Dealer group Arnold Clark sets up EV rapid charging network at showrooms

One of the UK’s largest car dealer groups is installing more than 240 ultra-rapid EV charge points at its branches in England and Scotland, offering drivers another charging option when they’re on the road.

Arnold Clark Group is spending more than £30 million on the chargers, and is planning to double the number of chargers to 500, covering more than 100 locations in the UK – around half the group’s dealerships.

The plan is to have up to eight 150kW rapid chargers at Arnold Clark branches, accessible via the Arnold Clark app, which will allow customers to book safely and securely, with most sites accessible 24/7.

The chargers offer ultra-rapid charging at a rate of 55p/kWh, cheaper than many other national networks, which can charge more than 80p/kWh.

Eddie Hawthorne, chief executive of Arnold Clark, said: “As electric vehicles become more and more common on UK roads, we know that our charging infrastructure needs to develop and grow to meet these increasing demands.”

Customers need to download the Arnold Clark app, create an account or log in, and then sign up to Arnold Clark Charge. They can then book a charge at a time or place that suits them.

Arnold Clark Group has also partnered with home charge point installer Bumblebee to provide customers who buy a new or used EV from the dealerships with a range of home charging options.