‍
You probably have many questions if you’re just starting out with electric vehicles. If you’ve never driven an electric vehicle, you may be curious about what owning one feels like.
Today, people often switch from a pump to a plug for various reasons. Given the rising cost of gas and considering the exemptions from road tax and the London Congestion Charge, electric cars are less expensive to own than conventional vehicles.Â
They’re also better for the environment because they don’t produce tailpipe emissions. And no one can dispute how easy and relaxing it is to drive an electric car, not even the most ardent petrolheads.
For many UK car buyers, purchasing an electric vehicle is now a viable option. But as you already know, electric cars are more expensive at the onset than their petrol or diesel counterparts.Â
Test-driving an EV or thinking about other options for driving an electric car is an excellent idea if you’re still not sure about the switch.Â
To help you get started on your journey to driving an electric car without long-term commitments and significant deposits, we’ve compiled a list to help make your decision-making process a little easier.
‍
‍
Electric car leasing provides a cost-effective way to drive an expensive electric car that might otherwise be out of your reach.
When you lease a car, the terms of the leasing agreement will usually specify a set period of time and a monthly leasing fee. Often, the primary term is between two and four years. After this time, you may return the vehicle or buy it for the residual value.
In the UK, electric car leasing is an appealing way to drive a new electric vehicle because of its flexibility and simplicity. When your lease ends, you return the vehicle, free from ownership responsibilities, giving you the flexibility to switch cars periodically.
Despite having to pay a deposit, it helps minimise the upfront commitment. As the car’s value decreases over time, your monthly payment will reflect that so that you won’t have any surprises later.
However, some potential downsides to electric car leasing include being locked into a multi-year lease contract and paying a deposit, which could make it difficult for some people to get started.Â
‍
‍
Leasing an electric vehicle is less risky and more affordable than buying. After your contract ends, you simply hand back the keys and select a newer electric car with all the latest features.
There are more advantages to leasing an electric car worth looking at:Â Â
‍
If you are considering leasing, these select car leasing companies offer a great variety of options.
With this personal contract hire company, you can lease an electric car for a minimum of twenty-four months. The DriveElectric team test-drives new models as they arrive on the market to gain first-hand experience.Â
They also provide further technical assistance and customer service, charging connections, equipment, customised vehicle add-ons, and driver training to ensure you’re utilising the vehicle battery to its full potential.
The drawback is that you cannot switch automobiles mid-contract and are bound by a lengthy lease agreement.
This company specialises as an electric vehicle leasing broker, offering personal and commercial contract hiring options and a salary sacrifice scheme.
Their website features lease specials and provides resources to help you better understand the EV lifestyle, such as information on range, charging speed, times, and locations
A division of the Bridle Group, this company is one of the biggest brokers of automotive financing in the UK, offering individuals and companies electric car leasing.
They take pride and pleasure in helping clients cut CO2 emissions, which helps make the UK a better and cleaner place.
Go Green also offers a variety of leasing and electric vehicle guides.
In partnership with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions (HCVS), GRIDSERVE offers personal and business contract hire leases on brand-new electric vehicles for a fixed term lasting between two and four years, which doesn’t require you to own the vehicle.
Whether you choose a personal or a business lease, they will calculate your payments according to your monthly mileage, expected depreciation, car price, duration of the lease, and budget.
Octopus EVs offers a comprehensive solution, from electric car leasing and charging points to renewable energy tariffs.
Additionally, they can help you save up to 40% off a personal, company, or salary sacrifice lease and provide unbiased advice if you’re considering switching to electric driving.
Like GRIDSERVE, RAC has teamed up with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions (HCVS) to provide a variety of popular EV models. It has just introduced a new electric car leasing service.
All RAC leasing deals come with standard breakdown cover, and drivers also have a service and maintenance package option. This setup lets drivers benefit from RAC’s van-fitted EV Boost emergency charging system.
Specialising in electric vehicle leasing for private customers, businesses and fleets, Select Electric is part of the Select Car Leasing family, the largest leasing broker in the UK.Â
They offer car and van leases over 24-, 36- and 48-month terms. Partnered with ChargedEV, they can arrange charging point installations nationwide for home or work. The company also has a dedicated team of EV in-house experts to answer EV-related questions.Â
WeVee, an electric car leasing firm, prides itself on bringing together all EVs into one location where you can browse, assess, and lease an EV. In partnership with manufacturers, dealers, and lenders, the company gets exclusive EV stock and pricing.Â
Its real-time inventory system gives you access to all dealer inventories throughout the UK, and its intelligent pricing tool will help you find the best leasing arrangement for your needs.
‍
This option is the newest and most flexible way of driving an electric car. In the UK, most electric car subscriptions include insurance and maintenance as part of the monthly charge, frequently giving zero-deposit leases with flexible terms. Many of them allow you to swap between different vehicles while the subscription is still in effect.
