Here at Parkers, we’ve been monitoring the changes in the public’s buying habits for decades. And as obvious as it sounds, electric cars really are becoming the norm for many. Which is why we’ve compiled a list of the best electric cars to lease right now.
The change in buying habits can be explained twofold: Electric vehicles (EVs) are getting better, and the public’s fears of range (if not public charger) anxiety are being quelled.
Electric cars are fast becoming first cars, rather than second ones. A 300-mile range is easily achievable in some cars, and the charging infrastructure is ever-growing too. Electric cars even regularly feature on our best new car deals page.
Below, we’ve highlighted the best electric cars to lease taking into account how well we score them objectively as cars, how much they cost to run, their electric range and how available they are on the leasing market.
Best electric car lease deals 2024
Proof MG makes a better Volkswagen than VW
It’s also good to drive, comfortable and should do 200-300 miles in real-world driving. It's also really, really cheap and you'll regularly find deals for less than £300 per month. This means it's typically hundreds of pounds a year cheaper than a VW ID.3.*
Read our full MG4 EV review
Pros
- Long range for the money
- Accurate range predictor
- Comfortable
Cons
- Touchscreens can be fiddly to use
- Rivals have more high-tech gear
One of the easiest electric cars to own
But the Model 3 is also a really very good car. It’s remarkably spacious for its size, with plenty of room for five adults. You get at least 344 miles of claimed range, the Long Range model can manage 422 miles. Just a shame that, despite looking like a hatchback, the Model 3 is actually a saloon.
Read our full Tesla Model 3 review
Pros
- Very long real-world range
- Convenient charging network
- Great to drive
Cons
- Some build quality issues
- Not a hatchback
A good EV offered with some great deals
It's here that leasing does well for you. The cheapest Corsa Electric Design costs £32,445 in cash terms, making it around £5,500 more expensive than the entry-level MG4 EV, but its monthly deals can be exceptionally competitive.**
Read our full Vauxhall Corsa Electric review
Pros
- Some excellent lease deals offered
- New battery brings longer range
- Entertaining to drive
Cons
- Limited boot space
- Cramped rear seats
BMW i4
An electric car that's a BMW first and foremost
It’s fantastic to drive, offers one of the longest electric ranges (up to 367 miles) available in a car this size and feels both futuristic and reassuringly conventional when it comes to driving. Tesla Model 3s are broadly cheaper, but not as nice on a twisty road.*
Read our full BMW i4 review
Pros
- Conventional, pleasant interior
- Amazing performance
- Long electric range
Cons
- Cramped rear seats
- Takes a long time to charge at home
Bold styling, funky interior and sensible electric tech
It’s not offered with a large-capacity battery, unlike with some rivals. But Renault says the battery can store enough charge for a maximum official range of 280 miles, with our testing suggesting that the figure is closer to 200 miles. Which is still enough for most people.*
Read our Renault Megane E-Tech review
Pros
- Bold styling
- Spacious interior
- Good value
Cons
- No large-battery option
- Ride is a bit choppy
MG ZS EV
Great value family SUV
Electric range spans 198-273 miles, while the tall silhouette means it’s easy to get in and out of and there’s acres of room in the rear.*
Read our full MG ZS EV review
Pros
- 273-mile official rage
- Five-star safety score
- Seven-year warranty
Cons
- Low rent interior
- Lack of badge appeal
Electric city car is great value with good range
Considering a full tank of electricity in the Zoe will set you back less than a tenner, there are some serious savings to be made. Mileage between the plugs is officially rated at 250 miles, which is hugely impressive for this price range.*
Read our Renault Zoe review
Pros
- Super quiet around town
- Easy to use
- Good value
Cons
- Euro NCAP safety rating of zero
- Oddly high driving position
Benefits of leasing an electric car
>> Cheapest monthly cost
Although prices are always coming down, electric cars are still a touch more expensive than petrol ones. Basic petrol Volkswagen Golfs start just below £26,000 – whereas the electric Volkswagen ID.3 will set you back around £37,000.
However, most electric cars have low depreciation in general, meaning finance deals can work out similar to petrol-powered cars. For instance, Renault Zoe lease prices start at around £250 per month – the same prices as an equivalent petrol-powered Renault Clio. Long-term car leases bring the cost down further, and car leasing with no deposit is also available.
>> Less risk than buying outright
In short, if you want new tech, without some of the financial worry, leasing can be the answer. Leasing comprises an initial payment, a set of pre-agreed monthly payments, and that’s it.
>> Air quality
The most obvious win. Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions. Petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars emit carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants. Driving electric helps improve air quality where you are.
** These deals are indicative examples of some packages available as of 15 January 2024, but are subject to change without prior notice. Everyone’s financial circumstances are different and the availability of credit is subject to status. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Parkers cannot recommend a deal for you specifically.
