Electric Car News - Could Andy Burnham make a big decision in the world of electric cars?

The world of electric cars could Andy Burnham be about to make a big decision - Electric Car News

The new Prime Minster arrives into power at an integral time for new and used electric car / van sales. While the UK has hit a key metric of all-round confidence, especially since the rapid increase in petrol and diesel costs, the move towards the ZEV Mandate and the political ambitions are being scrutinised.

So much so, the Government is now running opinion polls and asking for feedback on the  ZEV Mandate , which many automotive commentators do not agree with. Now this is not to say that they don't want the UK to go into zero-emission transport; there are simply economic and logistical concerns about our ability to do this within the remit of the policy.

We do not want to risk impacting the economic infrastructure of the many car makers who not only sell cars and vans in the UK but who also build and use British people to make the products.

However, Mr Burnham is being called upon again in the EV market, to help ensure a more viable and prosperous environment. As reported in The Express  a collective of electric focused businesses are now calling on the Government to follow through with a suggestion, which has been mentioned but never properly aligned into the UK's legal sales framework for EVs.

Standardised battery health certificates are of course what these groups are pushing Mr Burnham to reflect on and help facilitate. As The Express note, the level of interest and transactions within the used EV industry have shot up this year, with SMMT  data showing some incredible results.

However, reflecting on some feedback from Electrifying and the AA, the consumer confidence in a battery is still relatively low and this will become a major obstacle in helping more individuals and small businesses move into a Used EV - car or van.

The truth is that ex-lease EVs and other older electric cars, are proving to have more robust batteries after 3 - 5 years than expected.

The anticipated battery degradation has not actually happened and there are some incredible companies offering resources to help cement this - Generational, AVILOO, ClearWatt and Bosch Health Certificate are already doing this.

The State of Health, or SoH, certificates allow the buyer and seller to have a firm and common understanding of the EV being offered. As noted in Electrifying , the level of data and overview should be the same as an MOT certificate or the information you receive about a vehicle's service and maintenance record.

The team at Electrifying, as we do here at e-car lease, are not pushing this to warn off potential customers. The aim is to dispel some of the rumours and myths about older EVs and offer objective data and analysis on how the vehicle is actually performing.

As their own piece notes, a verified heath certificate would vastly increase the level of confidence potential buyers have. By having standardised metrics and analysis, customers are offered a full and fair transparent approach on their electrification journey.

While the e-car team have been using new electric car certificates – the EVC – since 2022, these do not assist our customers in their used EV car leasing aspirations with our Used team as we cannot take into account the impact of battery usage and degradation.

However, that is changing in September 2026, with our partners over at Lex Autolease announcing that battery healthy certificates will appear within the literature we offer. While all our personal and business used EV customers enjoy a full service and maintenance package, including tyres and battery cover, the customer is still entitled to know how the EV will perform for them.

While an EV may offer 300 miles as a new offering, the 3 – 5 years of driving later could mean this is more like 260 – 270 miles. For those leasing customers making a decision based on the range and performance, this information is vital.

Discover our latest Renault Scenic EV leasing offers

For a brand like Renault, which now offers competitive long range BEV solutions to compete with the likes of Tesla, Polestar and BYD, having long-term consumer confidence is paramount.

We understand that not every customer will want to lease, as these are 2 – 4 year agreements with a vehicle return policy; some customers want to buy a vehicle and operate it over 5 - 10 years. For some UK car purveyors, the used route is more cost effective and friendly for them. Therefore, Renault need to ensure that their battery infrastructure offers clarity and certainty for the duration.

In terms of the car shown, the  Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric Estate 160kW Techno 87kWh Long Range 5dr Auto,  this is based on the following configuration:

•  Two-tone metallic - Arctic white with diamond black roof
•  Fabric (recycled) grey/ titanium black grained cloth with yellow stitching
•  19" Streamline diamond cut alloy wheels
•  Mode 3 / Type 2 Charging Cable (Public Charging & home wallbox charger – Fast charging) 

From £33,245, this model includes auto-tilting mirrors, full LED headlights, 19” alloys, front and rear signature lights, tinted glass, automatic lights, 12” multimedia system, wireless smartphone charging, hill start assist, emergency lane assist, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control.

Heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, climate control, keyless entry, heat pump, ingenious armrest and Arkamys audio. You can upgrade to the Techno Esprit Alpine (20” alloys, electric seats, lumbar support and sports seats) or the Iconic esprit Alpine (3D camera, smart rear view camera and Harman Kardon audio) for more specification. 

 How does the Scenic EV perform?

•  Scenic Long Range - this FWD SUV will have an 87 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.9 seconds, 106 mph top speeds and 160 kW (or 215hp). Expect a combined winter range of 250 miles with warmer weather allowing for 340 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hour and 30 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 150 kW DC maximum allowing 40 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 545L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 137mpg. This EV will have Bidirectional charging – a V2L with the exterior outlet (which offers 3.7kW AC max output) and also supports V2H and V2G. The car will be able to tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 1100kg (Braked). The heat pump is standard. 

Want to know more about going into the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric?

Head to our dedicated Renault Scenic E-Tech special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]