Leasing Guide

EV Leasing Checklist

Leasing an EV is mostly like leasing any car, but there are a few things specific to electric. Battery clauses, mileage limits that actually matter more, and charging costs that replace your fuel budget. Here's what to pay attention to.

Before You Sign

✓ Check the mileage allowance carefully. EVs are efficient, but if you underestimate your driving and go over the limit, excess mileage charges add up fast. Track your current driving for a week to get an honest number.
✓ Read the battery condition clause. Some contracts define acceptable battery degradation at return. Others don't mention it at all. Know where you stand before you sign.
✓ Ask who pays for home charger installation. Some leasing companies include a home charger as part of the deal. Others leave it to you. A Level 2 home charger typically costs a few hundred to install.
✓ Check what maintenance is included. EVs need less maintenance than gas cars (no oil changes, fewer brake jobs), but tires wear faster because the car is heavier. Make sure tire replacement is covered or budgeted.
✓ Understand the insurance requirements. EV insurance can be higher because battery replacement is expensive. Get quotes before you commit so there are no surprises.

Choosing the Right EV

✓ Match range to your actual commute, not your longest trip. If your daily drive is 60 km, you don't need a 500 km range car. A smaller battery costs less per month and charges faster.
✓ Think about where you'll charge most. If you have a driveway, home charging overnight covers most people. If you're in an apartment, check that there are reliable public chargers near your home or workplace.
✓ Check the DC fast charging speed. This matters for road trips. Some EVs charge from 10-80% in 20 minutes, others take over an hour. If you do long drives regularly, this is worth paying attention to.
✓ Consider a heat pump if you live somewhere cold. Heat pumps use much less energy to heat the cabin than resistive heaters. In cold climates, this can mean 10-15% more range in winter.

During Your Lease

✓ Charge to 80% for daily driving. Regularly charging to 100% or letting the battery drop to near zero wears it out faster. Most EVs let you set a charge limit in the settings.
✓ Don't rely on fast charging every day. Occasional fast charging is fine. But if it's your only option, the battery will degrade faster over 3-4 years. Try to mix in slower AC charging when you can.
✓ Keep an eye on your mileage. Check once a month whether you're on pace for your allowance. If you're consistently over, talk to the leasing company about adjusting. It's usually cheaper mid-contract than at return.
✓ Service the car on schedule. Even though there's less to maintain, skipping scheduled service can void warranty coverage or trigger end-of-lease charges.

Costs to Know

✓ Your electricity bill goes up, but way less than fuel would cost. Home charging typically costs 50-70% less per km than gasoline. Public fast charging is more expensive but still usually cheaper than fuel.
✓ Tires may need replacing sooner. EVs are heavier and have instant torque, which wears tires faster. Budget for a set of tires during a 3-year lease.
✓ Public charging costs vary wildly. Some networks charge per kWh, others per minute, and prices range from reasonable to surprisingly expensive. Find the networks near you and compare.

End of Lease

✓ Get a battery health check before return. If the contract has a battery condition clause, get an independent check so you know where you stand. Most modern EVs retain 90%+ capacity after 3 years of normal use.
✓ Document the car's condition thoroughly. Photos of exterior, interior, wheels, and dashboard. Same as any lease return, but also note any charging port damage.
✓ Check for excess wear charges specific to EVs. Charging port scratches, missing cables, or tire condition. These are the EV-specific things that can catch you off guard.
✓ Consider buying if the residual is favorable. If the car has low degradation and you like it, buying at the residual value can be a good deal. Check what similar models sell for on the used market.

Costs like charger installation or tire replacement can fluctuate by region and provider. The figures above are typical ranges to help you budget, not exact quotes. Get local estimates before signing.