Why Maintenance is a Key Part of your Used EV Lease

Your Used EV Lease and why maintenance is a key part

The increasing sales of new electric cars is not a surprising aspect of the UK’s automotive market. The ZEV Mandate, a political commitment to going green, is a driving force behind the vehicle demographic for British retail and business customers (leasing or otherwise).

As at 2025, the expectation is that 28% of the total cars registered will be zero-emission, with this increasing to 33% in 2026 before hitting 38% in 2027. The pressure is clearly on the various brands to ensure there are measures in place to sell more product; better battery technology, improved charging infrastructure, education for UK drivers and cost-effective solutions.

It is the latter which is probably the key outlet for improved sales / registrations, with various manufacturers having to adjust list prices or discounts on their new cars to encourage a steady volume of sales. This has been a necessity, especially when the Government recently decided to impose the luxury car tax on EVs costing £40,000 or more.

The difficulty with the strategy, as propagated by Cox Automotive and subsequently reported across media platforms like This Is Money, is how new car pricing impacts the used electric car market.

In particular, pricing wars between brands like Tesla and BYD have seen cars like the Model 3 and Model Y incur price slashes to compete with the BYD Seal and Sealion 7, which are enjoying likewise price reductions. While purveyors of new BEVs are having a good time with the new deals, which are mainly companies and salary sacrifice schemes, the corresponding auction prices for finance companies and other parties have not been quite as seamless.

As the article reflects on, the record sales of EVs in March 2025 can be compared against the near-50% reduction in value for the average two year car (compared to the 30% for a diesel). As the team at Cox Automotive have been observing, the price of new vehicles are almost the same as a nearly new / used model, offering less incentives for a consumer to proceed.

However, the Cox team have recognised that the market for 3 to 5 year old all-electric options are performing much better, with more modest price drops across this range. It is this age of vehicle which is becoming more instrumental to our e-car lease team, as more “new to EV” customers explore this as an option before going into a new one.

Turning our attention to the used proposition, which we detail on our dedicated used car lease information page, helping a personal or business customer compare New v Used is now an important service.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer, with much of your bespoke circumstances impacting which route you prefer. Where the used programme really benefits, which you can review at our sister-company website  Carlease UK used car lease offers  , is that this is a comprehensive (and flexible) package on a variety of stock options.

This includes variable terms of 12 months - 48 months, annual mileages of 5,000 to 20,000 per annum an array of deposits including no-deposit and large capital outlay scenarios. And, to ensure that many of the driver’s concerns are appeased, every vehicle will include Funder-Maintenance. To be clear this includes:

•  All routine servicing and maintenance including all mechanical repairs;
• Replacement tyres (punctures or wear and tear);
•  MOT; and
•  UK breakdown assistance.  

The maintenance essentially takes all of the hassle out of managing the vehicle maintenance, with a dedicated helpline for customers to call when the vehicle incurs any issues or defects.

This does offset any risks of a vehicle falling outside of the manufacturer vehicle warranty period. However, this does not include aspects like consumables (washer fluid), stolen items, accident damages and glass repairs.

At e-car we do send a maintenance card for all drivers to have on their keys / within the car to ensure they are never without help or assistance. As contract hire involves no ownership, there are no risks of depreciation or resell value. But in having the maintenance, many of the running costs and practical aspects are covered while the driver becomes more accustomed to the other aspects of the BEV lifestyle.

This includes things like a charge point for the home or business premises, dedicated EV tariffs for charging, motor insurance and coming to grips with public charging and aspects like range / AC and DC capabilities. Having a robust strategy in place almost certainly boosts confidence.

Slowly entering the used-car market for customers to enjoy is the Smart #1 (also known as the hashtag 1), which launched in late 2022. This subcompact SUV represented a Mercedes-inspired small car with Geely Holdings architecture. Not unlike the petrol and diesel market, where Mercedes is a premium product, the Smart brand is a more cost-effective route to market with more freedom for funky designs and carte-blanche for novelty and features. Indeed the Smart brand launched a #3 compact crossover in 2023 to supplement the original product. The most-popular Smart of 2025 is without a doubt the Pro+ line, which we detail below:

Pro+ - this model includes Cybersparks LED lights, comfort suspension, rain sensing wipers, 2 keyfobs, follow me home lights, heating steering wheel, climate control, active cruise control, keyless start, lane departure warning and lane change assist, wireless phone charging, Halo Roof, 19” alloys, powered tailgate, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, frameless doors, privacy glass, 4-way lumbar support, 6-way powered driver seat adjustment, heated seats, 360 degree camera, navigation, 12.8” central screen and the 9.2” HD cluster.

In terms of the car shown, the Smart HASHTAG 1 HATCHBACK 200kW Pro + 66kWh 5dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle), this is based on the following configuration:

• Quantum Blue Metallic Paint
•  Man made leather – Dark Matter
• Man made leather wrapped instrument panel
•  19" Amps alloy wheels
• Roof - Eclipse black
• Mode 3 type 2 charging cable

Want to know more about going into the used  Smart #1 in 2025?

Head to our dedicated Smart #1 special offers section or just get in touch with our team on 01942 943 214 or by emailing us at [email protected]