Electric Car Leasing – What’s new for 2021?
The sale of electric cars in the UK increased dramatically last year, despite the pandemic. This might have been due to businesses taking advantage of the lower company car tax rate. Or maybe it was simply because of more environmentally aware consumers wanting to drive a zero emissions vehicle? Whatever the reasons, these are exciting times for electric car leasing. In 2019 the percentage of our customers that chose a full electric vehicle as their new car was just 3.12%. In 2020 even through the pandemic that rose to 11.46% and in 2021 year to date it is a massive 21.32% pure electric. You can see where this is heading!
Whilst the traditional petrol or diesel versions may be cheaper than their electric equivalent, prices of electric cars will come down with the growing demand and lower manufacturing costs. Leasing an electric vehicle is a great way to get a new car without having to use up all your savings to buy one.
With more and more electric cars available on the market, from small city run arounds to luxury sports cars, there’s no doubt that drivers have more to choose from today than just a year ago. And the good news is that this boom in electric vehicles is only the beginning of the electric car revolution. So let’s have a look at what’s new for 2021.
Lexus UX 300e
The first electrified Lexus is due to hit the British roads soon. Lexus is one of the pioneers of hybrid electric vehicles, but this is their first ever all-electric car. The Lexus UX 300e offers the same luxury and comfortable drive as the Lexus UX hybrid SUV, which it is based on.
Fully charged it will have a range of 196 miles and the battery can be charged up to 80% in 50 minutes using a 50kWH DC rapid charger. Available in 4 different options, you can order your Lexus UX 300e now and the first deliveries to UK customers will start around April.
Citroen e-C4
Citroen have launched their new generation C4 and for the first time there is a 100% electric version. The Citroen e-C4 has the same attractive coupe SUV styling as the rest of the C4 range.
The e-C4 has an official range of 217 miles and the 50 kWh battery can be charged to 80% using a 50kW rapid charger in around 40 minutes, handy when you’re out and about. It also comes with a generous 380 litre boot and an added storage space for the charging cable, making it both a practical and stylish option. The Citroen e-C4 is on sale now and it is expected to arrive in the UK around March or April. This SUV cross offers a drive in all-electric mode in e-Comfort class.
Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 First Edition
Discover the first pure electric car from Volvo. The First Edition XC40 Recharge P8 looks the same as its XC40 siblings at first glance, but the traditional grille has been replaced by a flat plate for the electric model. This all-wheel drive luxury SUV offers both high performance and a smooth responsive driving experience. The Volvo XC40 Recharge shares its high-performance electric powertrain with its fellow Swede – the Polestar 2. It is powered by a 78kWh battery pack, has 408hp and the acceleration is a nice 4.9 seconds from 0 to 62 miles per hour. The XC40 Recharge has a range of 260 miles on a single full charge (based on WLTP). Pre-order is available now and first deliveries are expected later this spring.
More basic-level models of the Volvo XC40 Recharge will follow the First Edition and there are plans to electrify the range of XC90 and XC60 next. Volvo have also revealed that they might introduce an even smaller SUV under a new XC20 badge, but the name is yet to be confirmed by the company.
Volkswagen ID.4 1st Edition
Coming soon is the new all-electric ID.4 from Volkswagen. This is the SUV follow up to the already released family of ID.3 models. A practical family car, the Volkswagen ID.4 has all the latest technology and offers a generous interior with plenty of legroom for everyone. It even boasts more boot space than the VW Tiguan. The Volkswagen ID.4 1st Edition model is available with the large 77kWh battery and has an impressive electric range of up to 310 miles based on the official WLTP testing. Other variants of ID.4 with the smaller 52kWh battery are due to arrive later in the year. The high spec VW ID.4 1st Edition is due to be released out on to the roads this spring.
