2021: The year for electric car leasing

Will 2021 be the year for electric car leasing?

The year of 2020 will go down in record as being an incredibly interesting one. Between pandemics, lockdowns, political/social unrest and Brexit, the UK has not been without some form of conflict or conflab.

For many businesses, it will be a year to forget as compulsory closures and changes in approach have almost made their entire modicum redundant. In the automotive world, many of our businesses had to make some significant changes and refocus our efforts on new and emerging markets.

Face to face transactions have almost certainly been replaced with online discourse. Suddenly the internet, radio and TV is awash with Cazoo, Cinch and HeyCar, as the new and used markets prepare for new ways to procure vehicles. As a leasing broker, our market is already adept to these online methods.

Indeed, many of us have already invested considerable time, money and efforts into making the online processes as seamless and efficient as possible. In contrast, some of the car dealerships have been very much face-to-face, providing a distinct and personal customer experience.

Unfortunately, until we have more stability, and a mass-produced vaccine, this is not something which is going to be utilised. In some ways, the changes under COVID may be a permanent fixture and what we may have to accept is that the car industry is very much an online market only. The next 12 months will tell us either way.

The growth of electric vehicles in 2020

One of the positive facts out of 2020 was the growth of electric vehicles. The move away from combustion engine has been cemented formally in that 2030 will be the end of production for the petrol or diesel formats, quoted by the BBC,   - a greener and cleaner society awaits.

While there has been some dichotomy on the EV and its place in the UK automotive world, the statistics are impressive. The SMMT updates show some incredibly interesting results. In 2020, over 100,000 electric cars were registered, some 70,000 more than 2019! And, in another impressive turn of events, December saw the Tesla Model 3 as the leading car in the UK, with nearly 5,800 vehicles registered.

Just taking those statistics for a moment, if you were to run at the rate for a whole year that would equate to nearly 70,000 Tesla Model 3s being registered per annum. This would make it the UK’s bestselling car for 2021. How can such a new car manufacturer and car be so popular?

What does the data show for 2020?

Data from SMMT. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. Its resources, reputation and unrivalled automotive data place it at the heart of the UK automotive industry.

Why is Tesla such a popular electric car brand?

Tesla are unique brand lead by a unique individual - Mr Elon Musk. Now the world’s richest man, Mr Musk is fairly clear that it is very much business as usual, notwithstanding the fact that his worth has now amassed £139 billion!

Tesla were at first a strange and niche brand thought to satisfy the eco-warriors of the world. Instead, they have produced some of the most effective, exciting and capable vehicles which we have witnessed. With 300 miles plus ranges, 0-62 times below 5 seconds and a plethora of great specification the Tesla product seems to do it all.

While the styling is a little non-European and bland, the cars possess the key functions which we need. For anyone wanting to go electric for their next car, the Model 3 is the safest bet. This is a tried and tested car for personal and company car drivers alike, and we don’t foresee the team at e-car lease selling any fewer of these this year.

What are the new electric cars for 2021?

The year of 2021 will see new competitors enter the market and this will almost certainly create more opportunities and exposure of the market. So, what are the new electric cars for 2021? Subject to all things COVID and Brexit, we should see some great new models including:

• Mercedes EQA
• Audi E-tron GT
• Mazda MX-30
• BMW ix3
• Cupra el-Born
• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Vauxhall Mokka-e
• VW Id-4
• Skoda Enyaq iV
• Tesla Model Y

The good news in the UK is that the 0% company car tax, plug-in grants for electric cars, and car chargers, plus infrastructure improvements are all continuing. Month to month we are finding that it is becoming even easier (and cheaper) to procure an electric vehicle. and many of the previous obstacles are now being overcome. The growth in the electric market is a rapid one and many customers will be enjoying an electric car leasing deal for 2021!

Tesla MODEL 3 SALOON Long Range AWD 4door Auto

In terms of the car shown, the Tesla MODEL 3 SALOON Long Range AWD 4door Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle), this is based on the following configuration:

• Black Solid Paint
• Premium material - Black PUR seat
• Premium heated seating and cabin materials throughout including open pore wood décor and two rear USBs
• 18" Aero wheels

As standard this includes emergency braking with collision avoidance.

Mobile telephone preparation, adaptive cruise control, adaptive steering, front parking sensors, park assist camera, rear cross camera, traffic sign recognition, reverse parking aid, reversing sensor.

BLIS, auto dimming/folding/heated door mirrors, 15” touchscreen, DAB radio, premium audio with 14 speaker/1 subwoofer and 2 amps, high beam assist,.

LED headlights and daytime running lights, tinted glass roof, 12-way adjustable and heated front/rear seats, 60/40 power folding seats, keyless entry, climate control app, alarm and immobiliser.

In terms of additional options, consider the white leather upgrade and 19” alloy wheels.

On the technical side, company car and business users can note the P11d at £50,935.00 and CO2 at 0g/km. The 78kWh lithium-ion battery produces a WLTP range of 360 miles.

In terms of seasonal performance the car will offer circa 235 miles in cold weather and about 330 miles in moderate temperatures. A quicker 11kW AC charge point will fully charge the vehicle in around 7 hours and 30 minutes and a quicker 190 kW DC will give a 20-80% charge in just over 30 minutes.

The quicker 250kW Tesla charger points will do this in 20/25 minutes. The Long Range is not slow either, with 0-62 times of 4.2 seconds. On the warranty side Tesla offer 4 years and 50,000 on the vehicle with 8 years and 120,000 on the battery. The service intervals on a Tesla are every 24 months or 25,000 miles whichever lands sooner.

Browse our latest Tesla Model 3 offers