<h3><strong>The Three Main EV Parking Options in the UK</strong></h3><p>Airport parking providers have responded to the EV surge by offering three distinct services, each with different levels of convenience and cost:</p><ol><li><strong>Dedicated EV Bays (Self-Park):</strong> Found in official Long Stay or Short Stay car parks (e.g., at Gatwick or Heathrow). You park and plug in your own car.</li></ol><ul><li><strong>Pro:</strong> Full control over your charging session.</li><li><strong>Con:</strong> High demand means these spots are often limited and may not guarantee a full charge upon return, as the session stops when the battery is full.</li></ul><ol><li><strong>Meet & Greet EV Charging Package:</strong> This is the most popular solution. You drop your car at the terminal, and the operator moves it to a secure facility to be charged for you.</li></ol><ul><li><strong>Pro:</strong> Absolute convenience; your car is returned fully charged for a guaranteed fixed fee.</li><li><strong>Con:</strong> Requires trust in the operator moving your car. <em>Always</em> check for <strong>Park Mark</strong> accreditation (see blog #3!).</li></ul><ol><li><strong>Nearby Charging Hubs:</strong> Charging facilities just outside the airport perimeter (e.g., Gridserve stations near some major airports).</li></ol><ul><li><strong>Pro:</strong> Excellent rapid charging speeds.</li><li><strong>Con:</strong> Requires an extra stop on your way to or from the airport, adding stress and time.</li></ul><h3><strong>The Truth About EV Charging Costs in Parking</strong></h3><p>When comparing prices, be aware of how the charging fee is applied:</p><ul><li><strong>Flat Rate Package:</strong> Many Meet & Greet operators charge a single, all-inclusive fee (e.g., £25–£45) to charge the car to 100% at some point during your stay. This is the simplest option.</li><li><strong>Standard Tariff:</strong> Official airport car parks typically charge the <strong>standard public tariff</strong> of the installed charging network (e.g., Pod Point, BP Pulse). You pay for the energy consumed, plus the cost of the parking space itself.</li></ul><h3><strong>A Key Question to Ask Before Booking</strong></h3><p>Before confirming your booking, always verify: <strong>“Is the charging guaranteed, and will the car be full upon my return?”</strong></p><ul><li><em>Self-Park</em> often means <em>first-come, first-served</em> for the physical bay.</li><li><em>Meet & Greet</em> packages <em>should</em> guarantee a full charge as part of the service agreement.</li></ul><h3><strong>Booking Tip: Use EV Filters for Peace of Mind</strong></h3><p>The demand for EV charging is only rising, and available bays sell out quickly. When using a booking platform:</p><ol><li><strong>Select the ‘EV Charging’ filter</strong> immediately.</li><li><strong>Book the service that explicitly offers a charging package</strong> (usually a Meet & Greet option) to guarantee a full battery for your drive home.</li></ol><h3><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3><p>For stress-free travel with an electric car, the best solution is a guaranteed <strong>Meet & Greet EV Charging Package</strong> booked with a reputable, Park Mark accredited operator. Don’t leave your range anxiety to chance. <strong>Find and book your secure EV airport parking package</strong> right now on CompareParking.co.uk.</p>