7 Things You Need to Know Before Going Electric
The future is electric, at least when it comes to the future of motoring. More manufacturers than ever before are developing hybrid or all-electric cars. The range and charging time of the latest generation far exceeds that of their ancestors. But electric vehicles are not without their difficulties, and preparation is vital before considering an all-electric lease.
Here are seven things you need to know before you opt for electric contract hire with Express Vehicle Contracts. Our team is always here to help if you have any questions about our cars.
1. The leasing vehicle’s operating range
Range anxiety is less of a concern than with earlier all-electric models. Early electric vehicles struggle to run more than 100 miles. More modern electric leasing cars generally manage around 200 miles on a full charge. However, operating ranges do vary between makes and models. The type of driving you are undertaking, and even the weather can affect your actual range. Your driving range will decrease significantly in cold weather, with heaters reducing your vehicle’s range by around 41%. It can drop up to 17% in the summer with the air conditioning running. Your battery lasts longer running around town than it will if you drive on the motorway at higher speeds. Before choosing an electric personal or business lease, check your average range and consider the differences in weather, traffic, and speed variations.
2. Meeting your contract hire driving needs
While your primary concerns may be operating range and the availability of charging points, you also need to consider the car as a whole. Does it meet your general needs? Does it provide enough space for all the passengers and luggage or sports equipment you travel with? How easy is it to get the kids in and out? Also, consider your budget, not just your car leasing payments but also other costs. You need to think about on-road costs and insurance. Talk to an expert about any lease cars you are interested in and book a test drive where possible.
3. Charging your electric leasing vehicle
The most cost-effective way to charge your electric lease car is at home. However, you do need to be careful. Manufacturers recommend against using standard domestic power sockets. The reason for this is the risk of overheating from the constant high amperage drain. Overheating can lead to fire over time, which is something best avoided.
If you are going for an electric car lease, you should install an electric car charging point at home. A qualified electrician should fit the charging point. They should provide you with a waterproof connection, which works at a higher amperage to reduce battery charging time. When connected to a 16-amp charging point, most cars can achieve full charge in around six hours. With a 32-amp charging point, most reach full charge in about three and a half hours.
4. Charging your lease vehicle away from home
There are now an estimated 22,000 public charging stations in the UK, and that number grows every day. You will find charging points where you stay with your vehicle on your travels. These are usually tethered at service stations and petrol stations, so you pull up and plug in. Usually, these are quick chargers, getting you going again in less than an hour. Other charging points are designed for you to park up and leave your vehicle while it charges. You often need to bring your own cable to use these charging stations. Finding charging points is becoming increasingly easy with points being added to sat-nav information. Local maps and apps may even allow you to reserve a charging point when you arrive at your destination.
5. Electric vehicle leasing incentives
The UK government is eager to encourage you to go green and lease electric vehicles over more traditional fuels. To that end, vehicles with ultra-low and no emissions are exempt from road tax. The government will also cover up to 75% of the cost of small home installation points. The socket would ensure your car charges fully overnight. Businesses looking to install charging points can apply for a voucher-based scheme to help cover some of the costs of buying and fitting charging points. If you want to know more about grants and how they can help, talk to our team at Express Vehicle Contracts.
6. Length of battery life
One of the many benefits of leasing over buying is you do not need to worry about battery life. You can upgrade your vehicle or change it for something more suitable to your needs easily at the end of your personal or business leasing period. The car’s warranty covers any issues with the car’s battery, and all vehicles leased by Express Vehicle Contracts come complete with a manufacturer’s warranty.
7. Insuring your electric lease vehicle
There are many benefits to leasing an electric vehicle, and the cost of your insurance is among them. Insurance for electric cars is generally cheaper than for petrol and diesel vehicles. It is important to remember that many factors affect the cost of your insurance, and it is always a good idea to shop around.
Accessing the best car leasing deals
The team at Express Vehicle Contracts are experts on all available electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel vehicles. They will work with you to find the car model and fuel type that works for your needs. All our cars come from reputable manufacturer dealerships and contain the latest technology and safety and security features.
Follow us for news and updates on the changing face of driving and the latest electric car technology. Contact the team to see how asset finance and the best lease deals can help you get on the road for less.
