At Heathrow, not all vehicles are treated equal. A brand-new electric Tesla has vastly different logistical requirements than a reliable 2012 Diesel SUV. If you apply a “one size fits all” approach to your airport parking, you risk either returning to a dead battery or being hit with unexpected ULEZ charges.
At Air Park Pro (APP), we believe in matching the service to the machine. In this guide, we break down the specific parking considerations for EV owners versus older car owners to ensure your 2026 travel is seamless and cost-effective.
Parking Considerations for Electric Vehicles (EVs)
If you are driving an electric car, your primary concern isn’t emissions—it’s energy management.
- Charging Availability: As we’ve noted in our Heathrow LHR page, official terminal parking often lacks reliable charging.
- Battery Health: Leaving an EV for 14 days in a cold Heathrow winter can result in “vampire drain.” You need to know that your car has enough range to get you home.
- The Convenience Factor: EV owners often prefer our “Business Class” approach. Having a driver meet you at the terminal means you don’t have to hunt for a charging station in the local area before your flight.
Parking Considerations for Older Vehicles
For “non-compliant” vehicles (typically petrol pre-2005 or diesel pre-2015), the focus shifts to cost mitigation.
- ULEZ Charges: Every drive inside the zone costs £12.50. You want a parking solution that minimizes the number of days your car is detected moving by ANPR cameras.
- Vehicle Movement: In a Meet & Greet setup, your car is moved by a driver. If this happens across multiple calendar days, it can trigger extra ULEZ fees.
- Long-Stay Sensitivity: Older cars are often used for family holidays where “Value for Money” is the priority. Finding a yard that offers a lower daily rate is essential to offset the ULEZ “entry/exit” tax.
Recommended Service” to “Recommended in most cases
| Feature | Best for EV Owners | Best for Older/Non-Compliant Cars |
| Recommended Service | Meet & Greet | Park & Ride |
| Key Benefit | Return to a fully charged car. | Minimize ULEZ detection/fees. |
| Primary Goal | Convenience & Energy Security. | Cost Savings & Compliance. |
| Price Tier | Business Class / Premium. | Economy / Value. |
How Air Park Pro Supports Both
We don’t just offer parking; we offer solutions tailored to your vehicle’s DNA.
- For the EV Owner: We provide Supervised EV Charging. Your car is moved to a charger shortly before your return, ensuring you drive away with a healthy battery level.
- For the Older Car Owner: We offer Strategic Park & Ride locations. Many of our partner yards are situated to provide the easiest access with the least amount of “Zone driving” required, keeping your ULEZ costs to the absolute minimum of £25 (Arrival + Departure).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book Meet & Greet for an older car?
Yes, you can! However, we advise you to be aware that if the driver moves your car between facilities on a different day than your flight, it may trigger an extra ULEZ charge. For older cars, Park & Ride remains the “safest” choice for your wallet.
Does Air Park Pro charge extra for EV handling?
Our Business Class tier often includes EV management. For other tiers, a small “Charging Add-on” covers the cost of electricity and the professional handling of your vehicle.