Why 2026 is a monumental year for used-electric car leasing

Used car leasing - Why 2026 is a monumental year

Confidence. An often misunderstood and ignored term in the electric car market but an absolute essential one. The transition into an EV will arise for a number of reasons, with the underlying customer often determinative of what the rationale is.

Used-electric car leasing is becoming an area of key focus and attention for all of us involved in the BEV project. The stark reality being that without a healthy and consistent used-EV programme, the opportunity for newer models to flourish is reduced. We cannot underestimate the importance of a healthy ecosystem; new to old has be handled seamlessly. 

So why does "confidence" really matter? One of the main drivers behind the push into electric car technology is the strong financial basis for doing so. This no more pertinent with a company, where fleet and salary sacrifice schemes are essentially a no-brainer with an electric car due to the inherent tax advantages for having a vehicle emitting 0g/km of CO2. 

This isn't just about the company / employer as the end user (employee) is also self-invested to make the move, with equal tax benefits and cost-savings attached to this. Subjectivity and opinion about vehicles aside, the financial and numeric arguments for an electric car very easily outweigh those for combustion. Case closed? Well not quite so.

The generous business contract hire schemes are still underpinned by a presumption that the vehicles will be saleable after contract end. i.e. in the next 2/3/4 years. This is where confidence comes in. Now we are not just talking about the personal / retail car market; businesses (especially smaller ones) also rely on the used car sector for their transportation requirements. The shift into pure electric is therefore as much a key in the new car industry as it is for the used one too. But how does the confidence arise?

You only have to read and analyse newspaper / media stories covering electric car procurement, like the recent piece from The Express  on a BYD Dolphin Surf with the key undertone being "I wish I’d known these 3 things first …” Compelling and informative?

Frankly, no. This is another recurring article which essentially proves the point of our e-car lease thinking on confidence. This ability to be positive and assured when it comes to a used EV purchase, or lease, is very much centred around education, facts and clarity. As the article propagates, there were 3 critical points to review:

1.  the range of an electric car needs more explanation outside of the WLTP combined overview. With a quoted range of 200 miles, the Dolphin Surf proved to operate differently when operating on the motorway, when the climate became colder and when various aspects of the vehicle are being utilised. While this might seem revolutionary, it really isn’t. For the last 5 years we have been using an EVC™ which highlights the true operation of an EV in various conditions and situations, with a corresponding range estimate. While we have pushed for a better standard across the automobile network, this has not yet occurred and other companies still use the WLTP which is allowing this issue to persist;

1.  Charging proved to be an inconsistent experience, with some not as accessible or useful as others. While the article references our location partners, ZapMap (https://www.zapmap.com/), what is probably worth adding is that most customers have very little idea on their charging capability, which e-car show as AC and DC on the website and EVC™. One of the foremost issues, is that until a customer understands this, they have little to no idea as to what constitutes good charging experience. For example, if your EV can charge at 250kW DC, do you really want to be sent to a 50kW DC option because it is geographically closer?; and
2.  Pay-per-mile tax was another disgruntlement for the author, with the 3 pence per mile coming in April 2028 seen as a counterintuitive measure. In fairness, it is hard to disagree with this but, to be clear, the cost implications for an electric car driver will be nominal. Even in cases of higher mileages, this still won’t cause a huge impact i.e. £30 per 1000 miles.                       

As we have set out, with proper education and explanation, a potential EV driver can quickly ascertain if the BEV lifestyle is suitable for them. In many cases, the pitfalls are somewhat limited as they can be avoided with the correct amount of planning.

Having the robust assurance is even more key with a used-EV, as the car will have already been subject to 1 - 3 years of road use. Of course, this will lead to a small degree of interior and exterior road wear along with some battery degradation (around 2% per year). But with a firm understanding, these facets are properly controlled.

This is even more relevant when you consider how much EVs have improved over the last 2 - 4 years, with range, charging and technology now more than enough for most UK customers. You only have to review our in stock Used EV lease selection to see what is on offer. This scheme has a number of pros such as:

•  In stock and deliverable to a PCH or BCH customer in 7 - 10 days - ideal for a quick delivery;
•  All vehicles include maintenance to cover servicing, tyres (punctures and replace), breakdown recovery and all parts (including the batteries);
• Wide-range of products and pricing with £100 per month hatchbacks to £750 per month sports and performance models; and
•  Flexible terms (12 months - 48 months) and initial payment / deposits to suit.   

Luxury SUVs and 4x4s like the amazing Audi Q8 are appearing on our stocklists for customers to enjoy. In terms of the car shown, the Audi Q8 E-TRON SPORTBACK 250kW 50 Quattro 95kWh S Line 5dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle), this is based on the following configuration:

•  Ultra Blue Metallic Paint
•  Valcona leather - Black with rock grey contrast stitching, carpet, dashboard + front sport seats with S embossed logo
•  21" 9.5J 15 spoke graphite grey design alloy wheels
•  Type 2 charging cable

As standard the car includes 21” alloys, S Line exterior styling, gloss styling pack, privacy glass on rear and side windows, front sports seats, comfort front centre armrest, twin leather pack, pedals in stainless steel, inlays in dark matt brushed aluminium, 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel with paddles, S logo for steering wheel, adaptive air suspension, Audi Matrix LED headlights, keyless-go, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, 4-way lumbar support, 2-zone air conditioning, parking system plus with 360 degree sensors, camera traffic sign recognition and Virtual Cockpit. 

 
How does the Q8 perform?

•  E-tron 50 quattro Sportback – an AWD SUV with an 89 kWh lithium-ion battery this will offer 0 – 62 times of 6.0 seconds, 124 mph top speeds and 250 kW (or 335 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 235 miles with warmer weather allowing for 315 miles. On charging, the 22 kW AC max will allow 4 hour and 45 minute 0 – 100% charging times with the 155 kW DC maximum allowing 27 minute 10 – 80% times. This has a fuel equivalent of 125 mpg. A cargo volume of 528L is available with this car. This will have no Bidirectional charging capabilities via the V2L on an exterior and interior outlet. Towing is set at 750kg (Unbraked) and 1800kg (braked). The heat pump is standard.    

Need more help and advice on a new or used EV?

Just get in touch with our expert team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected].  Browse for used electric lease enquiries