Leasing a Car
Electric and Plug-in Vehicle Leasing

Electric and Plug-in Vehicle Leasing

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming a force to be reckoned with in today’s car market.

Over the past few years, there has been a significant rise in the number of electric powered vehicles on the road in the UK.

And although EVs have been around for a while, only recently have major car manufacturers (such as Nissan and BMW) responded to the increasing demand for lower emissions and better economy by releasing electric models.

Now we are seeing huge technological advancements, greater driving distances and lower vehicle prices.

What types of vehicles are available on the market today?

Micro Hybrid

A micro hybrid vehicle uses a “start-stop system”, where regenerative braking technology helps stop a combustion engine when the vehicle pulls to a stop and also restart it when the driver begins to accelerate.

Mild Hybrid

This hybrid supports assist mode and regenerative braking also but in addition, the battery size is lower than full hybrid vehicles and is operated only in charge sustaining zones across the country.

Full Hybrid

These vehicles are unique in the marketplace, utilising a battery and electric motor that will provide more power to drive the vehicle and also allow, for a short distance, pure electric driving at low speed.

These vehicles are far more fuel-efficient than a mild hybrid.

Plug-in hybrid

First introduced to the UK car market back in 2012, plug-in hybrids or PHEVs, are essentially cars that combine a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and a large rechargeable battery. Utilising the same technology as full hybrid vehicles, they can be plugged-in and charged from an outlet and once fully charged, driven purely on electric. Most plug-in hybrid models will travel at higher speeds than full hybrids in pure electric mode and on average manage a 10-15 mile range. If the range is reached, have no fear, the petrol or diesel engine will kick in as a default.

In terms of charging, you will need to decide where and when. We recommend charging through a dedicated electric vehicle charging point although you can also charge through a standard mains socket.

Range-extended Electric Vehicles

Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (E-REV) fall in between plug-in hybrids and pure electric cars. The engine acts as a generator to charge the car battery and is ideal for long distance journeys. A full charge will provide optimal acceleration performance and full vehicle speed for 25-50 miles.

Range-extenders electric vehicles are capable of generating additional electricity to power the vehicle for over 300 miles on a single tank of petrol.

Pure Electric Vehicles

Also known as EV, these vehicles are purely driven on an electric battery. A typical EV has a range of 60-100 miles and will require overnight charging unless you make use of rapid charging points, which are available around the country. These vehicles are ideal for shorter journeys and city/town driving.

What are the benefits of converting your fleet to Plug-in vehicles?

  • The cost of electricity and performance efficiency will reduce running costs dramatically
  • EV's produce lower emissions, emitting next to no air pollution
  • Batteries used moderately will last 12 to 15 years
  • On average, an EV has ten times fewer moving parts than a petrol or diesel car so you can expect significantly less maintenance. There is no engine, transmission, spark plugs, valves, fuel tank, tailpipe, distributor, starter, clutch, muffler or catalytic converter.
  • Electricity being made widely available and the number of rapid charging facilities positioned nationwide is increasing
  • Tax incentives are available e.g. 100% discount on London congestion charge and 0% Road tax available.
  • Plug-in electric vehicles offer an unmatched driving experience. The electric motor provides a quiet, smooth and powerful ride

Is converting your fleet to electric vehicles an priority this year? Get in touch with our green fleet management team today on 0800 085 4256 or visit www.cvsl.co.uk/electric.