Benefits to Leasing an Electric Car
Thinking of leasing an electric vehicle? Not sure if it is right for you? From charging options and range concerns to running costs, they are all common worries when it comes to electric vehicles. There are many benefits and drawbacks when it comes to leasing an electric vehicle. If you aren't quite ready to make the switch to electric, why not consider a hybrid?
What is an electric vehicle?
A fully electric vehicle has no standard combustion engine and runs purely off an electric motor, therefore producing zero tailpipe emissions.
They function by plugging into a charge point and taking electricity from the grid. They store the electricity in rechargeable batteries that power the electric motor, turning the wheels.
For those worried about their carbon footprint or who want to travel shorter distances without worrying about ever rising fuel costs, the electric car makes perfect sense.
Current electric vehicles available to lease include:
Most major manufacturers now have an electric car available in their line up, with some vans also coming in electric variants. For a lot of customers, the benefits of an electric car makes sense.
With zero emission driving, cheaper running costs and tax incentives, it is easy to understand the popularity.
Why are electric vehicles so popular?
Electric vehicles (EVs) offer an opportunity to replace fossil fuels in the transport sector. Electrification of the transport sector can also bring benefits in terms of increased energy efficiency and reduced local pollution. The UK Government’s plans to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, along with vehicle manufacturers spending billions on developing new models, has increased consumer demand for EVs.
In addition to the electric vehicle models launched by traditional automakers, many new electric car brands are competing in the market such as Polestar — not to mention Tesla that has grown strongly in less than two decades.
The technology around electric cars is improving fast and there are many models, technologies, and brands in the market. The best choice for you depends on how far and how often you usually drive, and how much you want to pay.
Government grants, increased battery capacity, greater model choice, lower Benefit in Kind (BIK) tax rates and lower On The Road (OTR) prices have all contributed to make electric cars more affordable to the general public. Add in cheap running costs and it’s easy to see why electric vehicles have become so popular.
Is an electric car right for me?
Deciding whether an electric car is right for comes down to the sort of driving you’ll use it for. If you cover no more than 250 miles per day, regularly drive in London’s Congestion Charge Zone or pay the T-Charge and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then the answer is an EV is ideal for you.
However, if you live in a flat, terrace or don’t have access to off-street parking, you may find it difficult to have a domestic charging point fitted at home to charge your EV overnight making them less suited to your needs.