Drivers unaware they can lease an electric car
A study carried out by YouGov has revealed that 22% of drivers surveyed are unaware they could lease an electric car instead of buying one.
The findings suggest many motorists could be overlooking one of the most affordable routes into electric vehicle ownership at a time when running costs remain a major concern.
Lack of awareness is greatest among drivers aged over 35, and among women; 59% who aren’t aware of electric vehicle leasing are female, compared to four in 10 male respondents.
Even drivers who are aware they can lease an electric vehicle mistakenly assume the upfront cost will be similar to buying.
Car and van leasing specialist Gateway2Lease, which commissioned the YouGov research of more than 2,000 participants, highlighted that leasing an electric car on a personal contract hire agreement can work out significantly cheaper per month than a finance deal.
Kelly Marshall, managing director of Gateway2Lease, said: “Unlike buying an electric vehicle, there’s no big financial outlay with leasing. Instead, payments are spread throughout the term of the lease, which can help consumers to budget for a new car. And there’s no need to worry about depreciation as the leasing company takes the risk.
“That means leasing an electric vehicle can be a really affordable way for drivers to make the switch from a petrol or diesel vehicle to an electric one, which is particularly important ahead of the government’s proposed ban on the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars from 2030.”
