Guide to your hybrid or electric van lease

Why choose an electric or hybrid van lease?

The rise in popularity of electric and hybrid van leasing deals is driven by several factors. Firstly, the indisputable environmental benefits.

Switching to an electric or hybrid van is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to slash their carbon emissions. Next up is lower running costs, which make electric and hybrid vehicles an attractive option for businesses looking to save money at the forecourt and reduce maintenance expenses.

Worried about the range? Don’t be. The increasing availability of charging infrastructure across the country means there's never been a better time to get behind the wheel of an electric or hybrid van.

Benefits of electric and hybrid vans

Electric and hybrid van leasing deals offer a cache of benefits for businesses. Here’s a closer look at some of the perks:

1. Reduced carbon emissions

Electric and hybrid vans produce lower emissions compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. This contributes to cleaner air and helps establish your business as an eco-minded organisation.

2. Lower running costs

Depending on what model you choose, electric and hybrid vans can significantly reduce your petrol budget and in some cases, eliminate it altogether.

3. Less maintenance

Electric and hybrid vans require less maintenance than their petrol and diesel counterparts. This translates to lower operating costs over the lifetime of the van.

4. Take advantage of government incentives

Use government grants and incentives to offset the cost of electric and hybrid van leasing. Incentives can help reduce the long-term cost of ownership and are a great opportunity to see your hard-earned tax contributions at work.

5. Boost your brand image

Electric vans demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This is something becoming increasingly important to customers when making purchasing decisions. Your logo emblazoned on the side of an electric van can help boost your brand image and appeal to eco-savvy consumers. 

6. Sidestep congestion charges

London isn’t the only city taking a hardline on emissions, with major hubs like Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, Manchester and Oxford considering congestion charges and Ultra Low Emission Zones. Switching to an electric van can help your business sidestep congestion charges.

Considerations of hybrid and electric vans

Van leasing can be a great way to get behind the wheel of an eco-friendly vehicle. However, before taking out a lease, there are several considerations to keep in mind.

• Initial cost: Electric and hybrid vans may have higher upfront costs compared to petrol and diesel vehicles, though potential savings in fuel and maintenance expenses can offset this initial investment
• Charging infrastructure: It’s worth researching the availability of charging infrastructure in your local area before committing to an electric or hybrid van lease
• Range and charging time: The range and charging times of electric vans can vary depending on factors like battery capacity and driving conditions

What types of electric van lease can I take out?

There are two main types of eco-friendly vans currently on the market – pure electric and hybrid. All-electric vans run solely on electric power, while hybrid vans combine electric battery technology with petrol or diesel powertrains.

Charging an electric van

Charging an electric van is simple and straightforward. There are different charging options available, offering flexibility and convenience for businesses.

Here’s a closer look at where to top up your electric van battery and the types of charging technologies available:

Where to charge your electric van

Electric vans can be charged at the following locations:

• Home
• Workplace
• Public charging stations

Types of electric van chargers

Electric van chargers come in various speeds, including:

• Ultra-rapid – common at service stations and dedicated motorway pit stops. You can top up the battery to 80% in 20 minutes
• Rapid chargers - common at service stations and dedicated motorway pit stops. Top up battery to 80% in 40 minutes
• Fast – usually installed in homes, good for overnight charging
• Slow – usually found on residential streets, can take up to 12 hours

Electric van costs and grants

The cost of electric vans can vary dramatically depending on factors like make, model, battery size and lease terms. Whatever van you have your eye on, government grants can be a smart way to offset the cost.

Electric van grants in the UK

Government incentives help make electric van leasing accessible to businesses of all sizes.

• OZEV Plug-In Van Grant - Covers up to 35% of the cost of an electric van, with a maximum value of £5,000
• Workplace Charging Scheme - Use the Workplace Charging Scheme to offset the cost of installing EV chargers at your business premises

Want to know more about what’s up for grabs? Don’t miss our guide to electric van grants for a full rundown.

Types of electric vans

Electric vans come in different shapes and sizes to suit varying business needs.

Small electric vans

Compact and efficient examples of small electric vans include the Nissan Townstar and Renault Kangoo. Both are ideal for urban deliveries.

Medium electric vans

Medium-sized models like the Renault Master and Mercedes-Benz eSprinter offer extra cargo space and extended range.

Large electric vans

Beefy options like the LDV EV80 and Maxus e-Deliver 3 are great for heavy loads.

Leasing Options favourite electric and hybrid vans

“We’ve noticed a significant uptake in the popularity of electric and hybrid van leasing deals, with models like the Renault Kangoo, Ford E-Transit and Volkswagen ID leading the charge. All offer impressive performance and are a popular choice for businesses eyeing greener transportation solutions,” says a Leasing Options representative. 

What’s it like driving an electric van?

Curious about how it feels to get behind the wheel of an electric van? With instant torque and smooth acceleration, electric vans promise a whisper-quiet and comfortable ride that’s very different from driving an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Plus, with no tailpipe emissions, you can enjoy a guilt-free ride.

Should I switch to a hybrid or electric van?

A Leasing Options representative comments, “Hybrid and electric van leasing deals are a smart choice for businesses looking to save money on fuel and maintenance costs, as well as reduce their environmental impact.”

“Thanks to the availability of government incentives and an ever-expanding charging infrastructure network, there's never been a better time to make the switch.”

Contact our electric expert team today to find out more or browse the latest van lease deals to find your new van.