Arnold Clark Charge Teams Up with Allstar for Fleet Roaming

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In an exciting development for electric vehicle (EV) drivers across the UK, Arnold Clark Charge has announced a new partnership with Allstar’s charging payment solution, enhancing the accessibility of ultra-rapid EV charging infrastructure. This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the EV charging landscape, as it introduces 103 additional charging locations and a total of 342 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers into Allstar’s extensive fleet payment network.

Arnold Clark Charge launched just last year, backed by a substantial £30 million investment aimed at establishing a robust network of ultra-rapid chargers at Arnold Clark branches. Since its inception, the service has opened its doors to the public, with plans well underway to expand further, targeting the installation of 500 EV chargers across more than 100 strategic locations nationwide.

This partnership is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first fleet roaming agreement for Arnold Clark, signifying a pivotal step in integrating their charging solutions with Allstar’s established infrastructure. In doing so, Arnold Clark Charge joins Allstar’s rapidly growing electric charging network, which now boasts over 70,000 chargers at more than 26,000 locations across the UK. Impressively, 83% of these chargers are classified as fast, rapid, or ultra-rapid, ensuring that EV drivers have access to efficient charging solutions wherever they may be.

For customers, the benefits of this new partnership are substantial. They can easily pay for charging sessions using their Allstar Chargepass card or through the Allstar Co-Pilot app, which provides not only a seamless payment experience but also the ability to book charging slots in advance. This feature offers users the convenience of knowing they can charge their vehicles at times that suit them best, all while enjoying competitive rates through the dedicated application.

In addition to the charging services, Arnold Clark’s extensive network of 200 branches and 150 service centres is also integrated into Allstar ServicePoint. This means Allstar customers can utilise an online portal to book, approve, and settle all vehicle maintenance requests at Arnold Clark locations. Furthermore, after having their vehicles serviced, maintained, or repaired (SMR), drivers can conveniently charge their EVs on-site, merging vehicle upkeep with charging needs.

Paul Holland, the managing director for UK/ANZ Fleet at Allstar’s parent company Corpay, emphasised the importance of this partnership in the context of evolving EV services. He stated, “Partnering with Arnold Clark Charge as their first EV fleet roaming provider signals the growing importance of services for EVs at any touchpoint, whether that’s at the point of purchase or when taking the vehicle in for a service. As EVs become mainstream, businesses and their drivers will rely on unified, reliable charging access. This partnership brings that vision closer to reality, creating an electrified mobility ecosystem.”

Russell Borrie, chief executive officer at Arnold Clark, echoed this sentiment, remarking, “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.”

Pablo Levi, group sustainability manager at Arnold Clark, added, “We’ve had a strong relationship with Allstar for a number of years, so it was a natural fit to select them as our first EV fleet roaming partner. We look forward to being able to further support UK business drivers adopting EVs and offering them a seamless payment system as well as other fleet operation services.”

This partnership not only enhances the charging infrastructure available to EV drivers but also represents a significant step towards achieving net-zero goals by facilitating the transition to electric mobility. As electric vehicles continue to gain traction in the UK, robust and accessible charging solutions will be essential in supporting this shift, ensuring that both consumers and businesses can confidently embrace a greener future.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Arnold Clark Charge and Allstar is a promising development in the realm of electric vehicle infrastructure. By expanding access to ultra-rapid charging solutions and integrating maintenance services, this partnership is poised to significantly benefit EV drivers across the UK. As we move towards a more sustainable future, initiatives like this play a crucial role in paving the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles, ultimately contributing to global efforts in reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero targets.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in EV infrastructure and sustainability initiatives, as we continue to champion the transition to a greener, more sustainable future.