Electric car subscriptions aim to remove or lower obstacles to EV adoption, promote the use of more zero-emission vehicles on the road, and, in essence, act as a car-as-a-service by offering a comprehensive package delivered at your home.
In some circumstances, you may be able to sign up for a rolling monthly contract with the assurance that the company will cover all of your costs. You may choose to continue, switch models, or cancel the contract at the end of each month.
Many car manufacturers have started offering electric car subscriptions, and Volvo is at the top of that list.Â
They provide a flexible automobile subscription that includes a three-month notice period, a 30-day trial period, servicing and maintenance, wear and tear coverage, courtesy cars, pickup and delivery, individualised customer support, and round-the-clock roadside assistance.
Although it’s not just for EVs, you may, for instance, subscribe to an XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.
The new PAYG electric service from Electric Zoo contains everything you require at a set price. The company’s flexible subscription plan includes the EV, maintenance, insurance, road tax, and MOT (where applicable). You may choose the car model you want, the length of the term (from one to twenty-four months) and your mileage.
Elmo’s electric car subscription service focuses on simplicity. The subscription only requires one monthly payment; no massive deposits are required, and you can manage everything online.Â
Advertised prices include comprehensive insurance, maintenance and service, breakdown cover, road tax and a donation to offset carbon emissions.Â
To further assist you in understanding how an electric car can benefit you, the website also features a helpful Suitability Tool.
Formerly known as Evezy, Onto also provides an all-inclusive electric car subscription. The plan doesn’t require a deposit but only a one-month commitment.Â
Additionally, it comes with comprehensive insurance, free charging at more than 11,000 charge stations in the UK, servicing, and breakdown insurance. Plus, Onto handles your registration for the London Congestion Zone. The company also runs a community forum where you can speak to other EV drivers.
With Jaguar’s Pivotal Indigo package, drivers can access the electric I-PACE for a monthly subscription fee of between £1,000 and £1,250. After a one-time activation charge of £550, you will make all-inclusive monthly payments that include car rental, road tax, servicing, breakdown coverage, and comprehensive insurance for two drivers.
You must commit for at least 90 days, but you can pause or cancel the scheme anytime. You can swap to a different car every six months, but you’ll have to switch to a Land Rover or Range Rover that runs on fossil fuels.
As a new player in the electric car subscription market, Voltric provides all-electric, all-inclusive car subscriptions. The company takes care of everything—including insurance, road tax, maintenance, breakdown, repair, and recovery—for a single monthly fee.
With a 12-month minimum term, the monthly fees start at ÂŁ384 with a ÂŁ110 down payment. Select your car, choose a subscription length of 12 or 24 months, and Voltric will do the rest. You have the option to swap, pause, re-subscribe or cancel.
Wagonex, a financing company, offers all-inclusive, flexible subscription plans for a range of almost new and used electric vehicles from many reputable providers. Prices differ depending on the duration of the subscription, but Wagonex gives significant flexibility with a minimum one-month commitment.
‍
‍
The most short-term of all your options, an EV car rental allows you to use an electric car for a few hours to a few weeks. Renting an EV is a terrific chance to experience an electric car firsthand and learn how an EV can fit into your lifestyle if you’re renting for a few days.
With all costs included, car rental agencies cater to people who require a temporary vehicle or don’t have their own car.Â
‍
If you want to rent an electric car in the UK, EVHire offers a large selection of high-end EVs for rent, including the current Tesla range, the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE, and Porsche Taycan. You don’t need to sign up or subscribe to use their service. The daily rental price starts at ÂŁ168 per day.Â
Specialising in Tesla rentals, EV Go rental prices start at £99 a day, including delivery and collection. Renting with EV Go doesn’t require a subscription. They also offer a chauffeur service.
As an all-electric car-hire company, EVision offers short-term and long-term hires. With a large selection of electric vehicles, they provide EVs in every price range, including the Tesla Model S P100D, Porsche Taycan, and Renault ZOE.
Green Motion doesn’t require you to sign up for a subscription plan. They offer four tiers of hire—Basic, Plus, Premium, and Premium+. Package pricing changes daily as a result of a reduction in excess insurance and an increase in mileage limit.
