gatwick South Terminal, Orange Short Stay Car Park
   • Location: Short Stay Orange Car Park (Level 1), Gatwick South Terminal
   • Distance from Airport: On Airport (South Terminal)
   • Provider/Network: Pod Point
   • Valet or Self-Park: Valet service, typically used by Gatwick’s official Valet Parking for charging customers’ cars, though the chargers are standard and could be self-used if accessible.
   • Connector Types: Type 2 (7–22 kW AC) and Tesla connectors (Tesla Destination chargers)
   • Number of Connectors: 4
   • Power: Up to 22 kW (fast AC charging)
   • Cost: £0.25 per kWh (one of the cheapest rates on-airport)
   • Payment: Pod Point app required to initiate charge
   • Additional Charges: Standard short-stay parking fees apply while parked/charging. (Note: Short Stay parking at Gatwick can be pricey for long durations, so this is best for short top-ups rather than all-day charging.)

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3. Gatwick North Terminal, Short Stay Car Park
   • Location: Short Stay Car Park (Podium level), Gatwick North Terminal, Horley, RH6 0PJ
   • Distance from Airport: On Airport (North Terminal)
   • Provider/Network: Pod Point
   • Valet or Self-Park: Valet service, Similar to the South Terminal, these units are often used by the airport’s valet team to charge cars on request.
   • Connector Types: Type 2 and Tesla (Destination)
   • Number of Connectors: 4
   • Power: Up to 22 kW
   • Cost: £0.25 per kWh (same Pod Point pricing as South Terminal)
   • Payment: Pod Point app
   • Additional Charges: Short-stay parking charges may apply (if you’re not using a valet service).

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4. London Gatwick Supercharger (Tesla)
   • Location: Within the Gatwick Electric Forecourt, Ring Road South, Crawley, RH6 0NT (near South Terminal)
   • Distance from Airport: On Airport
   • Provider: Tesla (Supercharger station at Gatwick)
   • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve (drivers plug in themselves; for Tesla vehicles only)
   • Compatible Vehicles: Tesla cars only (this on-site Supercharger is dedicated to Tesla; non-Tesla CCS access is not available here as of the latest info)
   • Connector Type: Tesla CCS Combo (Tesla proprietary connector for Model 3/Y or CCS for others if allowed)
   • Number of Connectors: 4 stalls
   • Power: Up to 250 kW (ultra-rapid DC charging)
   • Cost: £0.37–£0.47 per kWh (Tesla’s variable pricing: ~37p off-peak, ~47p peak times)
   • Payment: Plug-and-charge (billing through Tesla account, just plug in, no card/app swipe needed for Tesla owners)
   • Additional Charges: Located in the forecourt area, if you’re just using the Supercharger, the parking is typically free for the charging session’s duration, but standard forecourt parking fees might apply if you stay beyond charging (check signage).

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5. Gatwick Airport Electric Forecourt (GRIDSERVE)
   • Location: Gatwick Airport (Ring Road South, adjacent to the South Terminal), Crawley, RH6 0NT
   • Distance from Airport: On Airport
   • Provider/Network: GRIDSERVE Electric Highway (in partnership with Gatwick Airport)
   • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve, drive in and plug in at an available bay
   • Connector Types: CCS Combo (primary for rapid DC charging; CHAdeMO may also be available on some units) and a few AC Type 2 posts
   • Number of Connectors: 32 chargers in total (including ~22 ultra-rapid DC stalls, 4 fast AC posts, and 4 Tesla Superchargers)
   • Power: 22 kW, 50–100 kW, and up to 350 kW (range of charger speeds for different needs)
   • Cost: £0.79 per kWh for DC charging (flat rate for GRIDSERVE high-power chargers); AC charging (22 kW) may be lower (around £0.30–£0.40/kWh, if offered)
   • Payment: Contactless credit/debit card or GRIDSERVE app (contactless tap is supported on all chargers for ease)
   • Amenities: 24/7 access; on-site facilities include a coffee shop (Costa), convenience store, seating/lounge area, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi during staffed hours, making it a comfortable stop for drivers while the car charges.
   • Additional Charges: The forecourt has its own parking/charging bays, with no separate parking fee as long as you are actively charging. (Idle fees might apply if you remain parked after a charging session; always check charger info to avoid overstay fees.)

