Electric Cars Explained: Your Complete Guide to EVs
What Is an Electric Car?
An electric car, or EV, is powered entirely by electricity rather than petrol or diesel. It uses a battery and electric motor to drive the wheels, offering a smoother and quieter experience with no tailpipe emissions. As the UK moves towards a greener future, more drivers are turning to electric vehicles to save on costs and reduce their carbon footprint.
You can browse the full range of electric vehicles available to lease directly on our website.
How Do Electric Cars Work?
Electric vehicles store electricity in a large battery pack, which supplies power to an electric motor. When you press the accelerator, the motor draws power instantly, giving you smooth and responsive acceleration with no gear changes.
Charging is simple too. You can use a standard three-pin plug, a home wall box for faster charging, or one of thousands of public chargers across the UK. Learn more in our helpful guide: What is kWh and kW in electric cars.
Benefits of Driving Electric
Switching to electric brings a host of benefits. For one, EVs are significantly cheaper to run than petrol or diesel vehicles. Electricity costs less per mile, and maintenance is reduced thanks to fewer moving parts.
You’ll also benefit from road tax exemptions, lower emissions-based congestion charges, and reduced Benefit-in-Kind tax if you lease through a business. Find out more on our salary sacrifice leasing page.
When you lease an electric car through Silverstone Leasing, you’ll get expert support, a stress-free process, and free delivery nationwide.
Types of Electric Vehicle
There are three main types of EV:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) run entirely on electricity and offer the longest electric-only range. Popular models include the Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.3, and Kia EV6.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) use a combination of electric and petrol power. These are ideal for short electric trips with the reassurance of a petrol backup. Explore our PHEV leasing offers.
Self-charging Hybrids recharge the battery while driving and braking but cannot be plugged in. Discover more options in our hybrid leasing section.
Charging an Electric Car
Charging your EV can be done at home, at work, or on the go. Installing a wall box at home provides the most convenient and cost-effective solution. Public chargers are available nationwide, and many can recharge your battery up to 80 percent in under an hour.
You’ll find fast-charging networks at supermarkets, retail parks, and service stations across the UK. And with rapid improvements in battery range, many modern EVs can go over 300 miles on a single charge.
Why Lease an Electric Car?
Leasing is the easiest way to get behind the wheel of a new electric vehicle without the financial risk of ownership. You simply choose your model, term, and mileage, and we’ll take care of the rest.
At Silverstone Leasing, we offer a wide range of flexible options, including:
Our Signature Offers include enhanced discounts, faster delivery, and exclusive access to stock not available on the wider market.
Popular EVs Available to Lease
We have electric vehicles to suit every budget and lifestyle. Some of our most in-demand models include:
If you’re in a hurry, visit our in-stock EV leasing deals for fast delivery.
Ready to Go Electric?
There’s never been a better time to make the switch to electric. With Silverstone Leasing, the process is clear, simple, and built around you. We’ll help you choose the right car, organise delivery, and support you every step of the way.
Whether you’re an individual looking for a greener commute or a business seeking fleet savings, we’ve got you covered. Contact our team today or browse the latest electric lease deals to get started.
The Complete Guide to Electric Vehicle Leasing
Yes, leasing an electric car can be excellent value, especially when compared to purchasing outright or financing through a traditional loan. EV technology is evolving rapidly, and leasing allows drivers to enjoy the latest models without worrying about long-term depreciation or battery degradation. Lease agreements often come with fixed monthly payments, making budgeting easier, and many deals include road tax and maintenance, further reducing running costs. Additionally, government incentives and lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rates for company car drivers can make electric car leasing even more financially attractive, particularly for businesses and salary sacrifice users.
The most common lease terms for electric vehicles are between 24 and 48 months. A two or three-year lease is typically recommended, as it aligns well with the pace of EV advancements. This shorter lease term allows drivers to upgrade to newer, more efficient models as battery ranges improve and charging infrastructure expands. It also limits exposure to long-term battery performance concerns and resale value uncertainties. Choosing a lease term depends on your mileage, usage habits, and desire for flexibility, but most customers find 36 months to be a good balance between value and commitment.
Leasing an electric vehicle works much like leasing any car. You choose your EV, agree to a lease term (usually 2 to 4 years), set your annual mileage allowance, and make a fixed monthly payment for the duration of the lease. At the end of the term, you return the vehicle without the hassle of selling it or worrying about depreciation.
EV leases can be tailored for personal or business use, and many include optional extras such as maintenance packages, insurance, or home charger installation. The process is straightforward and often more accessible than financing a new car outright, especially given the higher upfront costs typically associated with electric models.
For businesses, leasing a vehicle can be tax efficient, but whether it is 100% tax deductible depends on several factors, particularly whether the lease is for a car or van and the vehicle's CO₂ emissions.
If a company leases an electric vehicle with zero emissions, up to 100% of the monthly lease payments can usually be offset against taxable profits. However, if there’s any personal use of the vehicle or the car emits more than 50g/km CO₂, only a portion may be deductible.
In addition, VAT-registered businesses can reclaim 50% of the VAT on lease payments for cars (100% for vans), and 100% of the VAT on maintenance costs, subject to certain rules. It’s always best to seek advice from an accountant to ensure your specific lease qualifies.
Are You Unsure On Electric Cars? Call our team today, we will explain the benefits
Hear from Our Happy Customers
At Silverstone Leasing, we believe the best way to understand the quality of our service is to hear directly from the people who matter most – our customers. In these short video testimonials, you’ll see real experiences from individuals and businesses who’ve leased with us. From first-time drivers to fleet managers, their stories highlight the care, transparency, and expertise that set us apart.