EVs are on the rise (just in time for the new Mercedes GLB and GLC lease offers)

Just in time for the new Mercedes GLB and GLC lease offers - EVs are on the rise

January has continued with a similar enthusiasm to the course of 2025 for the automotive industry; electric vehicles are very much being offered at competitive prices and new, and exciting, innovations are still underway.

Before we touch upon the two exiting family SUVs from Mercedes - the GLB and GLC EV - we thought it was a good time to address a more prickly issue. Back in the Autumn Budget 2025, Rachel Reeves announced a number of changes, investments and taxations which would influence the EV car and van industry.

One which really stuck out to the team was the notion of a “pay-per-mile” tax on electric cars, as the Chancellor looks to address the changing nature of our automotive future and the income / expenditure connected to this.

The often misunderstood point with EVs when it comes to political decisions is that it is an incendiary topic. By this we mean that any changes quickly ignite emotion, with the real focus being placed on the negative aspects of the change.

Many still believe that battery technology is not the right transport method moving forwards or that these somehow represent some form of social / transportation control. Propagated by some news and media outlets for clicks and activity, the potential for any charging method needs to be more properly understood and communicated as opposed to “leaked” in a statement.

The fundamental issue is that the Budget only gave some idea as to how much (and how) a new charge could be applied to electric and plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs).

However, in December the Government did launch a Consultation on the proposed eVED which would in essence be a tax applied to electrified vehicles. Noting that the growing volume of zero-emission transport is leading to less drivers paying fuel duty at the pumps for their petrol and diesel options, the lack of corresponding charge on those EV drivers is “not a fair outcome”.

Indeed, there is a submission that by April 2028, the new electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) will be a cost-effective tax on the driver, which allows investment into our roads and transport to continue. Contrary to belief, the Government will NOT ask for or utilise tracking devices in any vehicles to measure the mileage covered.

However, there are opinions being sought on the mechanisms and infrastructure for delivering this system which will effectively look to apply a charge of 3 pence per mile on fully-electric cars, which represents a 50% reduction on the average fuel duty that a petrol or diesel customer would pay.

But would this be a big disincentive?

Any form of taxation is quickly seen as a problem because there is often no context provided. However, with some simple maths, or handy eVED tool (https://www.electriccarlease.co.uk/eved-tax-calculator), you (or the company) can quickly ascertain the exposure. Using the e-car lease guide to the eVED, you can see the following costs:

•  5000 miles pa - £12.50 per month or £150 per annum;
•  8000 miles pa - £20 per month or £240 per annum;
•  10000 miles pa - £25 per month or £300 per annum; and
•  15000 miles pa - £37.50 per month or £450 per annum. 

The reality is that we all have to pay and contribute to the roads. Whether this happens in the form of our first registration fee / VED or the eVED, we do all understand that a collective effort has to be made. However, this is wholly contingent on the UK doing something useful and pragmatic with the money!

The actual issue with the VED and eVED is that it has not been considered and explained properly. In addition, there should have been some foresight with the future impact on the HMRC coffers, which should have been understood in keeping with the ZEV Mandate ambitions.

While we do understand that the government wanted more good news, having sudden changes or taxation policies does make customers nervous. What if the charges increase? What if electricity increases? This is why clear and concrete promises need to be a political minimum.

On the provision that the average mileage is around 8,000 - 10,000 miles per annum for most customers, the extra £200 in eVED will have little impact on uptake. In cases of business and fleet customers, or salary sacrifice, the immeasurable benefits will be in place for a long period of time.

There is such a tax saving for employer and employee, that having a zero-emission vehicle is simply the only route. That is without taking into account other benefits like cheaper fuel costs, lower service and maintenance costs plus the actual benefit of just driving electric.

Introducing the new Mercedes GLB and GLC lease offers

With exceptional new technology like the 7-seater GLB and the sporty coupe GLC all being launched into the UK during 2026, the electric car environment is getting better and better.

Returning to past glories and historic qualities, the Mercedes team are moving away from “EQ” for their BEV product and are instead using their familiar “GL” reference. No longer a novel battery sidekick to their petrol and diesel counterparts, all-electric is now becoming fundamental for the German powerhouse. Just look at the specification on two of their key models below:

The GLB EV AMG Line Executive, from £51,050, adds surround lighting , 19” 5-spoke alloys, AMG bodystyling, Sports sea package, multifunction steering wheel and nappa-look man-made leather to a car which also has a panoramic roof, LED lights, Mirror Package, heated front seats, 4-way lumbar support, selfie and video camera with facial recognition,.

MBUX smartphone integration and navigation, 14” media display, blind spot assist, heat insulated dark tinted glass, flush door handles, wireless phone charging, artico leather, hands free access and keyless-go package. The GLC AMG Line Premium, from £68,350, adds 20” 10 spoke alloys, Digital Light, keyless-go package (flush-fitting door handles).

Active ambient lighting, dual wireless charging, winter packages (heated wipers), 39.1” hyperscreen, Burmester sound system, digital key for signature, augmented reality navigation, parking package with 360 degree camera and transparent bonnet to a car with easy-pack tailgate, heat and noise insulating glass, privacy glass, ambient lighting, comfort seats.

Heated front seats, 2-zone climate control, AMG Line bodystyling, surround lighting, ambient lighting, memory seat package, multifunction steering wheel, MBUX superscreen and Entertainment package for 3 years.

How will the 2026 GLB and GLC perform? 

• GLB 250+ - a RWD car, this has an 85 kWh usable lithium battery which will deliver 0 – 62 times of 7.4 seconds, 130 mph top speeds and 200 kW (or 268hp). Expect a combined winter range of 245 miles with warmer weather allowing for 330 miles - a combined 285 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hours and 15 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 353 kW DC maximum allowing 16 minute 10 – 80% time. You need to purchase an upgrade to access 400V charging. A cargo volume of 540L is available with this car (1715L with the seats down). It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 136 mpg. This EV will have no Bidirectional charging. The car has a heat pump as standard and the car will be able to tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 1500kg (Braked);

•  GLB 350 4Matic -  an AWD car, this has an 85 kWh usable lithium battery which will deliver 0 – 62 times of 5.5 seconds, 130 mph top speeds and 260 kW (or 349hp). Expect a combined winter range of 240 miles with warmer weather allowing for 325 miles - a combined 285 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 9 hours and 15 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 353 kW DC maximum allowing 16 minute 10 – 80% times. You need to purchase an upgrade to access 400V charging. A cargo volume of 540L is available with this car (1715L with the seats down). It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 136 mpg. This EV will have no Bidirectional charging. The car has a heat pump as standard and the car will be able to tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 2000kg (Braked); and
•  GLC 400 EQ - estimated to start from £65,000 this AWD SUV will have a 94 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.3 seconds,130 mph top speeds and 360kW (or 483hp). Expect a combined winter range of 265 miles with warmer weather allowing for 355 miles – a 310 mile combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 10 hour and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 330 kW DC maximum allowing 22 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 520L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 133 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 2400kg (Braked). The new GLC has Bidirectional Charing. The Heat Pump is available as a standard option. 

Want an Electric Mercedes Car in 2026?

Head to our dedicated Mercedes special offers section  or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]