The company specialises in low-emissions car rental and offers a range of plug-in hybrid models.Â
Based in Portsmouth, Volt-Age is available nationwide, with delivery and collection services available across the UK for a charge.Â
Their cars include the BMW i3, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and the Tesla range.Â
The all-digital, all-electric UFODRIVE promises to be the first automobile rental firm to combine the smartphone with the EV revolution. UFODRIVE offers collection and delivery of its electric cars via its app. The company promises transparency, simplicity, straightforward pricing, and good value for money.Â
With your smartphone, you can get to its EV rental facility, the “UFO Landing Bay,” collect your EV, and start driving.Â
‍
There are three factors to consider when leasing, renting, or even buying a battery-operated electric vehicle:
Although EVs are becoming more affordable, the cost of owning them is higher than conventional vehicles. Now that there are more specialised electric providers operating, more people choose to rent, lease, or even subscribe to an EV. Some companies also offer an electric car salary sacrifice scheme, which is particularly cost-effective for driving an EV.Â
Another potential expense for EV customers is the installation of a charging station at home or at work. Installing a specialised slow (3 kW) or fast (7 kW) machine by a licenced electrician typically costs around ÂŁ1,000.
When slow charging at home using a standard 3-pin socket, it is absolutely necessary to install a dedicated EV charging unit because EVs require higher electrical current and take longer to charge.Â
Whatever your situation, it’s important to understand what you’re using an EV for. Is it for hefty loads or your daily travel through the city?
How many people are going to use it? Are you purchasing from a multi-car-owning household? According to a study, households that drive electric cars tend to prefer using them for all short trips and just using the other car for longer ones.
Once you’ve decided how you’ll utilise your EV, you can start to think more carefully about the logistics.
Most EV charging happens at night when electricity is most affordable. It also means that your car is fully charged and ready to go every morning. Installing off-street parking so you can charge your EV at home is ideal but not necessary for using an electric vehicle.
In recent years, more companies have started offering on-site workplace charging to their employees for convenience and sustainability purposes. You can now utilise charging stations at many petrol stations and motorway services if you’re travelling long distances or in an emergency.
EV charging apps like Bonnet, however, can locate charging points for you using an easy-to-use app. The app gives you total control as you can choose from a monthly payment plan, pay as you go, top up your plan rate, or use rollover unused credits. Even with rapid charging, rates stay as low as 40p/kWh.
‍
As previously mentioned, renting, leasing, or obtaining an EV subscription is a great way to experience the EV lifestyle without spending tons of money to buy one. And if you’re already familiar with electric vehicles, perhaps even own one, then you are already aware of the difficulties and pitfalls of modern car ownership.Â
Leasing and renting both have many advantages, however, these options aren’t for everyone. Prior to signing an agreement, it’s crucial to research and shop around for the best deal!Â
Is leasing an electric car tax deductible?
Full monthly rental payments for an electric vehicle with emissions of 50g/km are considered deductible expenses. They can therefore be offset against profits, resulting in a reduction in the corporate tax due.
What are the advantages of leasing a car?
Leasing an EV is a more affordable option where you’ll have no vehicle tax, only fixed monthly payments, low maintenance costs, no worries about depreciation, the flexibility of swapping a new car at the end of the lease term, and free parking in many convenient locations.Â
Do electric cars need an MOT?
Yes. Like all other vehicles on the road, electric vehicles must still pass an MOT test after three years, but unlike their conventional petrol counterparts, EVs are exempt from an emissions test.
Do electric cars charge while driving?
No, electric cars cannot be charged while driving. Your EV needs to be plugged into a charging port. Depending on the size of the battery and the amount of charge required, electric vehicles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to charge.
What is an EV subscription service?
Similar to a lease, under an EV subscription, you don’t own the car, but some plans allow you to swap cars frequently within your subscription term. Many companies often bundle things like insurance and maintenance, requiring zero deposits and flexible terms. EV subscriptions aim to remove or lower obstacles to EV adoption and promote the use of more zero-emission vehicles on the road.
‍
You probably have many questions if you’re just starting out with electric vehicles. If you’ve never driven an electric vehicle, you may be curious about what owning one feels like.
Today, people often switch from a pump to a plug for various reasons. Given the rising cost of gas and considering the exemptions from road tax and the London Congestion Charge, electric cars are less expensive to own than conventional vehicles.Â
They’re also better for the environment because they don’t produce tailpipe emissions. And no one can dispute how easy and relaxing it is to drive an electric car, not even the most ardent petrolheads.
For many UK car buyers, purchasing an electric vehicle is now a viable option. But as you already know, electric cars are more expensive at the onset than their petrol or diesel counterparts.Â
Test-driving an EV or thinking about other options for driving an electric car is an excellent idea if you’re still not sure about the switch.Â
To help you get started on your journey to driving an electric car without long-term commitments and significant deposits, we’ve compiled a list to help make your decision-making process a little easier.
‍
‍
Electric car leasing provides a cost-effective way to drive an expensive electric car that might otherwise be out of your reach.
When you lease a car, the terms of the leasing agreement will usually specify a set period of time and a monthly leasing fee. Often, the primary term is between two and four years. After this time, you may return the vehicle or buy it for the residual value.
