Electric car leasing deals are amazing – I just don’t want to charge the vehicle all the time!
Obstacles to the world of EVs are still present for some customers regardless of the value or whole of life costs saving the proposition offers. Much of this is down to a lack of understanding about the product and, in particular, the charging obligations of an electric car.
This is often seen as the main barrier to entry. Do you really need to charge the car every day? Are there electric car “petrol” stations?
When we speak to a personal or business customer about their new EV, we always ascertain their annual mileage. This is more crucial with these vehicles as we need to understand that the vehicle will be suitable for their need and requirements. Doing 20,000 miles per annum?
We are going to suggest a Tesla Model 3 Long Range ! Looking for the cheapest 5,000 mile per annum contact? We are going to suggest a Renault Zoe or VW e-Golf
Which electric car leasing deal is right for me?
Choosing the right electric car for you isn’t something we just make up. We are looking at the mileage and comparing this against the battery capabilities of the vehicle. When you are looking online at an EV you will see that the car will use a “kWh” within the description.
This is effectively giving you an idea as to the battery size of the vehicle; in a nutshell the bigger this number the more capable the battery is and the further the vehicle will be able to travel. Not unlike a petrol or diesel car, the new WLTP testing regulations apply to these cars and each manufacturer must also provide you with a WLTP pure electric range shown as Min/Max and Combined.
Because of the “dieselgate” scandals, manufacturers must carefully provide statistics about the vehicles they are selling. As we have seen the MPG, CO2 and fuel efficiency must accurately reflect what the car is actually doing otherwise the manufacturers will be subject to litigation, bad press and customer complaint. Many leading manufacturers re learning about this to their detriment.
The increase in battery quality and technology is now providing customers with genuine and usable options – the 200 mile range is now freely achievable via a number of vehicles and not a just a Tesla.
So if a car has a 200 mile (or close to 200 mile) range does it make it useable? Most of our enquiries are for mileage of between 8 and 12,000 per annum. Add to that the effects COVID and mileage requirements have dropped even further, with many now not visiting customers or working from an office.
Indeed the higher mileage driver is becoming less common. On a 10,000 miles per annum contract, this works out to be 833 miles per month and, should you be using it for working days only, this equates to just under 209 miles per week or 41 miles per day! So to combat one of the initial issues – NO you do not need to charge an electric vehicle every day.
Should I be concerned about charging my new electric lease car?
But isn’t it difficult to charge a car? When a customer elects to proceed with a new vehicle we send to them a key facts to EV guide which covers the notion of charging. When you have an EV you need to ascertain where you will charge it – at home, work, destination charging or at service stations.
And, to answer another question, electric petrol stations are on route in the form of the “Electric Forecourts” from GridServe, so this is very much on the cards for the future. In the meantime, getting a charge point solution at your home or business is now far more easier (and affordable) than ever.
For a few hundred pounds you can have a 7kW charge point installed which will facilitate an almost full charge on a car like this e-Tron in around 10 hours i.e. overnight. For businesses with 3-phase wiring a 22kW AC and 50kW DC solution may be available subject to a little more investment.
These offer great solutions for visitors and employees to achieve workable battery charge in around 2-3 hours. As you join the electric car club, you will start to notice charge points at railway stations, supermarkets and at commercial premises; instinctively you will park up and plug-in!
For the more risk-averse, make sure you download the Zap-Map app for a live analysis of the charging solutions available. As you will see here, there are far more connections available for the UK public to enjoy.
Our Latest electric Car Leasing delivery
In terms of the car shown, the Audi E-TRON ESTATE 230kW 50 Quattro 71kWh S Line 5dr Auto [Comfort and Sound Pack), this is based on the following configuration:
- Daytona Grey Pearl Paint
- Valcona leather – Black with rock grey stitching + front sports seats S embossed logo
- Dark matt brushed aluminium inlay
- 21″ 15 spoke contrasting grey design alloy wheels
As standard the car includes cruise control, electrically adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors, lane departure warning, 21” alloys, matrix LED headlights, air conditioning.
Leather upholstery, 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel in leather, privacy glass, front/rear floor mats, air suspension, Audi smartphone with wireless functionality, 360 degree camera, parking system plus, power operated tailgate, virtual cockpit, MMI navigation, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, DAB radio.
S line aesthetics, gloss styling, Audi pre-sense, 4-way lumbar support, heated front seats, electrically adjustable front seats, advanced key, keyless go and anti-theft alarm. In terms of additional options consider – a fixed panoramic roof, 4-zone deluxe climate control and the air quality pack.
On the technical-side company car and business users can noted the P11d at £69,290.00 and CO2 at 0g/km,. The 71kWH battery delivers 313ps, 0-62mph of 6.8 seconds and top speeds of 120mph.
The battery warranty is every 8 years/100000. In terms of charging times, an 11kW AC will take around 7 hours on a full chare whereas a 125kW DC will take around 30 mins to provide 80% charge. On the range, the e-Tron will offer around 180 miles on a full charge.
Service intervals on the electric Audi are every 24 months or 18,000 miles. If you need more range, consider the 95kWh option to provide you with the 235 mile range.