GRIDSERVE works in three distinct UK sectors: solar energy, EV charging, and EV leasing.
Through GRIDSERVE EV Leasing, they provide business and personal leasing options for UK customers along with a great chance for customers to be EVEN MORE eco-friendly – they plant 100 trees for every leased car.
Added perks for their customers include three months of free charging at any GRIDSERVE location and the option to use GRIDSERVE for an EV salary sacrifice scheme and unlock tax benefits.
Editors Picks: EV Salary Sacrifice
| Provider | Editors Salary Sacrifice Picks | Check Deals | Check Deals |
|---|---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL SCHEME  |
| 10 | CHECK ELIGIBILITY |
TOP EARLY TERMINATION  |
| 10 | CHECK ELIGIBILITY |
GRIDSERVE leasing Pros & Cons
Pros
- Broad EV range
- They plant 100 trees for every car leased
- Three months of free charging included
- A near 5-star Trustpilot score suggests a reputable service
- All-inclusive charging can be added
Cons
- No purchase option at the end of the agreement
- Early termination fees of around 50% (unless you are a salary sacrifice customer)
We selected these pros and cons based on the criteria that Electric Car Guide customers identified as the most important to them in our survey of EV owners. We also researched real-world customer reviews on Trustpilot (both positive and negative) and compared GRIDSERVES features with its nearest competitors.
Am I eligible for a GRIDSERVE lease?
For Individual Consumers:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Resident in the United Kingdom.
- Hold a full driver’s licence.
For Business Customers:
- You must have the authority to sign the contract on behalf of the business for which you’re placing an order.
GRIDSERVE leasing features at a glance
| Contract | Contract Hire Agreement OR Business Hire Agreement |
| Minimum term | 24 months |
| Early terminiation details | For a personal or business lease you are expected to pay around 50% of what is remaining on your contract. For Salary Sacrifice customers, as long as you are out of the first and last 3 months of your contract, you are only expected to pay a 3 month early termination. |
| Deposit required | No deposit required |
| Charging add-ons | With every GRIDSERVE lease, enjoy three months of free charging across 180+ locations on the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway. If you take out the Net Zero Leasing plan, your monthly payments will cover all charging costs on GRIDSERVE Electric Highway. |
| Whats included? | Includes road tax, breakdown cover, manufacturer's warranty, and MOT. 100 trees planted for each lease. Three Months Free Charging: Accessible at 180+ GRIDSERVE Electric Highway locations. Salary Sacrifice agreements also include: Servicing & comprehensive insurance. |
| Trust Pilot Rating | 4.9 (November 2023) |
| Pros | Broad EV Selection 100 trees planted for every car leased Three months of free charging Reputable Service All-inclusive charging can be added |
| Cons | No purchase option Early termination fees of around 50% (unless a salary sacrifice customer) |
| Eligibility | To qualify for a GRIDSERVE lease, individual consumers must be at least 18, UK residents, and possess a full driver's licence. Business customers will need to have the authority to represent their business. |
| Customer support | GRIDSERVE offers 24/7 phone support at 0330 173 3753, email assistance via [email protected], and an online query form on their website |
GRIDSERVE leasing full review
Through a diversified business model, GRIDSERVE can combine solar energy generation, EV charging, and EV leasing to offer an integrated experience for customers.
Gridserve’s EV leasing has an expansive range of models, reasonably flexible terms, and a strong reputation for customer satisfaction.
GRIDSERVE contract and minimum term
GRIDSERVE offer both Contract Hire Agreements and Business Hire Agreements, and they offer a minimum term of 24 months for leasing agreements.
GRIDSERVE charging add-ons
When you choose to lease with GRIDSERVE you get three months of free charging. This is valid across the expansive GRIDSERVE Electric Highway.
Plus if you choose the Net Zero Leasing plan, your monthly payments cover all EV charging if you use the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway. This includes all Electric Hubs, Super Hubs, and the award-winning Electric Forecourts.