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6. Holiday Inn London Gatwick Airport
   • Location: Povey Cross Road, Horley, Surrey, RH6 0BA (Holiday Inn Gatwick hotel, approximately northwest of the airport)
   • Distance from Airport: ~1.5 miles
   • Provider/Network: BP Pulse
   • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve (hotel car park, you park and initiate a charge yourself via the app)
   • Connector Types: CHAdeMO, CCS Combo, and Type 2 (the site offers a mix of fast AC and rapid DC chargers)
   • Number of Connectors: 3 (likely one rapid dual-head and one or two fast posts)
   • Power: 43 kW AC / 50 kW DC (supports both AC fast charging and 50 kW DC rapid on CCS/CHAdeMO)
   • Cost: BP Pulse pricing tiers, Fast AC: ~£0.59 per kWh, Rapid DC: ~£0.79 per kWh, Ultra-rapid: £0.85 per kWh (if an ultra-rapid were available). + £10 overstay fee for staying plugged in beyond the charging session on rapid/ultra-rapid (usually after ~90 minutes).
   • Payment: BP Pulse app (account required) or RFID card for subscribers. Contactless may not be available on older BP Pulse units, so having the app ready is advised.
   • Additional Charges: Hotel parking charges may apply to use the car park (check with the hotel if fees are waived for EV charging). If you’re a guest at the hotel, inquire about any discounts or validation for charging.

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7. Tesco Extra Gatwick
   • Location: Reigate Road, Hookwood, Horley, Surrey, RH6 0AT (Tesco Extra superstore near Gatwick)
   • Distance from Airport: ~1.6 miles
   • Provider/Network: Pod Point (charging units located in Tesco car park)
   • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve (public supermarket car park)
   • Connector Types: Type 2 (7 kW) and Tesla (Destination), typically dual 7 kW posts that have a Tesla-specific plug on one side and a Type 2 on the other
   • Number of Connectors: 4
   • Power: Up to 7 kW (slow/fast charging while you shop)
   • Cost: £0.44–£0.49 per kWh for standard (fast) charging, and £0.62–£0.69 per kWh for the one rapid charger (if available). (Often, Tesco offers free 7 kW charging at some locations, but at this Gatwick Extra store, it appears they charge a fee per kWh; check the Pod Point app for the latest pricing.)
   • Payment: Pod Point app (scan the QR code on the charger or select the location in-app to start the session)
   • Additional Charges: Parking: 3-hour limit in Tesco car park (enforced), but parking is free. This is usually plenty of time for a decent charge while shopping or waiting, but avoid overstaying to prevent penalties.

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8. Stark (Sentinel) House, Horley
   • Location: 1012 Massetts Road, Horley, Surrey, RH6 7DE (near Horley town, often known as Stark or Sentinel House)
   • Distance from Airport: ~1.9 miles
   • Provider/Network: Other (a private or lesser-known network; possibly a workplace or apartment charger setup)
   • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve (likely a public accessible charger, though not a major brand)
   • Connector Types: Type 2 (and possibly Tesla Destination)
   • Number of Connectors: 6
   • Power: Mix of 7 kW and 22 kW AC available
   • Payment: An RFID card or specific app is required to access these chargers. (You might need to be a member of a certain network or obtain an access card, check Zap-Map or the charger signage for instructions.)
   • Cost: £0.47 per kWh, plus a £0.50 connection fee per session.
   • Additional Charges: Likely normal parking fees or time limits apply if in a private car park (the info suggests parking charges may apply here).

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9. Victoria Road Car Park, Horley
   • Location: 129–131 Victoria Road, Horley, Surrey, RH6 7AS (public car park in Horley town centre)
   • Distance from Airport: ~2.1 miles
   • Provider/Network: BP Pulse
   • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve (public car park with EV bays)
   • Connector Types: Type 2 (fast AC), possibly Tesla Destination as well (often BP Pulse dual units have one tethered CCS or CHAdeMO and one AC socket, but the listing suggests only AC?)
   • Number of Connectors: 4
   • Power: 7.2 kW AC and 22 kW AC (likely a mix of power levels on different posts)
   • Cost: Fast AC: ~£0.59 per kWh; Rapid DC: ~£0.79 per kWh; Ultra-rapid: £0.85 per kWh, plus £10 overstay fee on rapid/ultra if you exceed the grace period. (These are standard BP Pulse rates; however, this particular site may only have AC chargers, so £0.59/kWh might be the relevant rate.)
   • Payment: BP Pulse app (or RFID card for subscribers). If a contactless card reader is present (some newer BP Pulse chargers have them), you could pay by card for a one-off session.
   • Additional Charges: Parking fees for the Victoria Road car park will apply. Horley car parks charge hourly; check the tariff on arrival or via the Ringo app code for that car park.

