Are the latest Fisker Ocean Electric SUVs perfect for Veterinarians?

Could this be the perfect car for veterinarians - The fisker Oceans electric SUV

Electric cars are the hot topic of December (2023). Some 3 full years of mass-adoption in the UK has certainly provided some learning lessons for many of us involved in the green industry; charge point operators, car manufacturers, energy companies and procurement companies.

But in reading the various news outlets and online media you will still note an array of differing headlines. Only today (11 December) Google News sets out headlines which say “1.8 million barrels of oil a day avoided from electric vehicles” “electric car demand could stall as drivers and major brands lose interest” and “why electric cars could soon get cheaper”. But the Governmental policies, and legislation, is pretty clear in that we are moving more and more towards vehicle electrification and manufacturers who operate in the UK will have to get on board.

While the ultimate 2035 deadline from the ZEV Mandate will see fundamental changes, with this being a “phased” solution, there are inherent obligations on route. Beginning in January 2024 (where 22% of new cars must be zero-emission), the UK’s zero-emission sales will be more heavily monitored. But this isn’t just about forcing consumers and businesses into an alternative fuel which isn’t functional.

There are many great advantages to EV driving and these should not be ignored. For many veterinary practices which operate as a limited company (LTD), there are some overwhelming pros for making this your next company vehicle.

It's good to see that Vet associations and better-practice groups are already attune to the benefits of all-electric driving with the British Veterinary Association  and Veterinary Practice   recognising the advantages. Even Tesla, with their novel “Dog Mode” brought animal welfare to the attention of many UK vets.

Why use zero-emission transport with my Vet Practice?

For many business owners, operating certain assets through their business, as opposed to using their own money (i.e. salary and dividend after Income Tax) needs analysis. Leasing an electric vehicle through your practice does provide tax advantages to the company in that 100% of the monthly rentals can be offset against your Corporation Tax exposure; with more heavily emitting vehicles this is reduced to 85% of the rentals for tax reclamation purposes.

For any VAT registered business, up to 50% of VAT on the finance element and 100% on any maintenance element can be reclaimed too. This is why our business leasing website will show “excluding VAT” on the deals, as we presume this deduction. In the case of any individuals and consumers, the additional 20% of Vat is added to the rentals for clarity.

Reducing your corporation tax bill (which will be 25% for 2023/2024) is clearly beneficial, as are the reductions brought about by the VAT position. However, with EVs you can also factor in another few pros like the ability to invoice any EV charge point installations through the company too.

If you install these at your home, or at work, this is something the company can pay for AND use the super-deduction capital allowances, which means 100% of the cost can be claimed against corporation tax as a qualifying plant and machinery investment. And unlike a petrol or diesel car, the private fuel benefit does NOT apply to EVs currently. So for any Vets charging their car at work, this will not incur any tax implications in the same way as those drivers with a fuel card for their petrol / diesel.

Understanding the Tax implications in regard to using a company car in a Vet Practice

But there are tax implications for using a company car, which is why all of this should be discussed with your company accountant. Because it is a benefit, as an employee you must account to HMRC for this transaction.

This is effectively calculated by using the P11d (vehicle value) and applying the BiK percentage which gets attributed on the basis of a car’s CO2. Once you have this figure, you simply apply your income tax threshold; this will be 20% (Basic Rate), 40% (Higher Rate) or 45% (additional rate). There are two key things to note, which is somewhat bespoke to the veterinarian industry, in that:

1.  The BiK percentage is affixed to the CO2 and the percentage alters dramatically accordingly - an EV emits 0g/km of CO2 so the current rate would be 2% compared to the 37% BiK which applies to any vehicles emitting 160g/km of Co2 (or more);
2.  Commercial Vehicles are treated differently for tax and accounting purposes. For example any vans, or commercial vehicles like the Land Rover Discovery and Defender, are treated as full expensing assets and so can be offset against corporation tax, allow 100% Vat reclamation and do not incur company car tax. But, do ensure your vehicle is a qualifying plant and machinery asset first!  

Moving your fleet to an electric proposition is not a sacrifice. Many of the modern options offer robust ranges, efficient charging rates, incredible performance (including towing!) and the specification is often incredible. And one of the UK’s latest EV manufacturer’s, Fisker, has certainly been creating a storm with their unbelievable SUV collection. Having already launched their Extreme and One options, which began delivery mid to late 2023 in the UK, the group have now formerly announced two more key variations which are available to lease or buy in 2024:

Fisker Ocean Estate Electric  210kW Sport 73kWh Touring Range 5dr Auto

The base model will sit at around £35,000 - £37,000, so will be more affordable to the UK market. The key highlights include the BigSky Roof, 17” central touchscreen, digital rear view mirror, power liftgate, Fisker Premium Sound, acoustic glass, LED headlights, privacy glass, intelligent speed assist, lane keep assist, wireless phone charging, hill hold and descent control, emergency braking, ambient lighting and alarm system.

This FWD SUV will have a 75 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.4 seconds, 99 mph top speeds and 205 kW (or 275 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 200 miles with warmer weather allowing for 270 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour and 15 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 200 kW DC maximum allowing 33 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 476 L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 127 mpg. This EV will have no Bidirectional charging. And the car will be able to tow 1090 kg (Braked).

Fisker Ocean Estate Electric  421kW Ultra 113kWh Hyper Range 5dr AWD Auto

The middle model will sit at around £50,000 - £52,000, so this will be a premium model. This option aims to provide a new experiencing of driving, with great specification and robust practicality.  The key highlights include the OpenSky Roof, 17” central touchscreen, digital rear view mirror, power liftgate, Fisker Premium Sound Plus and California Model (the ability to opn all 8 glass panel simultaneously).

This FWD SUV will have a 106.5 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.2 seconds, 124 mph top speeds and 400 kW (or 536 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 280 miles with warmer weather allowing for 375 miles. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 11 hour and 30 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 250 kW DC maximum allowing 35 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 476 L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 125 mpg. This EV will have no Bidirectional charging. And the car will be able to tow 1820 kg (Braked).

For more information on the best Fisker Ocean leasing deals, just head to :

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or call our electric experts directly on 01942 943 214