In the UK, electric car leasing is an appealing way to drive a new electric vehicle because of its flexibility and simplicity. When your lease ends, you return the vehicle, free from ownership responsibilities, giving you the flexibility to switch cars periodically.
Despite having to pay a deposit, it helps minimise the upfront commitment. As the car’s value decreases over time, your monthly payment will reflect that so that you won’t have any surprises later.
However, some potential downsides to electric car leasing include being locked into a multi-year lease contract and paying a deposit, which could make it difficult for some people to get started.Â
‍
‍
Leasing an electric vehicle is less risky and more affordable than buying. After your contract ends, you simply hand back the keys and select a newer electric car with all the latest features.
There are more advantages to leasing an electric car worth looking at:Â Â
‍
If you are considering leasing, these select car leasing companies offer a great variety of options.
With this personal contract hire company, you can lease an electric car for a minimum of twenty-four months. The DriveElectric team test-drives new models as they arrive on the market to gain first-hand experience.Â
They also provide further technical assistance and customer service, charging connections, equipment, customised vehicle add-ons, and driver training to ensure you’re utilising the vehicle battery to its full potential.
The drawback is that you cannot switch automobiles mid-contract and are bound by a lengthy lease agreement.
This company specialises as an electric vehicle leasing broker, offering personal and commercial contract hiring options and a salary sacrifice scheme.
Their website features lease specials and provides resources to help you better understand the EV lifestyle, such as information on range, charging speed, times, and locations
A division of the Bridle Group, this company is one of the biggest brokers of automotive financing in the UK, offering individuals and companies electric car leasing.
They take pride and pleasure in helping clients cut CO2 emissions, which helps make the UK a better and cleaner place.
Go Green also offers a variety of leasing and electric vehicle guides.
In partnership with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions (HCVS), GRIDSERVE offers personal and business contract hire leases on brand-new electric vehicles for a fixed term lasting between two and four years, which doesn’t require you to own the vehicle.
Whether you choose a personal or a business lease, they will calculate your payments according to your monthly mileage, expected depreciation, car price, duration of the lease, and budget.
Octopus EVs offers a comprehensive solution, from electric car leasing and charging points to renewable energy tariffs.
Additionally, they can help you save up to 40% off a personal, company, or salary sacrifice lease and provide unbiased advice if you’re considering switching to electric driving.
Like GRIDSERVE, RAC has teamed up with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions (HCVS) to provide a variety of popular EV models. It has just introduced a new electric car leasing service.
All RAC leasing deals come with standard breakdown cover, and drivers also have a service and maintenance package option. This setup lets drivers benefit from RAC’s van-fitted EV Boost emergency charging system.
Specialising in electric vehicle leasing for private customers, businesses and fleets, Select Electric is part of the Select Car Leasing family, the largest leasing broker in the UK.Â
They offer car and van leases over 24-, 36- and 48-month terms. Partnered with ChargedEV, they can arrange charging point installations nationwide for home or work. The company also has a dedicated team of EV in-house experts to answer EV-related questions.Â
WeVee, an electric car leasing firm, prides itself on bringing together all EVs into one location where you can browse, assess, and lease an EV. In partnership with manufacturers, dealers, and lenders, the company gets exclusive EV stock and pricing.Â
Its real-time inventory system gives you access to all dealer inventories throughout the UK, and its intelligent pricing tool will help you find the best leasing arrangement for your needs.
‍
This option is the newest and most flexible way of driving an electric car. In the UK, most electric car subscriptions include insurance and maintenance as part of the monthly charge, frequently giving zero-deposit leases with flexible terms. Many of them allow you to swap between different vehicles while the subscription is still in effect.
Electric car subscriptions aim to remove or lower obstacles to EV adoption, promote the use of more zero-emission vehicles on the road, and, in essence, act as a car-as-a-service by offering a comprehensive package delivered at your home.
In some circumstances, you may be able to sign up for a rolling monthly contract with the assurance that the company will cover all of your costs. You may choose to continue, switch models, or cancel the contract at the end of each month.
Many car manufacturers have started offering electric car subscriptions, and Volvo is at the top of that list.Â
They provide a flexible automobile subscription that includes a three-month notice period, a 30-day trial period, servicing and maintenance, wear and tear coverage, courtesy cars, pickup and delivery, individualised customer support, and round-the-clock roadside assistance.
Although it’s not just for EVs, you may, for instance, subscribe to an XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.
The new PAYG electric service from Electric Zoo contains everything you require at a set price. The company’s flexible subscription plan includes the EV, maintenance, insurance, road tax, and MOT (where applicable). You may choose the car model you want, the length of the term (from one to twenty-four months) and your mileage.
