Arnold Clark opens dealer chargers to the public
Arnold Clark has opened its own EV charging network to the public for the first time.
The UK-wide car retail chain launched the £30 million Arnold Clark Charge network last year, offering users of its exclusive app bookable access to ultra-rapid chargers at dozens of its dealer locations.
It has now extended its offering, allowing any EV driver to simply turn up and charge, helping expand the UK’s ever-growing public charging network.
More than 240 chargers have been installed at more than 50 Arnold Clark dealerships, with more locations being added before the end of 2025. Each site has up to eight devices offering 150kW charging rates, with a flat rate of 55p/kWh. That makes the network among the cheapest ultra-rapid services in the country.
Drivers can pay for their charging with contactless card payment, through the Arnold Clark app or a number of roaming services including Allstar, Zap-Pay, Octopus Electroverse and Plugsurfing.
Access to the bays will be split between pay and go customers who can turn up at any time and those booking via the Arnold Clark app. Through the app, drivers can pre-book a charging time and location to suit them, with most sites accessible 24/7.
Russell Borrie, chief executive officer at Arnold Clark, said: “We’re committed to investing in the future of the automotive industry and making electric vehicle charging accessible to everyone.
“With electric vehicles becoming increasingly popular, it’s essential that our charging infrastructure keeps pace with rising demand.
“That’s why we’ve made significant investments in our own UK-wide, bookable ultra-rapid charging network, Arnold Clark Charge.
“These new charging hubs are designed to provide the public with convenient, reliable, and cost-effective charging solutions while they’re on the move.”
The UK’s largest independently-owned retail chain plans to double its charging network in the coming years, with a target of 500 devices at 100 dealership sites.