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10. Gatwick House (ChargePoint Network)
    • Location: Peeks Brook Lane, Horley, Surrey, RH6 9ST (an area with some business units and possibly an EV forecourt known as “Gatwick House”)
    • Distance from Airport: ~4 miles
    • Provider/Network: ChargePoint (US-based network, but has some UK installations, requires the ChargePoint app)
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve
    • Connector Types: Type 2 (and possibly Tesla Destination)
    • Number of Connectors: 6
    • Power: Up to 7 kW AC
    • Cost: Not explicitly listed, charges apply, see app for details. (This suggests you must check the ChargePoint app for the current pricing; it could vary or require membership. Often 7 kW ChargePoint units might charge around £0.30-£0.40/kWh or a session fee, but confirm in the app.)
    • Payment: ChargePoint app or contactless (if the station supports contactless, as some newer ChargePoint stations do). The listing indicates contactless credit/debit is accepted here, which is convenient for ad-hoc use.
    • Additional Charges: Likely in a private car park, any parking fees would be signposted. If it’s a business location, access might be restricted at certain hours.

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11. CAE Training & Services UK Ltd (Crawley)
    • Location: Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9UH (this is a workplace car park for CAE, a training centre)
    • Distance from Airport: ~4 miles
    • Provider/Network: Mer (formerly known as Polar or NewMotion in some contexts; Mer is a Scandinavian network expanding in the UK)
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve (assuming public can access outside of business hours, but it’s primarily for employees)
    • Connector Types: Type 2 (likely untethered sockets) and possibly Tesla (if any)
    • Number of Connectors: 8
    • Power: 7 kW AC (standard charging speed, suitable for long stays)
    • Cost: Not available (n/a), this could mean charging is free for authorised users (e.g. employees) or just that the info wasn’t provided. If it is a Mer network station open to the public, typically costs might be around £0.30-£0.40/kWh on AC.
    • Payment: Mer app, web app, or RFID card. (Mer requires an account or one-time payment via their web portal if you scan a QR code.)
    • Additional Charges: As a workplace car park, general public use might be restricted. If accessible, parking might be free while charging. Be mindful that this location is slightly off the beaten path for travellers and may not be intended for public use.

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12. Gatwick (County Oak) Tesla Supercharger
    • Location: County Oak Retail Park area, County Oak Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 7ST (near the Tesla Gatwick service centre)
    • Distance from Airport: ~4.2 miles
    • Provider: Tesla (Public Supercharger site)
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve
    • Compatible Vehicles: Initially Tesla-only, but now open to non-Tesla EVs with CCS in Tesla’s pilot programme (check the Tesla app for access; this site is listed as open to other EVs).
    • Connector Type: Tesla CCS2 Supercharger stalls
    • Number of Connectors: 8
    • Power: Up to 250 kW
    • Cost: For Teslas, around £0.61 per kWh (exact price can vary by time of day). For non-Tesla vehicles (if using the Tesla app to charge), pricing is typically higher, roughly £0.62 per kWh, or lower (~£0.32-£0.40) if you pay £8-£10/month for a Tesla charging membership. Always check the Tesla app for current rates before charging.
    • Payment: Tesla account (via Tesla app), non-Tesla drivers must use the Tesla app to activate a stall and pay by adding a payment method in-app. Tesla owners are billed through their car/accounts automatically.
    • Additional Charges: Located in a retail park area, usually with free parking, while charging. Idle fees apply for Tesla Superchargers if you remain parked after charging is complete (to encourage you to move once done, fees can be around £0.50 per minute if the station is at least half full).

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13. Basepoint Business Centre, Crawley
    • Location: Metcalf Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 7XX (Basepoint Business Centre in Crawley)
    • Distance from Airport: ~4.3 miles
    • Provider/Network: Mer
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve (business park car park, likely accessible to the public outside of peak hours)
    • Connector Types: CCS Combo (DC rapid chargers, possibly with CHAdeMO)
    • Number of Connectors: 2
    • Power: 25 kW DC (this appears to be a semi-rapid charger; 25 kW is uncommon but suggests a DC charger that’s slower than typical 50 kW)
    • Cost: ~£0.56 per kWh for “Fast” (up to 25 kW), and £0.78 per kWh if there were a rapid option. (The listing shows 56p/78p, which likely corresponds to this site’s rates on Mer.)
    • Payment: Mer app, web app, or RFID card; contactless or debit card is also accepted here (good for one-off use).
    • Additional Charges: Parking charges may apply if enforced (likely not, as it’s a private business lot, but best to use only when visiting the site or during off-peak times to be considerate).