Elmo’s electric car subscription service focuses on simplicity. The subscription only requires one monthly payment; no massive deposits are required, and you can manage everything online.Â
Advertised prices include comprehensive insurance, maintenance and service, breakdown cover, road tax and a donation to offset carbon emissions.Â
To further assist you in understanding how an electric car can benefit you, the website also features a helpful Suitability Tool.
Formerly known as Evezy, Onto also provides an all-inclusive electric car subscription. The plan doesn’t require a deposit but only a one-month commitment.Â
Additionally, it comes with comprehensive insurance, free charging at more than 11,000 charge stations in the UK, servicing, and breakdown insurance. Plus, Onto handles your registration for the London Congestion Zone. The company also runs a community forum where you can speak to other EV drivers.
With Jaguar’s Pivotal Indigo package, drivers can access the electric I-PACE for a monthly subscription fee of between £1,000 and £1,250. After a one-time activation charge of £550, you will make all-inclusive monthly payments that include car rental, road tax, servicing, breakdown coverage, and comprehensive insurance for two drivers.
You must commit for at least 90 days, but you can pause or cancel the scheme anytime. You can swap to a different car every six months, but you’ll have to switch to a Land Rover or Range Rover that runs on fossil fuels.
As a new player in the electric car subscription market, Voltric provides all-electric, all-inclusive car subscriptions. The company takes care of everything—including insurance, road tax, maintenance, breakdown, repair, and recovery—for a single monthly fee.
With a 12-month minimum term, the monthly fees start at ÂŁ384 with a ÂŁ110 down payment. Select your car, choose a subscription length of 12 or 24 months, and Voltric will do the rest. You have the option to swap, pause, re-subscribe or cancel.
Wagonex, a financing company, offers all-inclusive, flexible subscription plans for a range of almost new and used electric vehicles from many reputable providers. Prices differ depending on the duration of the subscription, but Wagonex gives significant flexibility with a minimum one-month commitment.
‍
‍
The most short-term of all your options, an EV car rental allows you to use an electric car for a few hours to a few weeks. Renting an EV is a terrific chance to experience an electric car firsthand and learn how an EV can fit into your lifestyle if you’re renting for a few days.
With all costs included, car rental agencies cater to people who require a temporary vehicle or don’t have their own car.Â
‍
If you want to rent an electric car in the UK, EVHire offers a large selection of high-end EVs for rent, including the current Tesla range, the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE, and Porsche Taycan. You don’t need to sign up or subscribe to use their service. The daily rental price starts at ÂŁ168 per day.Â
Specialising in Tesla rentals, EV Go rental prices start at £99 a day, including delivery and collection. Renting with EV Go doesn’t require a subscription. They also offer a chauffeur service.
As an all-electric car-hire company, EVision offers short-term and long-term hires. With a large selection of electric vehicles, they provide EVs in every price range, including the Tesla Model S P100D, Porsche Taycan, and Renault ZOE.
Green Motion doesn’t require you to sign up for a subscription plan. They offer four tiers of hire—Basic, Plus, Premium, and Premium+. Package pricing changes daily as a result of a reduction in excess insurance and an increase in mileage limit.
The company specialises in low-emissions car rental and offers a range of plug-in hybrid models.Â
Based in Portsmouth, Volt-Age is available nationwide, with delivery and collection services available across the UK for a charge.Â
Their cars include the BMW i3, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and the Tesla range.Â
The all-digital, all-electric UFODRIVE promises to be the first automobile rental firm to combine the smartphone with the EV revolution. UFODRIVE offers collection and delivery of its electric cars via its app. The company promises transparency, simplicity, straightforward pricing, and good value for money.Â
With your smartphone, you can get to its EV rental facility, the “UFO Landing Bay,” collect your EV, and start driving.Â
‍
There are three factors to consider when leasing, renting, or even buying a battery-operated electric vehicle:
Although EVs are becoming more affordable, the cost of owning them is higher than conventional vehicles. Now that there are more specialised electric providers operating, more people choose to rent, lease, or even subscribe to an EV. Some companies also offer an electric car salary sacrifice scheme, which is particularly cost-effective for driving an EV.Â
Another potential expense for EV customers is the installation of a charging station at home or at work. Installing a specialised slow (3 kW) or fast (7 kW) machine by a licenced electrician typically costs around ÂŁ1,000.
When slow charging at home using a standard 3-pin socket, it is absolutely necessary to install a dedicated EV charging unit because EVs require higher electrical current and take longer to charge.Â
Whatever your situation, it’s important to understand what you’re using an EV for. Is it for hefty loads or your daily travel through the city?
How many people are going to use it? Are you purchasing from a multi-car-owning household? According to a study, households that drive electric cars tend to prefer using them for all short trips and just using the other car for longer ones.
