The Electric Car Lease Deal of March 2026 is here

Here is The Electric Car Lease Deal of March 2026

The UK is becoming more attune to exciting electric cars. Combining speed and performance with frugality and efficiency is now firmly possible with a battery vehicle.

When you consider that vehicles like the Golf R, Audi S3 and the BMW M140i were truly exciting hatchbacks but not so careful on your fuel and insurance costs, new all-electric vehicles like the ID.3 GTX Fire and Ice do not create the same issues and quandaries.

As an EV can be connected to your home charger, and that can be connected to a dedicated home tariff, you are able to fully-charge for around £6 - £7 (based on an underlying price of 8 pence per kWh). This does provide for a cost per mile at 2.22 pence per mile which is a fraction of the 17 - 20 pence per mile you would be paying for the equivalent petrol performance hatchback. Considering that the real-world range of a GTX ID.3 is still around 285 miles on a full charge, the old adage that you will be constantly charging is simply untrue. Short stop/start journeys are always perfect for a battery vehicle.

It’s easy to propagate that EVs are boring, without really dissecting the proposition. When you consider the new Fire and Ice can get to 62 mph in under 6 seconds, and with incredible torque, the enjoyment and exciting factor of this car is undeniable. As you can see from the pictures of this thrilling vehicle, this is a unique colour, which is a tribute to the predecessor model.

The standard specification includes  - Interior Plus Package (for sports seats, electric massage function, augmented reality HUD and Harman Kardon sound packages), Convenience Package (2-zone climate and navigation), Assistance Package (for rear view camera, keyless access and ACC distance control), sports suspension.

Heated washer nozzles and heated jets, rear tinted glass, adaptive cruise control, dynamic road sign display,12.9” centre screen, auto dimming rear view mirror, LED Matrix lights and DCC adaptive chassis control. While the entry model starts from £48,360, you can opt to add some extras like the energy efficient heat pump, transport hitch for bikes, panoramic glass roof or the upgraded sports tyres. Bespoke your own version at the Volkswagen website 

However, once you have paid your last rental on the contract hire vehicle - what happens with contract hire? While the e-car lease team or your broker will have let you know your contract end date, it is still your responsibility (or that of the company) to organise the vehicle return.

Preparing your vehicle is important, as there are standards and guidelines which dictate what condition your vehicle needs to be in at the point of collection. Taking the ID3 shown here, which is being offered using VWFS (the funder), they have set out a useful and clear guide which you can utilise to ascertain if you will be charged or not.

To be clear, there are no underlying motivations to charge or fine you at the end of the lease. This is why the industry Ombudsman, the BVRLA, have put together this useful tool for you to understand the requirements..

In many cases, the finance company will operate an “Inspect and Collect” which means that before the vehicle is actually collected, an inspector will review the vehicle to outline any potential charges which you could incur. The inspector will present any potential charges to the customer with the view that you can accept the charges or organise these to be resolved before collection. In preparation for an inspection:   

• Ensure the vehicle is clean, inside and out;
•  Make sure the relevant documentation which was supplied with the vehicle (user manual etc) is there;
•  Return all of the equipment supplied with the vehicle (e.g. spare key, satellite navigation memory card, spare wheel, parcel shelf); and
•  The vehicle MUST be insured and have a valid MOT up until the point of collection.

Using the guide you will see that the external vehicle must not have a chip in excess of 3mm, a dent in excess of 15mm or a scratch in excess of 25mm. In terms of glass, like a panoramic roof or windscreen, there must not be a scratch or blemish in excess of 40mm and the windscreen must not have any damage which would mean the vehicle would not pass an MOT.

On the door mirrors and lights, ensure that there are no cracks or faults; minor scuffs below 25mm are acceptable. Tyres must meet the legal minimum requirements and must also meet the type, class, size and rating which the manufacturer recommends. In many cases the finance company will expect at least 2mm of tread on the tyre.

Alloy scuffs up to 50mm are acceptable but dents or damage exceeding this length are not. The vehicle must also be in a safe, legal and mechanically capable condition. This essentially means that no engine management or warning lights can be present at the point of collection. Ensure you have proof for any performance modifications which the leasing company allowed. Unhappy with anything?

The BVRLA does have an ADR function, which means that the customer can utilise their services with any complaints or concerns. Remember, we are an industry that wants you, or the business, to continue to lease your vehicles with confidence!             

If you do not wish to return the vehicle, there may be an option to extend the vehicle “informally” which means that you pay for the vehicle on a month-to-month basis. This allows you to return the vehicle at any time and is a nice 3 - 6 month interim solution.

Alternatively, you may be able to “formally” extend the vehicle, which means organising a new 6 or 12 month contract on your vehicle. This does mean a new contract, based on a new payment, from the finance company. However, this is not guaranteed and this will always be subject to the discretion of the finance company.

As contract hire is a usership product, there is often no ability to own or purchase the vehicle. This is where contract hire is different from a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase).    

So how does the VW ID3 perform?

•  This RWD hot hatch will have a 79 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.6 seconds, 124 mph top speeds and 240kW (or 322hp). Expect a combined winter range of 240 miles with warmer weather allowing for 335 miles – a 285 mile combined. On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 8 hour and 30 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 185 kW DC maximum allowing 26 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 385L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 146 mpg. You cannot tow with this EV. The heat pump is available as an additional option on this EV. It also has no V2L or V2G capabilities.

Want to know more about going into a performance EV?

Head to our dedicated Volkswagen ID.3 special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]