How West Yorkshire is readying the community to go electric - and how the Omoda 5 could be your perfect EV lease

Could be Omoda 5 be your perfect EV lease-and how West Yorkshire is readying the community to go electric

The responsibility for helping the UK go electric is a shared one. At national and local level, we need to put in place programmes and infrastructure to ensure that the move towards new and used EV options can progress. This is none more so pertinent with the impending adjustment set to take place with the ZEV Mandate  Labour have confirmed their intention is to revert back to the original date of 2030 for manufacturers looking to sell their vehicles in the UK.

This means that by 2030, only zero-emission vehicles will be permitted to be sold in the UK, as opposed to the 80% set by the previous Conservative Government. While some manufacturers will continue to sell non-compliant vehicles, they will incur various fines and penalties for doing so.

The initial reaction to this news has been mixed, with some pro-EV collaborators supportive of the government taking a tougher approach to the move towards net-zero. However, this is not consistent across the board with some highlighting the obvious concerns or frailties with the UK’s current system.

It seems that West Yorkshire are very much taking on this responsibility at a local level. Only recently, their Kirklees Innovative Electric Programme set out the results of a consultation further to a partnership between the Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. In particular, there has been an analysis of the barriers and concerns which the local residents and businesses face. There were two key aspects to consider as part of this including:

•  Innovating on-street EV charging - how to approach charging solutions for those residents who do not possess off-road charging facilities; and
•  Centre of Excellence - reviewing the prospect of a centre for customers to visit in order to test-drive and review various cars including advice on how EVs operate.  

The Kirklees Council are doing an excellent job of taking responsibility for the transition towards all-electric cars. There are number of driving forces behind this with air quality and net-zero ambitions motivating this council to help local people understand the realities of the EV lifestyle.

Yorkshire are certainly not immune from taking responsibility and pushing net-zero ambitions. In-keeping with the Clean Air Zone policies, which are focused on air quality improvements, the local authorities of Bradford and Sheffield have already put in place clear policies on what vehicles are permitted within their locality.

For residents of Bradford and Sheffield, a Class C approach has been undertaken. This means that any business using buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans and minibuses will be impacted by minimum emissions standards which are set out below:

While this has not yet been implemented for cars (which would make it a Class D), there will be a progressive move to this. Moving to electric vehicles, new or used, is now both a pull / push approach.

There are clearly some amazing benefits for moving into electric cars, especially for those businesses with a limited company who enjoy the sizeable tax advantages. However, lower-running costs, lower servicing obligations and better driving experiences are making this equally positive for consumers / retail customers. We have seen a steady demand for used-EVs in the UK, with 2024 being a truly seismic point for auctions and car supermarkets.  As we head towards 2030, this is fundamental to the transition being successful.

One such manufacturer who is looking to capitalise on the growth in battery tech is the Omoda group. A Chinese conglomerate associated with the major Chery brand, the group are very much affixed to the futuristic and technological advances in the car market.

You only have to look through their website to get a flavour of what the business is all about; modern living, harmonious existence with technology, parallel universe and pioneer of environmental responsibilities. The Omoda 5 is their flagship SUV, which is hoping to be a big seller in the UK’s leasing market. With tariffs from the US, Canada and the EU hitting the Chinse EV car makers so hard, it is likely that the UK will be a key market and focus.

So what options are there with the Omoda 5?

At present (30 August 2024) you can choose between: 

•  Comfort - from around £33,000 the key options include twin-curved 12.25” displays, wireless mobile phone charging, rear view camera; and

•  Noble - for another £1,500 this adds a 360 degree camera, 6-way power adjustment for the driver, 4-way passenger electric seat, SONY 8-speaker sound system, powered tailgate and PM2.5 Air Purification. 

Key colours include the Galena Silver, Tourmaline Grey, Jade Green, Garnet Red, Selenite White and Obsidian Black. When you upgrade to the Noble model, you can add the colour contrast Obsidian black roof. For more info, check out the Omoda website.

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