Once you’ve decided how you’ll utilise your EV, you can start to think more carefully about the logistics.
Most EV charging happens at night when electricity is most affordable. It also means that your car is fully charged and ready to go every morning. Installing off-street parking so you can charge your EV at home is ideal but not necessary for using an electric vehicle.
In recent years, more companies have started offering on-site workplace charging to their employees for convenience and sustainability purposes. You can now utilise charging stations at many petrol stations and motorway services if you’re travelling long distances or in an emergency.
EV charging apps like Bonnet, however, can locate charging points for you using an easy-to-use app. The app gives you total control as you can choose from a monthly payment plan, pay as you go, top up your plan rate, or use rollover unused credits. Even with rapid charging, rates stay as low as 40p/kWh.
‍
As previously mentioned, renting, leasing, or obtaining an EV subscription is a great way to experience the EV lifestyle without spending tons of money to buy one. And if you’re already familiar with electric vehicles, perhaps even own one, then you are already aware of the difficulties and pitfalls of modern car ownership.Â
Leasing and renting both have many advantages, however, these options aren’t for everyone. Prior to signing an agreement, it’s crucial to research and shop around for the best deal!Â
‍
You probably have many questions if you’re just starting out with electric vehicles. If you’ve never driven an electric vehicle, you may be curious about what owning one feels like.
Today, people often switch from a pump to a plug for various reasons. Given the rising cost of gas and considering the exemptions from road tax and the London Congestion Charge, electric cars are less expensive to own than conventional vehicles.Â
They’re also better for the environment because they don’t produce tailpipe emissions. And no one can dispute how easy and relaxing it is to drive an electric car, not even the most ardent petrolheads.
For many UK car buyers, purchasing an electric vehicle is now a viable option. But as you already know, electric cars are more expensive at the onset than their petrol or diesel counterparts.Â
Test-driving an EV or thinking about other options for driving an electric car is an excellent idea if you’re still not sure about the switch.Â
To help you get started on your journey to driving an electric car without long-term commitments and significant deposits, we’ve compiled a list to help make your decision-making process a little easier.
‍
‍
Electric car leasing provides a cost-effective way to drive an expensive electric car that might otherwise be out of your reach.
When you lease a car, the terms of the leasing agreement will usually specify a set period of time and a monthly leasing fee. Often, the primary term is between two and four years. After this time, you may return the vehicle or buy it for the residual value.
In the UK, electric car leasing is an appealing way to drive a new electric vehicle because of its flexibility and simplicity. When your lease ends, you return the vehicle, free from ownership responsibilities, giving you the flexibility to switch cars periodically.
Despite having to pay a deposit, it helps minimise the upfront commitment. As the car’s value decreases over time, your monthly payment will reflect that so that you won’t have any surprises later.
However, some potential downsides to electric car leasing include being locked into a multi-year lease contract and paying a deposit, which could make it difficult for some people to get started.Â
‍
‍
Leasing an electric vehicle is less risky and more affordable than buying. After your contract ends, you simply hand back the keys and select a newer electric car with all the latest features.
There are more advantages to leasing an electric car worth looking at:Â Â
‍
If you are considering leasing, these select car leasing companies offer a great variety of options.
With this personal contract hire company, you can lease an electric car for a minimum of twenty-four months. The DriveElectric team test-drives new models as they arrive on the market to gain first-hand experience.Â
They also provide further technical assistance and customer service, charging connections, equipment, customised vehicle add-ons, and driver training to ensure you’re utilising the vehicle battery to its full potential.
The drawback is that you cannot switch automobiles mid-contract and are bound by a lengthy lease agreement.
This company specialises as an electric vehicle leasing broker, offering personal and commercial contract hiring options and a salary sacrifice scheme.
Their website features lease specials and provides resources to help you better understand the EV lifestyle, such as information on range, charging speed, times, and locations
A division of the Bridle Group, this company is one of the biggest brokers of automotive financing in the UK, offering individuals and companies electric car leasing.
They take pride and pleasure in helping clients cut CO2 emissions, which helps make the UK a better and cleaner place.
Go Green also offers a variety of leasing and electric vehicle guides.
In partnership with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions (HCVS), GRIDSERVE offers personal and business contract hire leases on brand-new electric vehicles for a fixed term lasting between two and four years, which doesn’t require you to own the vehicle.
Whether you choose a personal or a business lease, they will calculate your payments according to your monthly mileage, expected depreciation, car price, duration of the lease, and budget.
Octopus EVs offers a comprehensive solution, from electric car leasing and charging points to renewable energy tariffs.
Additionally, they can help you save up to 40% off a personal, company, or salary sacrifice lease and provide unbiased advice if you’re considering switching to electric driving.
