Construction begins at London Gatwick’s electric forecourt site

Gatwick will be the UK’s first airport to host an electric forecourt. Credit: London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

The start of construction of an electric forecourt at London Gatwick Airport began on World EV Day (29 September 2022) at the first of its kind site. Located on the Ring Road South approach to London Gatwick’s South Terminal and adjacent to the M23, the London Gatwick Electric Forecourt will be the first in the world to be hosted at an international airport serving the tens of millions of passengers as well as staff, taxis and local communities.

Once completed, London Gatwick Electric Forecourt will enable 36 electric vehicles to be charged simultaneously, with High Power chargers that can deliver up to 350kW, capable of adding 100 miles of range in less than 10 minutes. Multiple charging connectors will cater for all types of electric vehicles with contactless payment accepted, making it easier than ever to charge. The site will also be supplied with 100 per cent renewable net-zero carbon energy generated by hybrid solar farms.

While charging, visitors can enjoy a coffee, a comfortable waiting lounge with free superfast Wi-Fi, convenience retail, children’s play area and a dedicated educational space to increase awareness around electric vehicles. The Electric Forecourt will include disabled parking, access ramps, accessible washrooms and lifts to access all areas to make easy charging accessible to all.

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, Gatwick Airport (LGW) commented: “It’s fantastic to see construction of the UK’s first airport-based electric charging forecourt get underway at London Gatwick. The new facility, opening next year, will provide passengers, staff, local residents, businesses and commuters with an excellent, state-of-the-art service.  It will also support London Gatwick’s sustainability targets, in line with VINCI Airports’ global environmental action plan to develop carbon-free energy for passengers and users – the first in the industry to be applied to a network of more than 50 airports in 11 countries.”