With over 180+ public charging sites under the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, you have plenty of options to use the free charge. Check where your nearest GRIDSERVE is located with this map to make sure it’s convenient for you to get to.
What’s included with a GRIDSERVE lease?
A new EV
Only brand-new Electric Vehicles are available with a GRIDSERVE lease.
Free Charging
Three months of charging is on the house, with access to over 180+ public charging sites on the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway.
Free Delivery
Your new EV will be delivered, free of charge, directly to your front door.
Road Tax
Road tax is covered under your lease agreement. There’s no EV tax right now but the government plans to introduce electric car road tax in 2025.
Breakdown Cover
Should anything happen on the road, breakdown cover for electric cars is included to get you back on track swiftly.
Manufacturer’s Warranty and MOT
The annual electric car MOT comes as standard with every lease, and every EV is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
100 Trees Planted
With every lease, GRIDSERVE will purchase and plant 100 trees on your behalf. You receive a digital certificate to evidence this has been completed and regular updates on the growth of your seedlings will also be shared.
Considering a GRIDSERVE Salary Sacrifice Agreement?
Here’s what else you can get with the Salary Sacrifice Agreement:
All newly leased salary sacrifice cars come with included servicing for the entire duration of your lease. The salary sacrifice monthly repayment covers fully comprehensive EV insurance too.
If your house has off-street parking, GRIDSERVE will guide you in selecting the best home charger for the property.
GRIDSERVE customer support
- Phone Support: Available 24/7, you can reach them directly at 0330 173 3753.
- Email Support: Have a detailed query or need to send them a document? Email at [email protected].
- Online Query: Their website features a user-friendly form for any online queries.
What EVs do GRIDSERVE offer?
GRIDSERVE have a diverse range of EVs. In fact, they suggest that their range includes every EV model available on the market.
Can I purchase the car at the end of a GRIDSERVE agreement?
No, you cannot purchase your car at the end of a GRIDSERVE agreement. At the end of the leasing period, the vehicle is simply returned and checked over. Payments cease, and you have the option to lease another car or extend the current lease.
It’s essential to ensure the car is in excellent condition upon return so double-check the BVRLA’s Fair Wear and Tear Guidelines.
Additionally, certain documents, like keys, the service book, and the operation manual, must be returned. Fees will likely apply for damages beyond reasonable wear and tear.
GRIDSERVE early termination agreement
Personal or Business Lease
If you need to end a personal or business lease earlier than agreed, the policy expects you to cover approximately 50% of the outstanding amounts due on your contract.
Salary Sacrifice Lease
For customers on the Salary Sacrifice scheme, GRIDSERVE has a different early termination agreement. If you’re out of the first three months but not in the last three months of your contract, an early termination will only require a payment equivalent to three months of your lease.
This offers good protection and flexibility for customers using the Salary Sacrifice scheme.
GRIDESERVE Salary Sacrifice Scheme
GRIDSERVE’s Salary Sacrifice Scheme has the potential to offer significant savings to UK businesses, and it features highly in our best salary sacrifice car scheme roundup. Depending on your tax bracket, the scheme can lead to savings of up to 40% on a new electric car.
Payments are deducted directly from your gross monthly salary, leading to savings on both Income Tax and National Insurance.
How It Works:
- Employer Onboarding
Your employer completes an enquiry form, and GRIDSERVE’s dedicated team assists in setting up the scheme. - Car Selection
Browse and select from a range of the latest electric vehicles on GRIDSERVE’s platform. - Simple Payment
The pre-agreed amount is deducted from your monthly gross pay.
What GRIDESERVE EV leasing does well
Broad EV selection
Offers every EV model available on the market, providing extensive choice to UK consumers.
Strong environmental credentials
They plant 100 trees for every car leased. This is not a gimmick, they provide a certificate to confirm the trees have been planted and they have followed up on the promise.
Three months of free charging
This is only at Gridserve locations but still offers significant savings to drivers.
