Over the next few months we are going to be reviewing some of the best electric car leasing deals of 2019.
Without a doubt, electric and low emissions vehicles (which we refer to as “Alternative Fuel Vehicles”) are the most popular subject in the automotive industry; not just in the UK but worldwide. So much so, we have now produced a guide on which fuel choices a customer should consider as we embark on a different approach to motoring.
To help customers in this effort, we are going to be test-driving/blogging/reviewing and videoing some of the leading electric car propositions for our customers.
The first, and one of the most popular choices, arrived with us recently – say hello the new Nissan Leaf!
A big thank-you to our local Nissan suppliers, Chorley Nissan for arranging this demonstrator for the Car-E-Lease team.
If you are looking for a new or used Nissan in the Lancashire area look no further than this team. With sites across Blackpool, Preston, Chorley and Wigan, you couldn’t be in better hands for arranging your new Nissan car (or van).
So what is all the fuss about electric vehicles? (For those of you hiding under a rock..) the world is changing its attitudes towards the way in which we interact with the environment.
One of the biggest issues we are facing is the over-supply of petrol and diesel vehicles (cars and vans) across the globe.
The way in which we are managing our motoring is causing many environmentalists, scientists and politicians great concerns about a healthy and sustainable future. In an effort to manage this situation more formally, the manufacturing of combustion engines is under review.
For the UK this could lead to the removal of any combustion engine being produced (or sold) in the UK after 2030.
Will the Government really ban petrol or diesel cars and vans? The literature we are now receiving, plus recent political and financial changes, suggests they really do mean to make significant change. However, achieving this is going to rely on manufacturers being able to produce cost-effective and practical solutions.
As at 2019, we are on the cusp of significant motoring changes but we are still in the infancy stage.
Why should I consider an electric vehicle (car or van)? Yes, it is possible to get either a car or van in electric format.
For company car users, the main incentive towards an electric vehicle is the potential tax savings this alternative fuel can offer you.
For a company car user, the level of benefit in kind (BiK) is based around the CO2 (g/km) which a car produces. As part of the tax calculation, HMRC also consider your income tax bracket and the vehicle’s P11d value. The big change for the company car world arises in 2020/2021, as we will see significant reduction in BiK bands for those drivers who operate Zero Emission Vehicles.
Therefore, for those choosing a purely electric vehicle (EV), there will be significant cost savings.
Any EV which is capable of driving 130 miles or more will attract the 2% rate and for anything covering 70-129 miles this will attract the 5% BiK rate
For those involved in company cars, they will quickly see what a considerable tax saving this offers.
So why are not all businesses leasing an EV? There are other considerations for the company to consider – is a range of 150-300 miles appropriate for the driver? Does the company and/or driver have access to charging points? What does the electric vehicle cost per month in comparison to a combustion engine?
For a company (and the driver), there are a number of practical points which require due consideration. This is why we have produced a guide for choosing your next alternative fuel vehicle.
The last thing which our industry needs is a scandal pertaining to the “miss-selling of electric cars”.
What about personal contract hire users, why would an electric vehicle be necessary? While there are no immediate financial benefits, other than a £3500 grant for an EV and no requirement to pay for road fund licence, there are some benefits to the individual driver.
One of the big changes across London has been the congestion charge, low emission charge and ultra-low emission zones.
Drivers are now being held accountable (financially) for using combustion engines in certain areas.
From 8 April 2019, the ultra-low emission zone begins and this will impact those drivers using HGVs and LGVs.
This is going to spread into cars and will certainly be replicated across other cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Birmingham. For those involved in the commuting process, an EV may be more financially viable than a combustion alternative. To support drivers, we have already seen new scrappage schemes arise in London.
For micro businesses and charities, the Mayor of London is offering additional grants for those needing to upgrade their vehicles in-line with the new criteria.
For more info on this policy – click here.
While we are still early in the alternative fuel change, there are more and more reasons to consider going green. However, whether personal or business, you need to consider all the relevant facts. Do not be persuaded to change just because you are making a tax saving or because of a cheap monthly rental.
In terms of the car shown here, the Nissan LEAF HATCHBACK 110kW Tekna 40kWh 5dr Auto, this is based on the following configuration:
· Special Two tone – Pearl white/black metallic
· Leather/Alcantara – Black
· 17″ alloy wheels
The Tekna is the top-specification within the Leaf range. For drivers looking into this, you have the options of:
1. Acenta – the “base” model will offer the e-Pedal, safety shield technology (land departure warning/emergency braking/intelligent lane assist/pedestrian recognition), Nissan Connect (telematics/rear view camera, air conditioning pre-set), Apple CarPlay, 16” alloys and the 6.6kWh on-board charger;
2. N-Connecta – the “middle” model will add the around view monitor, heated part leather seats, heated steering wheel, 17” alloys and electric folding door mirrors; and
3. Tekna – the “luxury” model will add on the proPILOT, Bose sound system, heated rear seats and LED headlights.
Moving more in-depth, the Tekna will offer rain sensors, rear privacy glass, hill start assist, intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, dynamic vehicle control, Apply Carplay/Android auto, moving object detection, pro pilot assist with intelligent cruise control/blind spot monitoring/lane departure warning, EVSE charging cable, push button starter, front and rear parking sensors, sat nav system, telematics system, auto dimming rear view mirror, PTC heater, Bose premium audio, DAB radio, steering wheel mounted controls, body coloured externals, automatic hazard lights, follow me home headlights, fog lights, intelligent auto headlights, climate control, heated leather steering wheel, leather/alcantara upholstery, heated front and rear seats, deadlock, immobiliser and Thatcham cat 1 alarm, 17” alloys and intelligent key. In terms of additional factory options – consider the pro pilot park assist and spare wheel for the full experience.
On the technical-side, company car and business users can note the P11d at £33,910.00 and CO2 at 0g/km. The 40kWh lithium-ion battery will offers a quoted EV range of 235 miles on a full charge but according to a WLTP combined cycle this is more like 170 miles, badge power is 150ps and 0-62 times are 8.6 seconds. Service intervals on a Nissan Leaf are every 12 months or 18,000 miles whichever lands sooner.
In terms of charging time a rapid charger could increase the battery charge from 20 to 80% in around 60 minutes whereas a proficient 7kWh home charger could fully charge the battery in around 7-8 hours.
Essentially, you should be able to leave the vehicle charging overnight to fully charge it.
Want to know more on this electric car? Just check out our video blog and test drive of the new Nissan Leaf or read more about electric cars below…
Find the webs best lease car deals on the awesome Nissan Leaf @CarLease UK
