Switching to an electric lease: Benefits, savings and choosing your first EV
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 29 October 2026 | 0 min read
If you’re in the final months of your current lease contract, now’s a great time to consider what kind of car you want to drive next. And now might be a good time to consider an electric car.
Electric vehicle (EV) technology has advanced so much over recent years, offering longer battery ranges, faster charging time, and a huge selection of modern models across a wide range of budgets.
Leasing an electric car gives you the chance to try an electric car for a fixed number of years at a fixed monthly price. It’s a great opportunity to test the future of driving.
This guide breaks down the core benefits of switching to an electric lease, how EV ownership can save you money, and how to choose the right electric car for your lifestyle.
Advantages of moving to an electric lease
Fuel savings with overnight home charging
Plugging an electric car in overnight using a standard home charger and an EV-specific electricity tariff is substantially cheaper per mile than filling up with petrol or diesel. And setting your vehicle to charge during off-peak hours (typically overnight) means you wake up every morning with a full battery at a fraction of the cost of filling up at a traditional service station.
Exemption from Clean Air Charges
Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning they are exempt from London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and similar Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charges operating across UK cities like Birmingham, Bristol, and Sheffield. If your daily commute takes you through urban zones, switching to electric can save you hundreds of pounds a month in daily fees.
A quieter, more relaxing drive
Without a traditional engine under the bonnet, an electric car delivers a smooth and whisper-quiet ride. Combined with instant torque (immediate acceleration) and automatic transmissions, EVs reduce the stress of stop-and-start traffic and help make long commutes more peaceful.
EV vs petrol leasing: Cost comparison
Traditional petrol / diesel vehicle | Electric vehicle (EV) | |
Fuel costs | Higher per-mile cost at fuel stations | Low per-mile cost using off-peak home charging |
Clean Air Zones (ULEZ) | Subject to daily charges if non-compliant | £0 |
Road Tax (VED) | Included in your lease | Included in your lease |
Maintenance | Higher (engine oil, filters, spark plugs) | Lower (fewer moving mechanical parts) |
Manufacturer warranty | Included (typically three to seven years) | Included (includes dedicated battery warranty) |