Used Electric Car Leasing (like this used Ford Mustang EV) is growing - here's how and why

Why and how is the Used Ford Mustang electric car leasing offer growing?

As we move through May 2026, there are a litany of headlines surrounding the success of battery transport and the impact of EVs in the UK’s new car market. As highlighted in  The Independent  the sale of EV’s experienced a record quarter in 2026 with increasing choices, better quality options and lower costs becoming more appealing to British customers.

In particular, the rising petrol and diesel costs created by global conflicts are making more drivers think more conservatively about the types of fuel they want to adopt in the medium to long term.

With the prospect of more cost-savings from dedicated EV tariffs and lower servicing costs, there was a “record surge” in EV sales. While much is focused on the new car industry, there are some very positive actions arising out of the used electric car industry which has previously been seen as a riskier and uncertain segment of the car market.

As you will read in the SMMT the big push in Q1 of 2026 is with battery electric vehicles (BEV). With 2,016,232 transactions, some 86,943 were BEV. This is a 32% growth on last year and demonstrates that 1 in 23 buyers are now making the switch into EVs.

When you consider this was around 1 in 30 in 2025, we are seeing a big push towards zero-emission technology. With more model innovations, better choice and reducing vehicle costs, the products available in the used sector are also increasing.

This is enhancing confidence and belief in EVs as a viable option at the end of their 2 – 4 years. Let’s face it, the majority of new electric cars in the UK are being procured via company car, fleet and salary sacrifice schemes. More British drivers are now aware of what an EV is and what it can do, with less anti-EV rhetoric now propagating our mainstream news and media.

Indeed, there has been greater recognition as to the cost-savings and financial viability of battery vehicles. As we previously noted, the SMMT stats are also heartening for new EVs, with April 2026 accounting for 39,084 registrations (a 59.1% increase on last year). With 179,698 BEVs registered to date, and with a market share of 23.1%, there is set to be an abundance of exciting options entering the used electric leasing market.

So why are EVs, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, now so popular to lease?

By the very nature of the financial product, contract hire (leasing), the usership focus appeals to many UK customers. This actually applies equally to personal and business customers, as both types are now utilising this route.

With a lease, you elect to take a vehicle over a certain period of time – 12 months to 48 months – based on your annual mileage and initial rental (deposit). This is a fixed contract for that period of time, at the end of which the vehicle is collected by the finance company.

This is not an ownership product so there is no obligation to buy the used EV at the end of the lease (nor is there a right to do so). The key point with the used EV lease is that the vehicle is being returned to the finance company at contract cessation, so the issues and concerns about the vehicle or battery quality / robustness are somewhat irrelevant. As we have historically covered, battery degradation is far lower than what was envisaged but to ensure levels of quality, the used EV options are always health tested and must be at least 85% of their original condition before being re-sold.

As all the used electric lease options on our website are funder-maintained, a further concern is also removed. By including all servicing, maintenance, tyre replacement (wear or punctures) and breakdown recovery, any operational failures are managed by the finance company.

Of course, if your vehicle is in the garage it will not include a courtesy car / relief vehicle as standard. However, any resolution costs pertaining to the vehicle or to the battery are fundamentally undertaken by the finance company. With purchase style options, like cash, hire purchase or contract purchase, the risk is being absorbed by the customer and this is where some of the nervousness and trepidation can arise.

Whilst customers can review the vehicle online before purchase, with particular focus on any imperfections, there are a series of steps taken by the finance company / preparation agent to ensure that these vehicles are delivered to the highest standards. Although these are ex-lease cars, many are no more than 2 – 3 years old and have no more than 40,000 miles on their odometer. In addition, there are a series of guidelines to the vehicle quality including:

•  All dents over 25mm are repaired
•  All chips over 2mm are touched in
•  All scratches over 25mm are repaired
• Paintwork must be free of rust, corrosion and discolouration
•  Broken or damaged bumpers are rectified

•  Windscreen scratches over 20mm are repaired (10mm if in the driver’s eyeline)
•  Mirrors and glass must be free of cracks
• No alloy damage which is visible when 2m away from the vehicle
•  2 sets of functioning keys
•  A type 2 charging cable must be supplied
•  Mechanical checks – checks must be carried out on all fluid levels, standard road test, diagnostic road test, servicing history, driving controls, brakes, tyres, electrics, wheels, body structure and nuisance avoidance systems     

Essentially the used EV must be delivered in a fully functioning and operating condition, with only minor blemishes or damage allowed (all of which is shown on the imperfections images).

Once you have decided on a vehicle and placed an order with the e-car team, we can arrange delivery. This generally needs around 5 working days’ notice and is available for Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.30pm (specific times cannot be requested).

The official position is that Northern Ireland cannot be facilitated at the moment. Once you have your vehicle, you can use the drive line or the dedicated app for organising all the in-life queries. Some of the other key points to note:

•  Mats are supplied as standard (but may not be the original manufacturer ones)
•  Connected services are not included and the customer must pay for these if required
•  The finance company has a dedicated complaints route that can be utilised to raise concerns
•  Vehicle termination must be handled by the dedicated app and this is generally half of the remaining rentals – you cannot return for free 
•  The maximum mileage is currently 20,000 per annum

                                       
In terms of the car shown, the Ford Mustang Mach-E 198kW Standard Range 68kWh RWD 5dr Auto Pure Electric Vehicle, this is based on the following configuration:

•  Solid Paint - Absolute Black
•  Full sensico artificial leather - Black onyx with grey stitching
•  18" 5 spoke silver alloy wheels
•  Mode 3 Type 2 Charging cable - 3 Pin Charger

Want to know more about going into a used electric vehicle?

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