Demand for electric vehicle leases has grown by 209%

Last updated on April 22nd, 2020 at 11:34 am

A recent survey has revealed that enquiries for battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hybrids and mild hybrids have seen a 209% year-on-year increase in September 2019. The data gathered by leasing company, Leasing.com, showed that the Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen e-Golf and Jaguar I-Pace were the most in-demand all-electric models.

Similarly, a report carried out by LeasePlan, found that 40% of new leasing customers plan to hire an electric car in the next five years. A positive sign, which shows that short-to-mid-term owners are willing to try out an electric vehicle.

The interest in leasing electric or alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) has dramatically increased over the last 12 months. According to figures provided by the SMMT, the month of September saw 40,917 registrations of battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hybrids and mild hybrids. Remarkable that's up 54.8% from September 2018.

Paul Harrison, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Leasing.com, said: “As more emphasis is put on moving to low-emission drivetrains, leasing offers personal customers the perfect way to transition into ever-cleaner models without the large, long-term commitment of buying. Interest in alternatively fuelled vehicles on Leasing.com has outstripped national levels so far in 2019 and accounted for 7% of all enquiries in the first half of the year. Average CO2 emissions across personal lease enquiries on Leasing.com have fallen for three consecutive years, and our data shows we’re on course for a reduction in emissions this year too.”

Harrison added: “As more fully electric and hybrid models hit the market over the coming year, we expect to see an even stronger rate of adoption via leasing.”

Elsewhere, the Tesla Model 3 has been continuing to attract customers on the leasing company's website, where it stands as the first most-enquired vehicle. Below, are the top 10 lease enquiries for September:

1. Mercedes-Benz A-Class
2. Range Rover Evoque
3. Volkswagen Golf
4. Mercedes-Benz E-Class
5. Tesla Model 3
6. BMW 2 Series
7. Volkswagen Tiguan
8. Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
9. Nissan Qashqai
10. Seat Leon