Why is the Electric GLC Car Lease so much cheaper to run than the petrol version?   

The petrol version of the Mercedes GLC - Why the Electric Mercedes GLC Car Lease is cheaper to run  

If there is one thing which has not been out of the news recently, it is the growing cost of petrol and diesel. While the UK has remained somewhat agnostic on their decisions with world conflicts and wars, the economic and social impact of these events have not gone amiss in the UK.

With GB News  reporting on this only recently, the obvious impact of the cost of oil is now creating concern for many British households. In an era of growing costs and prices, yet stagnant wages and salaries, cost-cutting is now high on the agenda for many UK individuals and fleets, such as the computing and technology sector.

So why are EVs like the new Merc GLC so much better than the combustion versions?

As the news article suggests, what we pay for our EVs is influenced by Ofgem. For 1 April to 30 June 2026, the energy price cap per unit has been fixed at 24.67 pence per kWh and a 57.21 pence daily standing charge. This is a reduction on the 27.69 pence per kWh rate which was used for 1 January 2026 - 31 March 2026. For more information see - Ofgem . 

When you compare that to petrol / diesel, there is not the same trend with the RAC fuel checker showing the impact of the rising oil prices on the pumps. As at 6 April 2026, the average Unleaded price is 154.45p and 185.23p for diesel. This is likely to rise according to the RAC team. For once, we have a situation where the price of electricity is decreasing compared to the cost of the fuel at the petrol pumps and service stations.

What GB News are highlighting is that the cost of driving is now beyond just what the car, or van, costs to finance. We now have to consider the Whole of Life costs scenario. While combustion drivers are experiencing the most expensive prices in more than 3 years, the electric vehicle drivers are enjoying a more measured experience.

With dedicated overnight tariffs for charging your car at home, the cost to you becomes even more palatable. Using the GLC, with its 94kWh usable battery, as an example, see the full cost of a FULL battery (tank) below:

•  Overnight tariff (10 pence per kWh) - £9.40
•  Standard Tariff (24.67 pence per kWh) - £23.19
•  Public AC charging (45 pence per kWh) - £42.30
•  Public DC / Rapid Charging (80 pence per kWh) - £75.20 

For those UK drivers with a dedicated home charger, and therefore access to a tariff, the cost of a real-world range of 310 miles in your GLC EV is less than £10. This equates to 3 pence for every mile you drive. When you consider the cost of many petrol and diesel vehicles are now heading over 15 and 20 pence per mile, the rationale to get a new or used EV becomes more of a financial necessity as opposed to a question of choice or luxury. 

But Technology and Computing businesses in the UK are also more thoroughly researching their fuel choices when it comes to their fleet and salary sacrifice approach. The cost of electricity vs fuel is now an overwhelmingly compelling debate. The advantages to upgrading your limited company tech business also includes:

•  Offset 100% of the monthly rental against Corporation Tax (now at 25%) with this being a zero-emission vehicle;
•  In the case of purchase (cash, hire purchase or contract purchase) offset 100% of the price against Corporation Tax (now at 25%);
•  Offset 50% of the VAT on the finance aspect of the monthly rental and 100% of the VAT on the maintenance aspect of the rental - this is really useful when passing the cost-savings to your employees on a sal sac scheme;

•  Offset the cost of any workplace charge points under full expensing rules. The cost of this infrastructure can reduce Corporation Tax exposure (now at 25%);
• Electricity is NOT fuel for the purposes of HMRC. The business owners, directors and employees can charge for free at work and incur no Income Tax implications;
•  An EV is a zero-emitting vehicle (0g/km). This means the BiK for April 2026 - March 2027 is just 4% still. Compared to a PHEV at around 10% and a reasonable petrol engine at 30% and you quickly understand how much lower the company car tax exposure is for the employees of the technology business;
•  Vehicle Excise duty / Road Tax - even though this has increased, this is still much lower than a combsution option.

This is without talking about the aesthetics and technology of many modern EVs along with their performance. To provide your tech business, and the staff, with the best possible company car experience, make sure you consider BEV options like the new Mercedes GLC. From 2026, there are some great options in this vehicle including:

•  Sport –  from £61,000 this includes 20” alloys, easy-pack tailgate, heat and noise insulating glass, privacy glass, ambient lighting, comfort seats, heated front seats, 2-zone climate control, 10” Driver display, 14” central display, 14” digital trim display, blind spot assist, smartphone integration with wireless charging, park assist and reversing camera and selfie and video camera; 

• AMG Line –  from £64,100 this adds 20” AMG alloys, AMG Line bodystyling, surround lighting, ambient lighting, memory seat package, multifunction steering wheel, MBUX superscreen and Entertainment package for 3 years; 
•  AMG Line Premium – from £69,100 this adds 20” 10 spoke alloys, Digital Light, keyless-go package (flush-fitting door handles), active ambient lighting, dual wireless charging, winter packages (heated wipers), 39.1” hyperscreen, Burmester sound system, digital key for signature, augmented reality navigation, paring package with 360 degree camera and transparent bonnet;    
•  AMG Line Premium Plus – from £71,600 this adds 21” alloys, heated rear seats, high-end seat with massage and climate control, illuminate pattern in the panoramic roof, 4D surround sound, augmented HUD and project functions for Digital Light; and 

•  Premier Edition – from £74,100 this adds 21” multi-spoke alloys, Night Package, MB Iconic Grille, leather upholstery in black and AMG spoiler in black.  

How will the Mercedes GLC EV perform?

•  GLC 400 EQ - estimated to start from £65,000 this AWD SUV will have a 94 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 4.3 seconds,130 mph top speeds and 360kW (or 483hp). Expect a combined winter range of 265 miles with warmer weather allowing for 355 miles – a 310 mile combined. On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 10 hour and 15 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 330 kW DC maximum allowing 22 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 520L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 133 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 2400kg (Braked). The new GLC has Bidirectional Charging. The Heat Pump is available as a standard option. 

Want to know more about taking your tech business electric?

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