Like GRIDSERVE, RAC has teamed up with Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions (HCVS) to provide a variety of popular EV models. It has just introduced a new electric car leasing service.
All RAC leasing deals come with standard breakdown cover, and drivers also have a service and maintenance package option. This setup lets drivers benefit from RAC’s van-fitted EV Boost emergency charging system.
Specialising in electric vehicle leasing for private customers, businesses and fleets, Select Electric is part of the Select Car Leasing family, the largest leasing broker in the UK.Â
They offer car and van leases over 24-, 36- and 48-month terms. Partnered with ChargedEV, they can arrange charging point installations nationwide for home or work. The company also has a dedicated team of EV in-house experts to answer EV-related questions.Â
WeVee, an electric car leasing firm, prides itself on bringing together all EVs into one location where you can browse, assess, and lease an EV. In partnership with manufacturers, dealers, and lenders, the company gets exclusive EV stock and pricing.Â
Its real-time inventory system gives you access to all dealer inventories throughout the UK, and its intelligent pricing tool will help you find the best leasing arrangement for your needs.
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This option is the newest and most flexible way of driving an electric car. In the UK, most electric car subscriptions include insurance and maintenance as part of the monthly charge, frequently giving zero-deposit leases with flexible terms. Many of them allow you to swap between different vehicles while the subscription is still in effect.
Electric car subscriptions aim to remove or lower obstacles to EV adoption, promote the use of more zero-emission vehicles on the road, and, in essence, act as a car-as-a-service by offering a comprehensive package delivered at your home.
In some circumstances, you may be able to sign up for a rolling monthly contract with the assurance that the company will cover all of your costs. You may choose to continue, switch models, or cancel the contract at the end of each month.
Many car manufacturers have started offering electric car subscriptions, and Volvo is at the top of that list.Â
They provide a flexible automobile subscription that includes a three-month notice period, a 30-day trial period, servicing and maintenance, wear and tear coverage, courtesy cars, pickup and delivery, individualised customer support, and round-the-clock roadside assistance.
Although it’s not just for EVs, you may, for instance, subscribe to an XC40 Recharge Pure Electric.
The new PAYG electric service from Electric Zoo contains everything you require at a set price. The company’s flexible subscription plan includes the EV, maintenance, insurance, road tax, and MOT (where applicable). You may choose the car model you want, the length of the term (from one to twenty-four months) and your mileage.
Elmo’s electric car subscription service focuses on simplicity. The subscription only requires one monthly payment; no massive deposits are required, and you can manage everything online.Â
Advertised prices include comprehensive insurance, maintenance and service, breakdown cover, road tax and a donation to offset carbon emissions.Â
To further assist you in understanding how an electric car can benefit you, the website also features a helpful Suitability Tool.
Formerly known as Evezy, Onto also provides an all-inclusive electric car subscription. The plan doesn’t require a deposit but only a one-month commitment.Â
Additionally, it comes with comprehensive insurance, free charging at more than 11,000 charge stations in the UK, servicing, and breakdown insurance. Plus, Onto handles your registration for the London Congestion Zone. The company also runs a community forum where you can speak to other EV drivers.
With Jaguar’s Pivotal Indigo package, drivers can access the electric I-PACE for a monthly subscription fee of between £1,000 and £1,250. After a one-time activation charge of £550, you will make all-inclusive monthly payments that include car rental, road tax, servicing, breakdown coverage, and comprehensive insurance for two drivers.
You must commit for at least 90 days, but you can pause or cancel the scheme anytime. You can swap to a different car every six months, but you’ll have to switch to a Land Rover or Range Rover that runs on fossil fuels.
As a new player in the electric car subscription market, Voltric provides all-electric, all-inclusive car subscriptions. The company takes care of everything—including insurance, road tax, maintenance, breakdown, repair, and recovery—for a single monthly fee.
With a 12-month minimum term, the monthly fees start at ÂŁ384 with a ÂŁ110 down payment. Select your car, choose a subscription length of 12 or 24 months, and Voltric will do the rest. You have the option to swap, pause, re-subscribe or cancel.
Wagonex, a financing company, offers all-inclusive, flexible subscription plans for a range of almost new and used electric vehicles from many reputable providers. Prices differ depending on the duration of the subscription, but Wagonex gives significant flexibility with a minimum one-month commitment.
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The most short-term of all your options, an EV car rental allows you to use an electric car for a few hours to a few weeks. Renting an EV is a terrific chance to experience an electric car firsthand and learn how an EV can fit into your lifestyle if you’re renting for a few days.