Or if you’re after something smaller but still fancy a practical and stylish car then why not look at the Volkswagen ID.3? This Golf sized family hatch comes in many different models and available to view here.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
This is the Mustang as you’ve never seen it before. The new Ford Mustang Mach-E is no longer a gas guzzling beast, but the V8 under the bonnet has been replaced by a 100% electric motor.
It has kept some of the classic sporty curves, but it’s had an uplift to a crossover style SUV. More spacious and family friendly, yet still a sporty option, the Mach-E comes with a choice of two battery sizes. The Standard Range has a 75kWh battery and the Extended Range with a battery capacity of 98kWh has a range of 336 miles (WLTP). These in turn are available with either a rear wheel drive (RWD) or an all-wheel drive (AWD). Also available to order now is the Special First Edition Ford Mustang Mach-E and a faster GT version is due to be launched later this year. First deliveries to UK customer will commence this summer.
Fiat 500e
The iconic Fiat 500 has been electrified in true Italian style. The new generation of Fiat 500e pure electric city cars are due to hit British roads this year.
The Fiat 500e is the modern take on the Italian classic, but with a nod to its heritage and keeping much of its retro looks. It is available in four different models with the ‘La Prima’ at the top of the range. There’s a choice of 2 battery sizes, the 24kWh or 42kWh for the higher spec ‘Fiat 500e La Prima’ range. The larger battery has a range of 199 miles (WLTP), which is an impressive range for a small car. Charging time is only 40 minutes from 20% to 80% using a 50kW rapid charger.
And if you enjoy cruising around in a car with the roof down, then Fiat has got this (un)covered. The Fiat 500e Cabrio is the first ever battery powered cabriolet to go on sale.
BMW iX3 Premier Edition
The all electric BMW iX3 is due to go on sale very soon with first deliveries to UK customers expected from July. Based on the same platform as the popular X3 SUV range, BMW promises the new electric model to be the ultimate driving machine delivering an impressive 286hp. With its stylish looks including the new BMW ‘i kidney grille’ and a panoramic glass sunroof as standard, this is sure to be an eye-catching car. As expected from BMW, the iX3 will be fitted with the latest cutting-edge technology giving you an exceptional driving experience.
The BMW iX3 Premier Edition has a battery capacity of 80kWh and a full range of 286 miles based on WLTP. This car will get you a fair distance without the need to recharge en route.
BMW recently spruced up their original pure electric BMW i3 hatchback. First released back in 2013 the i3 has had a few smaller design tweaks and there’s also a new sportier BMW i3S version available now.
Mercedes EQA
The Mercedes EQA is the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz world of EQ electric cars. This is the entry-level model and a follow up to the highly popular EQC 4×4. It is due to go on sale this spring with deliveries later in the year.
The EQA bears a close resemblance to the GLA and it is the smallest pure electric Mercedes SUV. Mercedes-Benz don’t compromise on style or performance. The new EQA has been designed to electrify, with new distinctive design elements added to make it stand out from the crowd. Combined with high-performance and the and a quiet engine, the EQA provides a luxurious driving experience.
With a 190hp electric motor and a 79.8kWh battery on board, the Mercedes EQA has a generous WLTP range of 265 miles. Other models available in the electric EQ range are the Mercedes EQC SUV and Mercedes EQV. The EQV is a pure electric multi-purpose vehicle seating up to 7 people and suitable for those large family outings.
Lease your electric car today
I’m sure you’ll agree that 2021 will be an exciting year for the electric car and more EVs are due to be launched soon. If you are interested in leasing an electric car for your business or personal use, then contact UK Carline today. We have a selection of electric car leasing offers and our account managers can advise on which vehicle would be best suitable to you. Information about how to charge your electric car and other frequently asked questions can be found on our website.
What is WLTP?
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. This is the global standard used to measure fuel consumption and emissions, as well as the range of electric vehicles. The range achieved will depend on factors such as outside temperature, driving style and terrain.
« « Brexit – How the deal has changed vehicle leasing. | Fantasy Football – Our Winners » »
