How To Choose the Right EV To Lease Based on Your Driving Habits 

How To Choose the Right EV To Lease Based on Your Driving Habits 

You have made the decision to switch to an electric vehicle, but how do you know which one is the right EV to lease? The selection of EV cars available in the UK market has grown exponentially over the last few years, giving motorists such as yourself a wide array of EVs to choose from. Whether you want a small SUV or a more luxurious sedan, there is something for everyone to join the EV revolution.  

Which model you choose, however, will depend on more than merely the look of the car. First, assess your driving habits, then review the key specs of the car, and finally consider the factors that will impact your leasing agreement. After evaluating these factors, you will be well-equipped to identify an EV that aligns with your requirements. 

Evaluate Your Driving Habits 

• Mileage: How often and how far do you drive? Your MOT records should help you determine your average mileage per week. Typically, UK drivers will find that a range of 200+ miles is enough for their weekly needs, but those who travel longer distances more often may prefer having more than 300 miles available. 

• Types of travel: If you mainly drive around the city, a smaller EV should suffice. However, if you frequently travel on the motorway, you will need an EV with faster charging capabilities that will allow you to drive greater distances. 

• Charging access: Being able to charge your EV at home is the most convenient option. If you don’t have a charger already installed, it could cost you between £800-£1200 for the unit and basic installation, although the price depends on the brand and complexity of the installation. Alternatively, you can charge your vehicle at work or at public charging facilities. If you are going to be dependent on public charging, you should opt for an EV with fast charging (100kW+). 

 EV Specs to Consider 

• Battery size and range: Before choosing your EV, look at the battery size (kWh) and real-world range. In the UK, the real-world range is typically 20-30% less than the official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) figure. In Layman’s terms, the WLTP figure is how far the electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. Real-world range, however, will differ from WLTP because of factors such as weather (particularly cold temperatures), speed, terrain, and load. For example, if it’s cold and your car is packed with passengers and luggage while driving steep hills, you’re not going to be able to drive as far as you would while driving alone on the highway during summer. 

• Charging speed: Here, you want to look at EVs with a higher DC charging rate, preferably 250kW and faster. 

Leasing Factors 

• Term of lease: When it comes to leasing agreements, shorter terms of 2-3 years are ideal when leasing an EV, because they will allow you to keep up with the rapidly evolving EV technology. The last thing you want is to be stuck driving an outdated EV when the latest models allow you to charge your car faster while driving longer distances. 

• Running costs: While driving an EV saves you from spending on fuel, there are electricity costs to bear in mind. As stated before, you may want to install a home charger, but with that comes an increase in your monthly electricity bill. The good news is that it will be lower than what you can expect to pay for fuel. Plus, it’s greener on the environment. 

An EV to Match Your Needs with Pink Car Leasing 

If you’re a city commuter planning to only drive around town, you may want to choose a smaller hatchback with a range of 150-250 miles, like an MG4 or a Nissan Leaf. For longer distances, look at larger EVs with 250-300 mile range, like the Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5. Alternatively, if you’re looking for an all-rounder, a mid-size hatchback or smaller SUV should do the trick, like the VW ID.4 or the Tesla Model 3. 

Otherwise, if you’re not quite sure which EV model will best suit your needs, contact our team at Pink Car Leasing. We will walk you through all the details to help you choose a make and model that will tick all the boxes.