Electric Vehicles & Airport Parking: What You Need to Know

You’ve packed your bags, charged your car, and booked your flight. Everything’s ready. But there’s one crucial thing to check before you go. Will your airport have the right parking for your electric vehicle?

Many EV drivers ask this same question. As more people in Australia switch to electric vehicles, airports continue to struggle to keep up. Information about charging stations is often incomplete or outdated. This can make planning stressful.

Park & Fly is a great starting point. They offer parking services designed with EV drivers in mind, which helps you travel with less worry.

This article will guide you through what to expect, where to find charging stations, and how to avoid last-minute surprises. For a hassle-free trip, read on.

Do Australian Airports Have EV Charging?

Yes, some Australian airports do offer electric vehicle (EV) charging, but the experience isn’t always easy or reliable.

If you’re flying out of Brisbane or Melbourne, you’re in luck. These airports offer Level 2 chargers in certain parking zones. Sydney Airport also has a few chargers available, though primarily through valet or premium parking. But if you’re travelling through a regional airport, you might not find any EV support at all.

The challenge is that there’s no standard setup. Some chargers are placed right near the terminal, while others are tucked away in long-stay areas. Booking sites often don’t show these details, and signs on-site can leave you guessing. That can be stressful when you’re trying to catch a flight.

You might end up in a situation like one Brisbane traveller, who arrived with time to spare but lost 15 minutes calling staff to find the EV charger they’d already booked.

To avoid that kind of hassle, plan. PlugShare lets you check if your airport has chargers, view photos of their locations, and receive live updates from other drivers.

How to Find and Book EV Airport Parking Before You Fly

You can find and book EV airport parking, but it often takes a bit of extra effort.

Most airports don’t let you reserve a charging bay directly. Even if you book your parking online, the EV spots are usually first-come, first-served. This means you could arrive and find all the chargers in use, even if you planned.

To give yourself the best chance, check a few key things before you leave:

• What type of charger is available? Does your electric vehicle (EV) require a fast charger or a standard one?
  
• Where is the charger located? Some are close to the terminal, others might be in long-term car parks.
  
• Whether EV charging is included: Not all bookings include it automatically.

You should also call the parking provider directly to confirm details. Ask them if chargers are available, where to find them, and if there’s signage or support staff to help.

Tip: Use Chargefox to check which chargers are near your airport. It provides real-time updates, compatibility information, and reviews from other electric vehicle (EV) drivers.

EV Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Drive to the Airport

Planning can make your airport trip much easier. If you’ve ever arrived to find a charger blocked, broken, or simply hard to locate, you’ll know how quickly stress can build.

A few simple checks before you leave home can save you time, avoid last-minute changes, and help you travel with confidence. Here’s what to check before you leave:

• Charge your EV to at least 80%: Even if you expect to top up at the airport, having a full battery gives you a buffer in case chargers are full or not working.
  
• Pack your charging cable and any required adapters, as not all chargers are compatible with all vehicles. Carrying your own cable and plug adapters gives you more flexibility.
  
• Know your backup options: If your airport charger is unavailable, do you know of a nearby public charger or another car park with EV charging support?
  
• Leave a note for the staff if needed: Some travellers write a short message asking staff to plug in their car if a spot opens up later. It’s a thoughtful step that can help when you’re away.

These small steps don’t require much time, but they can make your day hassle-free. With a bit of planning, you’ll arrive at the airport feeling calm, prepared, and ready to travel.

Travel Smarter with the Right EV Parking Plan

Before you head off on your next trip, take a few minutes to plan your EV parking. Double-check what’s available at your departure airport, pack your charging essentials, and ensure you’ve researched alternatives in case the chargers are full.

A smooth airport experience begins with accurate information and thoughtful preparation. Whether it’s business or a holiday, having your EV sorted lets you focus on what matters most.

If you’re ready to travel with less stress, visit Park & Fly to see your EV-friendly parking options.