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14. Tesco Extra Crawley (Three Bridges)
    • Location: Hazelwick Avenue, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1GY (Tesco Extra in Three Bridges area of Crawley)
    • Distance from Airport: ~4.3 miles
    • Provider/Network: Pod Point
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve (supermarket car park)
    • Connector Types: Type 2 and Tesla (likely similar setup to Tesco Gatwick Extra)
    • Number of Connectors: 4
    • Power: Mix of 3.6 kW and 7 kW (some older Tesco sites have a couple of 3 kW sockets, but generally up to 7 kW)
    • Cost: ~£0.44–£0.49 per kWh for standard charge, ~£0.62–£0.69 per kWh for rapid (if a rapid charger is available at this location). Often, the Tesco/Pod Point partnership offers free 7 kW charging for the first 3 hours, but according to the guide, charges apply here, so check the app.
    • Payment: Pod Point app
    • Additional Charges: Parking is free for Tesco customers (time limits may apply, e.g. 3 hours free). This is a convenient option if you’re staying or living in Crawley and need a top-up while shopping, though less likely to be used by someone flying from Gatwick due to the distance.

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15. Motorline Gatwick (Hyundai Dealership)
    • Location: Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9JW (Motorline Hyundai dealership near Manor Royal business area)
    • Distance from Airport: ~4.5 miles
    • Provider/Network: Hyundai (Dealership chargers)
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve, but you must report to reception upon arrival. (Since this is a car dealership, they allow use of their chargers as a courtesy.)
    • Connector Types: Type 2 (possibly tethered or untethered units on the wall or free-standing), Tesla owners might also be able to use Type 2 here with an adapter, but these are not Tesla-specific chargers.
    • Number of Connectors: 2
    • Power: 7 kW AC
    • Cost: Free for users. (Motorline offers complimentary charging, mainly intended for Hyundai EV customers, but others have reported being allowed to charge.)
    • Payment: N/A, no app or card needed. The staff will enable the charger for you after you check in.
    • Additional Charges: Free parking while charging for eligible users. It’s polite to patronise the dealership or at least ask permission, as this is not a public charger in the traditional sense. Hours will be limited to dealership opening times (e.g. roughly 8 am–6 pm on weekdays, shorter on weekends).

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16. Q-Park Gatwick Airport (Purple Parking Charging Hub)
    • Location: Charlwood Road (at the Purple Parking site), Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 0QB
    • Distance from Airport: ~4.5 miles
    • Provider/Network: BP Pulse (Q-Park’s EV area is operated by BP Pulse)
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve, this is a public charging hub within a private parking facility. You can drive in specifically to charge.
    • Connector Types: Wide variety: CCS Combo (for DC rapid), CHAdeMO (DC rapid), and Type 2 (AC) connectors available.
    • Number of Connectors: 21 in total (the site has multiple fast and rapid chargers, hence a high connector count)
    • Power: 43 kW AC, 50 kW DC, 100 kW DC, and 150 kW DC, covering fast, rapid, and ultra-rapid options. (The 43 kW is likely a rapid AC for older Renault Zoe, etc., and 50/100/150 kW are DC rates.)
    • Cost: BP Pulse standard rates, £0.59/kWh for “Fast” (likely the 43 kW AC), £0.79/kWh for 50 kW rapids, £0.85/kWh for ultra-rapid 150 kW. Overstay fee: £19 if you stay beyond the allowed time on an ultra-rapid charger (usually, if you exceed ~60 minutes on 150 kW, a fee kicks in).
    • Payment: BP Pulse app or RFID. Additionally, a contactless bank card can be used on the newer units (especially the 150 kW ones) at this Q-Park hub.
    • Additional Charges: The parking is free while you charge at Purple Parking’s EV hub; you do not need to be a parking customer. Just inform the staff (if any) that you’re there to charge. It’s open 24/7. Once your session is done, you should depart to avoid parking charges or overstay fees.