With all costs included, car rental agencies cater to people who require a temporary vehicle or don’t have their own car.Â
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If you want to rent an electric car in the UK, EVHire offers a large selection of high-end EVs for rent, including the current Tesla range, the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE, and Porsche Taycan. You don’t need to sign up or subscribe to use their service. The daily rental price starts at ÂŁ168 per day.Â
Specialising in Tesla rentals, EV Go rental prices start at £99 a day, including delivery and collection. Renting with EV Go doesn’t require a subscription. They also offer a chauffeur service.
As an all-electric car-hire company, EVision offers short-term and long-term hires. With a large selection of electric vehicles, they provide EVs in every price range, including the Tesla Model S P100D, Porsche Taycan, and Renault ZOE.
Green Motion doesn’t require you to sign up for a subscription plan. They offer four tiers of hire—Basic, Plus, Premium, and Premium+. Package pricing changes daily as a result of a reduction in excess insurance and an increase in mileage limit.
The company specialises in low-emissions car rental and offers a range of plug-in hybrid models.Â
Based in Portsmouth, Volt-Age is available nationwide, with delivery and collection services available across the UK for a charge.Â
Their cars include the BMW i3, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and the Tesla range.Â
The all-digital, all-electric UFODRIVE promises to be the first automobile rental firm to combine the smartphone with the EV revolution. UFODRIVE offers collection and delivery of its electric cars via its app. The company promises transparency, simplicity, straightforward pricing, and good value for money.Â
With your smartphone, you can get to its EV rental facility, the “UFO Landing Bay,” collect your EV, and start driving.Â
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There are three factors to consider when leasing, renting, or even buying a battery-operated electric vehicle:
Although EVs are becoming more affordable, the cost of owning them is higher than conventional vehicles. Now that there are more specialised electric providers operating, more people choose to rent, lease, or even subscribe to an EV. Some companies also offer an electric car salary sacrifice scheme, which is particularly cost-effective for driving an EV.Â
Another potential expense for EV customers is the installation of a charging station at home or at work. Installing a specialised slow (3 kW) or fast (7 kW) machine by a licenced electrician typically costs around ÂŁ1,000.
When slow charging at home using a standard 3-pin socket, it is absolutely necessary to install a dedicated EV charging unit because EVs require higher electrical current and take longer to charge.Â
Whatever your situation, it’s important to understand what you’re using an EV for. Is it for hefty loads or your daily travel through the city?
How many people are going to use it? Are you purchasing from a multi-car-owning household? According to a study, households that drive electric cars tend to prefer using them for all short trips and just using the other car for longer ones.
Once you’ve decided how you’ll utilise your EV, you can start to think more carefully about the logistics.
Most EV charging happens at night when electricity is most affordable. It also means that your car is fully charged and ready to go every morning. Installing off-street parking so you can charge your EV at home is ideal but not necessary for using an electric vehicle.
In recent years, more companies have started offering on-site workplace charging to their employees for convenience and sustainability purposes. You can now utilise charging stations at many petrol stations and motorway services if you’re travelling long distances or in an emergency.
EV charging apps like Bonnet, however, can locate charging points for you using an easy-to-use app. The app gives you total control as you can choose from a monthly payment plan, pay as you go, top up your plan rate, or use rollover unused credits. Even with rapid charging, rates stay as low as 40p/kWh.
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As previously mentioned, renting, leasing, or obtaining an EV subscription is a great way to experience the EV lifestyle without spending tons of money to buy one. And if you’re already familiar with electric vehicles, perhaps even own one, then you are already aware of the difficulties and pitfalls of modern car ownership.Â
Leasing and renting both have many advantages, however, these options aren’t for everyone. Prior to signing an agreement, it’s crucial to research and shop around for the best deal!Â
Is leasing an electric car tax deductible?
Full monthly rental payments for an electric vehicle with emissions of 50g/km are considered deductible expenses. They can therefore be offset against profits, resulting in a reduction in the corporate tax due.
What are the advantages of leasing a car?
Leasing an EV is a more affordable option where you’ll have no vehicle tax, only fixed monthly payments, low maintenance costs, no worries about depreciation, the flexibility of swapping a new car at the end of the lease term, and free parking in many convenient locations.Â
Do electric cars need an MOT?
Yes. Like all other vehicles on the road, electric vehicles must still pass an MOT test after three years, but unlike their conventional petrol counterparts, EVs are exempt from an emissions test.
Do electric cars charge while driving?
No, electric cars cannot be charged while driving. Your EV needs to be plugged into a charging port. Depending on the size of the battery and the amount of charge required, electric vehicles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to charge.
What is an EV subscription service?
Similar to a lease, under an EV subscription, you don’t own the car, but some plans allow you to swap cars frequently within your subscription term. Many companies often bundle things like insurance and maintenance, requiring zero deposits and flexible terms. EV subscriptions aim to remove or lower obstacles to EV adoption and promote the use of more zero-emission vehicles on the road.
