Thank you for our local business customer from Skelmersdale (Lancashire) for allowing us to visit their team and review the two latest additions to their fleet.
Experts in providing public WI-Fi solutions, the company had an innate knowledge of technology and were therefore hugely supportive of considering a vehicle outside of the traditional combustion engine format
Like many business lease customers, we start off with our digital “alternative fuel decision tree” which allows customers to find out the best fuel choice for them based on driving style and behaviour.
Based on their aptitudes, the lower mileage requirements, urban style driving (stop/start) and ability to install charge points at both business and home address, the conclusion was that Plug-In Hybrid or Electric vehicles would be most suitable.
It was very a decision of monthly cost and car preferences which led to the BMW.
What fuel (or non-fuel) should I choose for my next car? This is now a very difficult decision for a customer to answer. There are leasing deals on all things petrol, diesel, hybrid, PHEV and electric cars… is there really one fuel choice which is right for me, or the company? As we will discuss below, this is about considering the facts and circumstances and making a practical decision (not just one on the monthly cost). Pictured here are two BMW 5 series PHEV (petrol) and these will be in direct competition to the new Mercedes E300de (the diesel PHEV), the Volvo V90 T8 twin engine (petrol PHEV) and the Passat GTE (petrol PHEV). Which is the best PHEV to lease in 2019? We will leave that decision to the customer!
In terms of the cars shown here, the BMW 5 Series Saloon 530e M Sport 4 Door Auto (PHEV – Petrol), this is based on the following configuration:
· Carbon Black Metallic Paint
· Aluminium Rhombicle Interior Trim with Pearl Chrome Finish
· Dakota Leather – Black/Black World with Exclusive Blue Stitching
· 19″ M Double Spoke Light Alloy Wheels – Style 664M + Run Flat Tyres
· Sun Protection Glass
· Through Load System with 40/20/40 Folding Rear Seat
As standard the car includes park distance control, part-electric adjustable front seats, cruise control, 19” alloys, 2 zone climate control, sensatec instrument panel, 3 stage heated front seats, sport seats, Bluetooth, LED headlights, Dakota leather upholstery, heated windscreen washer jets, rain sensitive wipers and auto lights, brake energy regeneration, auto hill hold, hill start assist, M specific floor mats, 20GB hard drive, BMW online services, digital cockpit, navigation (professional), eDrive, real time traffic information, auto dimming rear view mirror, electric and heated door mirrors, DAB radio, body coloured externals, door sill inlays with M designation, M aerodynamic body kit, follow me home headlights, dynamic brake lights, LED daytime running lights, 3 spoke M leather steering wheel, illuminated charging sock, multifunction steering wheel, crash sensor, warning triangle./first aid kit and alarm system/immobiliser. In terms of additional specification, consider adding – sun protection glass, reversing camera and the BMW display key for a perfect result.
On the technical-side company car and business users can note the P11d at £49,945.00 and CO2 at 49g/km. The 1998CC 8 speed auto petrol (and lithium-ion battery) engine delivers 252ps, 0-62 time of 6.2 seconds and combined MPG of 128 (NEDC). Service intervals are set at every 24 months or 18,000 miles.
So would you select the BMW 5 series as your next PHEV leasing option?
But a PHEV doesn’t require cables? Unfortunately this is incorrect and customers looking into alternative fuels need to clearly distinguish between the different options. A hybrid (see – https://www.carlease.uk.com/hybrid-car-leasing) does not use external charging points. By this, we mean that you are not required to “plug-in” the vehicle to an electric source.
The hybrid technology has been around for some time, particularly with Toyota and Lexus, and has been ideal for many cost-conscious company car drivers. A hybrid uses a small lithium-ion battery which works in conjunction with the engine or on its own for a very short period of time. However, the battery self-charges via propulsion and braking (regenerative braking); you don’t’ need to plus this into the charging point.
While offering slightly better MPG and CO2, this is not at the level of a PHEV. In contrast, a PHEV can offer anywhere between 15 to 30 miles of travel on the battery alone (for further details see – https://www.carlease.uk.com/phev-car-leasing). As such, the battery is bigger and requires an external charging source. Therefore for any PHEV options, petrol or diesel, do note that you MUST plug this into a charging point to ensure the battery is sufficiently charged.
How do I charge a PHEV? When the car is delivered to you it should have a set of cables which connects the car to the charge point. To assist customers we will producing more and more guides on “how to …” for example a recent Jaguar I-Pace video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Qowy2IDc0 Fundamentally, connecting your car to the charge point is relatively simple and your leasing broker or supplying dealer can explain this to you fairly quickly.
But where to I charge it? When you take an electric or PHEV vehicle you need to consider where you are going to charge the vehicle. Back in 2013 there were an estimated 3000 public points. Quite surprisingly, there are now just under 20,000 charging points across 6,000 locations in the UK in contrast to the 67,000 petrol pumps across 8500 locations.
The “range-anxiety” debate is now losing part of its credence, as more and more local authorities are introducing solutions across their areas. With points at service stations, supermarkets and now businesses (for employees) there is a real shift in culture.
Can I charge my car at home? Absolutely; there are a number of companies who can help you with your home installation. We now work with a specific manufacturer, Rolec, who not only manufacturer the product but they can assist you with the grant paperwork and introduce you to a nominated installer local to you. But how much is a home charge point for my car? This depends on the actual product you want as most companies offer a 3kW and 7kW solution. With a Government grant available of up to £500, it is up to you as which is most beneficial.
Some charging solutions will be almost little to no cost at all. Of course you do have to pay for the electricity which is supplied to the car!
But how long will it take for my PHEV to charge? As per above, it will depends on the type of charger. There are a number of options:
1. Rapid – these are 50kW (DC) points which are now being introduced across the UK. Costing between £15,000 – £30,000 to install, these will offer circa 30 miles of charge per 10 minutes of charging;
2. Fast (workplace/public) – these are 22kW (DC) points which are very popular across the UK. Costing between £500-£2000 to install, these will offer circa 10-15 miles per 10 minutes of charging. These will be the main public chargers in most local areas;
3. Fast (home) – Now gaining popularity across the UK, most homes will have charge points which can offer a 7kW power output. Costing around £500-£1000, these will charge at 5miles per 10minutes; and
4. Slow (home) – sitting just above the standard plug-in to your main approach, this 3kW power output should cost circa £500 and offer 2 miles per 10 minutes.
As a PHEV has a smaller battery, you should be able to completely charge the vehicle quickly and easily via a 7kW solutions.
Find the best electric car lease deals online at CarLease UK Car-e
Any queries? Just get in touch with the Car-E team to know more!