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17. Stanhill Court Hotel
    • Location: Stanhill Court, Stanhill (near Charlwood), Horley, Surrey, RH6 0EP
    • Distance from Airport: ~5 miles
    • Provider/Network: EVC (EV Charging network, often found at hotels)
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve (hotel car park, likely for patrons but may allow public use via app)
    • Connector Types: Type 2 (hotel destination chargers)
    • Number of Connectors: 2
    • Power: 22 kW (three-phase AC, so if your car can AC charge that fast, you get a rapid-ish charge; otherwise it will charge at the onboard charger limit, e.g. 7 or 11 kW)
    • Cost: £0.50 connection fee (one-off per plug-in), then £0.55 per kWh.
    • Payment: EVC Plus app (download required to start the charge). Possibly also available via partners like Zap-Pay, but check the EVC app.
    • Additional Charges: If you are not a hotel guest, check with reception about parking; there may be a small fee or requirement to register your car’s plate to avoid a fine. Hotel guests can likely charge and park overnight as part of their stay (with pay-per-use charging costs as above).

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18. Blackbird Court, Crawley
    • Location: Blackbird Court, Nightingale Close, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 7QE (residential area in Bewbush, Crawley)
    • Distance from Airport: ~5.5 miles
    • Provider/Network: Connected Kerb (community charging scheme often installed in residential streets or car parks)
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve (publicly accessible on-street style chargers)
    • Connector Types: Type 2 (usually 7 kW lamppost or bollard-style chargers)
    • Number of Connectors: 6
    • Power: 7.36 kW (standard fast AC)
    • Cost: £0.50 per kWh (via Connected Kerb app), or £0.53 per kWh if using Zap-Pay as a roaming option.
    • Payment: Connected Kerb app or RFID card; also compatible with Zap-Pay for those who use the Zap-Map unified payment system.
    • Additional Charges: Parking likely on the street or in a small lot, usually free parking while charging, but always observe local signs. These chargers are aimed at residents without driveways, but they are available to the public 24/7.

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19. Ifield Drive, Crawley
    • Location: 72 Ifield Drive, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 0BT (another residential area in Crawley, Ifield)
    • Distance from Airport: ~5.6 miles
    • Provider/Network: Connected Kerb
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve
    • Connector Types: Type 2
    • Number of Connectors: 6
    • Power: 7.36 kW
    • Cost: £0.50 per kWh (Connected Kerb app), £0.53 per kWh via Zap-Pay
    • Payment: Connected Kerb app/RFID, or Zap-Pay
    • Additional Charges: Similar to Blackbird Court, on-street style parking. No fee to park apart from the energy cost, but be courteous and don’t occupy the bay if not charging.

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20. Parham Road, Crawley
    • Location: Parham Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH11 0ER (residential street in Langley Green area of Crawley)
    • Distance from Airport: ~6 miles
    • Provider/Network: Connected Kerb
    • Valet or Self-Park: Self-serve
    • Connector Types: Type 2
    • Number of Connectors: 6
    • Power: 7.36 kW
    • Cost: £0.50 per kWh, £0.53 per kWh via Zap-Pay
    • Payment: Connected Kerb app/RFID, or Zap-Pay
    • Additional Charges: On-street parking while charging. These community chargers are intended for local use but can be used by anyone in need of a charge. As it’s a bit farther from Gatwick, this might only be useful if you have business in Crawley or are visiting someone and can charge meanwhile.

As you can see, Gatwick has a wide array of EV charging points, from on-airport rapid chargers to slower, inexpensive chargers around the local area. Next, we’ll go through some tips to help EV travellers using Gatwick Airport get the most out of these options, and we’ll highlight which charging locations offer the best value depending on your needs.

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Tips for EV Travellers Flying from Gatwick

Charging an electric car before or after a flight requires a bit of planning. Here are some practical tips to ensure a hassle-free experience for EV drivers at Gatwick Airport:

• Plan Your Charging Strategy: Before heading to Gatwick, decide when and where you’ll charge. If you only need a top-up, you might use the short-stay car park chargers or the GRIDSERVE forecourt right at the airport. For a full charge during a week-long trip, consider an off-airport service with charging (like APH Park & Ride) so your car charges while you’re away. Use tools like Zap-Map or PlugShare to check real-time charger availability and plan backups in case your first choice is busy.
• Know Gatwick’s Official Parking Options: Gatwick’s Long Stay car parks currently do NOT have EV chargers installed. So if you park long-term on-airport, you shouldn’t count on charging there. However, Gatwick Valet Parking (available at both North and South Terminals) does offer EV charging for a fee if pre-booked. With the valet service, staff will give your car a ~2-hour session on a 22 kW charger while you’re gone, enough to add roughly 40+ kWh, which suits most EVs. This is a convenient on-site solution for long trips, albeit at an extra cost on top of valet parking.
• Bring Your Charging Cable: Many chargers, especially 7 kW AC posts (Type 2), require you to use your own cable (Type 2 to Type 2) to connect your car. For instance, the Pod Point units at Gatwick’s short stay and Tesco car parks need your cable; they don’t have tethered leads. Likewise, if you use the APH Park & Ride service, you must leave your Type 2 cable with the car so they can plug it in. Always have your cables in the boot before heading off.
• Install Essential Charging Apps Beforehand: Different networks operate around Gatwick. Download and set up accounts for Pod Point, BP Pulse, Tesla, ChargePoint, Mer, and Connected Kerb as needed. Having these apps ready to go (with payment details loaded) will save you time at the charger. Some networks also offer RFID cards, which can be more convenient if you use them frequently.
• Check Payment Methods: Not all chargers take contactless credit cards, especially some older units. The new Gatwick GRIDSERVE ones do, as do the BP Pulse ultra-rapids at Q-Park, but others (like Pod Point and older BP Pulse AC posts) usually require an app. Make sure you know what payment is needed for the specific charger: for example, Pod Point = app only, Tesla Supercharger = Tesla account only, Connected Kerb = app or RFID, BP Pulse = app/RFID (sometimes contactless on new ones). Having a backup (e.g. RFID card) can help if the mobile signal is poor.
• Time Your Charge with Your Schedule: If you plan to use an on-airport charger, consider arriving a bit earlier than usual to allow time for charging. For example, you could spend an hour in the short-stay car park to gain some battery percentage (perhaps while waiting for a friend or grabbing a coffee) before moving your car to a long-term lot. Also, if you’re coming off a flight with a low battery, you might stop at the Gatwick forecourt or a nearby rapid charger right after landing so you’re not stressing about finding one later. Gatwick’s 24/7 forecourt or the 150 kW Q-Park hub are great for a quick boost on the way in or out.
• Avoid Idle and Overstay Fees: Some rapid chargers impose fees if you stay plugged in after the charge is complete (to encourage turnover). At Gatwick, the BP Pulse rapids (e.g. Q-Park) charge £10–£19 for overstaying, and the Tesla Superchargers also charge idle fees if the station is busy. Keep an eye on your charging session and move your car promptly when finished to avoid these extra charges.
• Consider Weather and Range: Gatwick is in the south of England, and cold weather can reduce your EV’s range. In winter, plan for a bit more charge than you think you need. If your car will be parked outdoors for a week in the cold, leave it with around 50% charge or more (batteries lose a little charge in very cold conditions). Using a service like APH that charges your car can be helpful in winter, you’ll return to a warm battery and full range.
• Emergency Backup Options: In case your intended charger is occupied or out of service, identify a second-choice location. For instance, if the GRIDSERVE forecourt is unexpectedly busy, you could pop over to the Q-Park hub (4.5 miles away), which has many stations. Or if a Pod Point unit isn’t working, perhaps a BP Pulse nearby could do. Having a backup plan will reduce stress.

Following these tips will help ensure you have a smooth experience with EV charging at Gatwick Airport from departure to arrival.

Best Value Picks for EV Charging Near Gatwick

With so many options available, here are some of the top picks for value when it comes to charging your electric car at or around Gatwick Airport. “Best value” can mean cheapest price, most convenient, or best combination of cost and convenience. Depending on your situation, consider the following:

• Free Charging, Motorline Hyundai Gatwick: If cost is your primary concern, the Motorline Gatwick dealership offers free charging at 7 kW. This is a great value, you pay £0 for energy, but it comes with conditions: it’s ~4.5 miles from the airport, only available during dealership hours, and you should seek permission. It’s ideal if you have some time before or after your trip (perhaps if you’re staying overnight nearby or have someone who can wait with the car). For example, you could drop by Motorline in the morning, get a few hours of free charge while grabbing lunch, then head to your flight. Just remember to be courteous since they’re doing EV drivers a favour.
• Cheapest On-Airport kWh Rate, Gatwick Short Stay Car Parks (Pod Point): At 25p/kWh, the Pod Point chargers in Gatwick’s short stay car parks (South Orange or North Terminal) have the lowest energy cost on airport. If you only need a quick top-up of, say, 20 kWh (~£5), this is fantastic value. The catch is the parking fee: short stay parking isn’t free, so this is most valuable for a brief charging session (perhaps 1–2 hours max). In an hour on a 22 kW post, you might add ~7–22 kWh (depending on your car’s AC capability), costing only a few pounds in electricity, even adding the ~£8 parking fee for an hour, it’s still not bad for, say, ~100 miles of range gained. For longer charges, though, the parking cost will outweigh the cheap electricity. Tip: Use these if you arrive early or are being picked up/dropped off and have time to kill. You can’t beat the per-kWh price.
• High-Speed Value, Tesla Superchargers: Tesla owners have a distinct advantage at Gatwick. The on-site Tesla Supercharger (South Terminal forecourt) and the nearby County Oak Supercharger offer rapid charging (250 kW) at prices as low as 37p/kWh off-peak. That’s significantly cheaper than most other rapid chargers (which are ~60–85p). If you drive a Tesla, definitely consider juicing up at one of these before parking or upon return. Even 10 minutes of charging can add a hefty chunk of range. Non-Tesla drivers: the County Oak site is open to you as well (via the Tesla app), at around 60p/kWh, not the cheapest, but the speed and reliable Tesla experience could be worth it if you need a quick charge and other stations are busy.
• Supermarket Charging with Perks, Tesco Extra Gatwick: The Tesco Extra near Gatwick offers moderate charging prices (from 44p/kWh), but the hidden value is the free 3-hour parking. If you have time before your flight or after landing (maybe your flight arrives late and you’d rather avoid rush hour traffic), you could park at Tesco, plug in, and either do a bit of shopping or relax. You’ll pay for the electricity, but not for parking. Over 3 hours on a 7 kW, you could add roughly 20+ kWh, enough for ~60-80 miles, for under £10, all while perhaps enjoying a coffee inside. It’s a leisurely but cost-effective way to ensure you have enough charge.
• Park & Ride Convenience, APH with EV Charging: For travellers leaving their car for days, APH’s Park & Ride with charging is a top value pick in terms of convenience for money. While you pay an extra fee for the charge service, it’s competitively priced (roughly £40 for ~30 kWh, which is ~£1.33/kWh, or £60 for 60 kWh at £1/kWh, higher than public charger rates, but you’re paying for the convenience) and you also get secure parking and a shuttle. The real value here is intangible: peace of mind. You skip having to find a charger after a long trip; your car is taken care of by professionals and is ready to go on your return. For many, that worry-free return is worth the cost. If you have a long journey home from Gatwick, this option can save you a stop at a service station later (which might cost nearly as much in ultra-rapid fees anyway).
• Best All-Round Hub, Gatwick’s GRIDSERVE Forecourt: If we consider both speed and amenities for value, the Gatwick Electric Forecourt is a winner. At 79p/kWh, it’s not the cheapest per unit energy, but you get ultra-fast charging (minutes versus hours) and the value of facilities: you can grab a meal or get some work done on Wi-Fi while you charge, all just steps from the terminal. For a traveller in a hurry, the time saved is worth money. And compared to, say, a motorway service stop, the price is on par, and you’re already at the airport. So if you need a quick heavy charge (e.g. you arrive at Gatwick nearly empty and need 80% battery fast), this is the go-to spot for value in time and convenience.

Each EV driver’s definition of “value” may differ; some prioritise cost above all, others convenience or time. Gatwick, fortunately, has options spanning the spectrum. A bit of planning will help you choose the charging solution that best fits your budget and schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gatwick Airport Electric Car Charging

By following this guide and the tips above, EV drivers can confidently navigate Gatwick Airport’s charging points and ensure their electric cars are charged and ready for the journey ahead. Gatwick’s growing EV infrastructure, from airport parking with EV charging to high-speed forecourts, is making sustainable travel easier than ever for British travellers. Safe travels and happy charging!

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide and on the interactive map is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Charging point details, including availability, costs, connector types, and access arrangements, are subject to change without notice. Drivers are strongly advised to check the latest live status and pricing using the relevant charging network’s official app or website before travelling. APH does not operate any of the charging stations listed and cannot accept responsibility for any changes, disruptions, or fees incurred.