George best Belfast City Airport outranks Heathrow and Manchester in EV-friendliness
George Best Belfast City Airport ranks joint 4th nationally – ten places above London Heathrow
Belfast International and City of Derry rank joint last – highlighting the uneven picture across Northern Ireland's airports
New index helps travellers plan smoother journeys
George Best Belfast City Airport has outranked London Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham in a new national index of airports for EV drivers, in a result that also highlights the uneven state of EV provision across Northern Ireland's airports.
The Airport EV Readiness Index from Drax Electric Vehicles highlights the growing number of airports improving their EV offering, while helping drivers plan ahead where provision is still developing.
BELFAST CITY OUTPERFORMS THE BIG NAMES
George Best Belfast City Airport scored 15 out of 20 in the inaugural Airport EV Readiness Index, placing it joint fourth. The airport earned maximum marks for onsite charging and website guidance, with 12 charging bays and clear information for drivers.
The result places it well ahead of London Heathrow, the UK's busiest airport, which ranked 14th with a score of 9, having no official onsite charging. Manchester (joint 17th, 5/20) and Birmingham (16th, 7/20) also scored lower overall.
The contrast within Northern Ireland is equally striking. BelfastInternational and City of Derry both ranked joint last out of 25 airports with a score of just 1, offering no onsite charging and no usable website guidance. Drivers using either airport are advised to charge fully before travelling and to identify nearby public charge points in advance.
MORE CHOICE FOR DRIVERS
Overall, 15 of the UK's 25 major airports now offer official onsite EV charging, giving drivers more options than ever before when planning their journey.
Even where onsite charging is limited, many airports are improving guidance and directing drivers to nearby public charging networks.
REAL PROGRESS, WITH MORE TO COME
Naomi Nye, an EV expert at Drax Energy Services, said:
"George Best Belfast City Airport's result is impressive. Twelve bays, strong guidance, and a score that beats Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham. It shows that the size of an airport is no barrier to getting EV provision right, and Belfast City has done exactly that."
"Northern Ireland's airports tell two very different stories. BelfastCity has made real strides in supporting EV drivers, and that's reflected in its ranking. For drivers travelling through Belfast International or City of Derry, a bit of planning will go a long way. Charging before you set off, checking nearby public charge points, or choosing a meet and greet service that includes charging can all help ensure a smooth journey.”
TOP 10 UK AIRPORTS FOR EV DRIVERS
1. Edinburgh
2=. London City
2=. Aberdeen
4=. Liverpool John Lennon
4=. London Gatwick
4=. Bristol
4=. George Best Belfast City
8=. East Midlands
8=. London Luton
10=. Glasgow