Arnold Clark opens first specialist EV sales site in London

Arnold Clark has opened its first Electric Car Centre in Sydenham, London as the business continues to establish specialist expertise in zero emission vehicles.

The London location will be followed by another Electric Car Centre in Altrincham, outside Manchester in the coming weeks.

The London location, open seven days a week, will have over 30 electric vehicles (EV) from a host of manufacturers to test-drive and buy. 

The branch is on the outskirts of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and will be targeting customers that may need to change their car to meet the requirements.

The Electric Car Centre in Sydenham will also serve as a Click and Collect site, meaning customers can choose from over 1,000 EVs online and then collect the car at the dealership.

Arnold Clark said the new concept store combines a typical car showroom with the group’s Innovation Centre concept that is already established in Glasgow and Stafford.

On-site, there will be educational spaces dedicated to alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) and new car technologies.

Martin Coyle, franchise manager at Arnold Clark, is confident the Electric Car Centre can help drivers adapt to new technologies. 

He said: “As this new branch is located just outside the Ultra Low Emission Zone, we’re offering a wide range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to help people transition towards a lower emission future. 

“As the first branch of its kind within the Arnold Clark Group, we’re looking forward to sharing our knowledge with our customers so they can understand the full potential of electric vehicles.”

Last month, Arnold Clark announced plans to install over 500 electric vehicle chargers across the UK in an investment worth £23 million.

Arnold Clark customers will have access to the 'Arnold Clark Charge' network, which will be available to book on a 24/7 basis.

Eight rapid chargers, with the ability to charge up to 150kW, will be installed at larger Arnold Clark branches, with four to six rapid chargers installed at smaller branches.

Arnold Clark has also recently completed the acquisition of Scottish-based electric vehicle charge point installers, Bumblebee.