UK car dealer giant Arnold Clark has invested £30m to open its own ultra-rapid charging network.

The Arnold Clark Charge ultra-rapid network will grow to over 500 chargers at 100+ locations

More than 240 EV chargers are already live in Scotland and England, with plans for over 500 chargers at 100+ locations running across the UK.

The dealer group said the new network would make it cheaper and easier for drivers to charge on the go.

There will be up to eight rapid chargers, with the ability to charge up to 150kW, installed at Arnold Clark branches. All Arnold Clark app users will have access to the Arnold Clark Charge network, which will be available to book safely and securely, with most sites being 24/7 accessible.

Drivers will also gain from ultra-rapid charging at a rate of 55p/kWh, delivering big savings compared to an average 81p/kWh paid on other networks, according to Zapmap data.

Eddie Hawthorne, chief executive and group managing director 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.

“That’s why we’ve heavily invested in our very own bookable ultra-rapid charging network across the country: Arnold Clark Charge.

“The new charging hubs will allow customers to charge easily and safely while on the go, while saving money.”

Drivers can access the charge points by downloading the Arnold Clark app, creating an account or log-in, and then signing up to Arnold Clark Charge. They can then book a charge at a time or place that suits them.

Alongside Arnold Clark Charge, the group has partnered with home charge point installer Bumblebee to provide customers with a wide range of home charging options, featuring the latest technology and accompanied by offers.

The group also operates Arnold Clark Electric Innovation Centres in Glasgow and Stafford, supported by a team of experts in alternatively fuelled vehicles, and has more than 400 IMI Level 3 EV-trained specialists across its service centres.