All-inclusive charing
Opt for the Net Zero Leasing plan, and your monthly payments cover all your charging needs on the extensive GRIDSERVE Electric Highway.
Reputable service
Their impressive Trustpilot rating showcases their dedication to customer satisfaction.
Where GRIDESERVE EV leasing falls short
No purchase option
At the end of the leasing term, there’s no option to purchase the vehicle.
50% Early termination cost
The requirement to pay around 50% of what is remaining on the contract for both personal and business leases is a significant cost for anyone who needs to terminate their agreement early.
How do I apply for a GRIDSERVE EV lease?
- Research your ideal EV
Use the GRIDSERVE comparison tool to compare EV features and work out which EV works for your needs. - Tailor the lease
Budgeting is key: Determine what you can comfortably commit to each month. Customise features like the mileage limits, and the lease duration (options typically include 24, 36, or 48 months), and decide on the initial upfront payment. - Lock in the contract
GRIDSERVE liaise with various partners to frame your lease. Review the lease agreement and agree on the terms. - Order processing
Once your contract is signed, GRIDSERVE sets the wheels in motion. They have a good inventory of in-stock cars so they can process the order quickly. - Await delivery confirmation
Once your chosen EV is in the production pipeline, GRIDSERVE keep you updated with a confirmed delivery date
The final word on GRIDSERVE EV leasing
GRIDSERVE has a holistic approach that spans from harvesting solar energy via their innovative solar panels directly to the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway.
Their EV leasing service presents customers with an impressive range of every EV model available on the market. Their commitment to planting 100 trees for each leased car demonstrates that they care about the environment and they evidence that it actually happens in the form of a certificate for lease customers.
The addition of three months of free charging is a real bonus, it works well for GRIDSERVE as they can offer this at a reduced cost from their own charging stations and there’s a good chance those customers will continue to use GRIDSERVES chargers once the free period is up.
They have an outstanding Trustpilot score, which indicates they are able to deliver a good standard of customer satisfaction.
However, the 50% early termination fee might seem high for some customers who are not on the salary sacrifice scheme. As always, potential clients must thoroughly read and understand their contracts to know what they are signing up for and avoid unexpected costs.
GRIDSERVE EV Leasing
- Three Months Free Charging
On the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway - GRIDSERVE plant 100 trees for each lease
- Salary Sacrifice Available
Salary Sacrifice includes Breakdown Cover, Maintenance, Insurance & MOT
Help if you’re struggling with debt from car subscriptions or leases
Late payments on car subscriptions or leases can lead to financial difficulties. If you find yourself struggling with debt from car subscriptions or leases, it is essential to seek professional guidance. Several debt advice services can help:
- StepChange: StepChange offers debt management plans tailored to your situation
- Citizens Advice: Offering free and confidential advice on managing debts.
- National Debtline: National Debtline is a helpline specifically designed to assist with personal debt, including car subscription or lease obligations.
- MoneyHelper (formerly The Money Advice Service): Providing tools and support to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Remember, the terms of car subscriptions and leases can vary significantly, so it’s really important to read and understand your specific agreements and obligations.
GRIDSERVE leasing review methodology
At Electric Car Guide, our review of GRIDSERVE was conducted with impartiality and an in-depth understanding of what electric car users value. Here’s how we worked through our evaluation:
- Customer Feedback from Electric Car Guide: We surveyed users from our EV focus group. These insights offered us a firsthand view of real-world experiences and EV leasing expectations, allowing us to frame our review around actual user needs and preferences.
- Reviews: We took into account both positive and negative reviews from Trustpilot. This provided a balanced perspective, acknowledging the praises and criticisms GRIDSERVE has received from a diverse range of customers.
- Comparison with Competitors: We compared GRIDSERVE’s features, offerings, and customer experience against their nearest competitors in the electric car subscription market. This enabled us to gauge GRIDSERVE’s standing in the industry, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
