At the forefront of the global car leasing sector, LeasePlan boasts an extensive portfolio of 1.9 million vehicles across 29 countries. With roots stretching over five decades, they have a lot of expertise in the vehicle leasing lifecycle.
They work with a diverse group of customers, ranging from corporations, SMEs, and public sector entities to your ‘man on the street’ customers looking for a personal lease EV.
- Free Ohme home charger
- 4,000 free miles of charging
- Intelligent Octopus EV tariff
- Public charging via Octopus Electroverse
- All EV's on the market
- Built-in early termination protection
LeasePlan works hard to drive the EV transition. They are a founding partner of both the B4CA clean air taskforce and the EV100 electric vehicle campaign. They have also been recognised as the Green Fleet Awards’ leasing company of the year twice in the last three years.
LeasePlan boasts a significant number of electric vehicles available for leasing. They also offer a tailor-made Salary Sacrifice program, allowing employees to lease an electric vehicle using their gross salary.
LeasePlan’s EV leasing comes with a host of services and various charging solutions to suit new owners.
LeasePlan Pros and Cons
Pros
- Extensive range of EVs
- Comprehensive Service Package
- Flexible Charging Solutions
- Green Initiatives
- Salary Sacrifice Scheme
- Global Presence
Cons
- Early Termination Fee
- Limited Flexibility in Short-Term Rentals
- Minimum Employee Requirement for Salary Sacrifice
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 from our EV focus group. We also researched real-world customer reviews on Trustpilot (both positive and negative) and compared LeasePlans features with its nearest competitors.
Am I eligible for a LeasePlan contract?
If you’re considering a LeasePlan contract, you must be between 25 and 70 years old.
Additionally, driving experience is a must. You should have held a full UK driving license for a minimum of 2 years.
LeasePlans features at a glance
| Contract | Personal Contract Hire Lease |
| Minimum term | Standard lease:12 months FlexiPlan: 3 months |
| Early terminiation details | Standard Lease: Eligibility for Early Termination: Possible after 12 months or once £1,500 (including VAT and services) has been paid. Fees: Early termination incurs a fee, with returned vehicles assessed for "fair wear and tear." LeasePlan FlexiPlan: no early termination cost |
| Deposit required | No deposit is required |
| Charging benefits | Charging Card: Access to the entire public charging network, with energy card management by LeasePlan and consumption tracking on the My Fleet portal. EV Charger Add-on: LeasePlan offer 3 charging options that can be added to the lease cost: Home, Home Plus, and Biz Plus - catering to people with off-street parking, people with shared parking, and business needs. All options include installation, maintenance, and necessary hardware. Once the charger is installed, it becomes the customer's property. |
| Number of models available | 600 Electric Vehicles currently available |
| Whats included? | Comprehensive Maintenance & Support: Covers both preventive and corrective maintenance, tyres, replacement vehicles, and 24-hour breakdown cover. Insurance, mandatory periodic inspections, and accident management are also included. |
| Car purchase option | It is not possible to buy the vehicle, you have 2 options: Return the Vehicle: Contact LeasePlan at least three days prior to the end of your contract. Extend the Lease: Opt for a 'formal extension' for a minimum of six months |
| Trust Pilot Rating | 3.8 (November 2023) |
| Pros | Extensive range of EVs Comprehensive Service Package Flexible Charging Solutions Salary Sacrifice Scheme |
| Cons | Early Termination Fee Limited Flexibility in Short-Term Rentals Minimum Employee Requirement for Salary Sacrifice |
| Eligibility | Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 25 and 70 years old. Driving Experience: Must have held a full UK driving license for at least 2 years. |
| Delivery cost | Free |
| Customer support | 24/7 General Helpline: 800 20 42 98 in Portugal or +351 214 40 09 10 from UK. SME & Private Renting: 800 10 70 70, available weekdays with specified hours. Email Support: Available via a dedicated email form for all inquiries. |
| Lead time | In stock cars can be delivered within 2 to 8 weeks |
| Salary Sacrifice | LeasePlans Salary Sacrifice scheme is aimed at bigger businesses, employees in companies with over 1,000 staff can pay for electric vehicles using their gross salary. |
LeasePlan full review
LeasePlan is a global leader in the vehicle leasing industry, operating in 29 countries and managing a fleet of over 1.9 million vehicles. With more than 50 years of experience, the company is renowned for its comprehensive service offerings and commitment to sustainability.
LeasePlan boasts an extensive range of EV leasing options tailored for both personal and business needs.
Contract length
Standard Lease
The starting term for a lease contract is 12 months with no specified maximum duration. Typically, these contracts last for 48 months, but they can be tailored based on individual requirements.
FlexiPlan Option
For those seeking greater flexibility or a short-term commitment, LeasePlan offers the FlexiPlan. This plan ranges from 3 months to a maximum of 24 months.
LeasePlan early termination
Eligibility
Early termination is possible only after either of the following criteria has been met:
- The contract has surpassed its initial 12 months.
- At least £1,500 (inclusive of VAT and services) has been paid towards the contract.
Termination Fee
Should you wish to terminate the contract prematurely, an early termination fee will be applied.
Vehicle Return
As per standard industry practice, any vehicle returned prior to the end of its contract will be subject to LeasePlan’s customary “fair wear and tear” evaluations.
Next Steps
If you’re contemplating an early termination, or if you’d like more specific details about potential fees and processes, it’s essential to contact LeasePlan directly to discuss your options and get clarity on your own personal situation.
Can I purchase the car at the end of a LeasePlan contract?
No, it is not possible to purchase the car at the end of a LeasePlan contract.
As you approach the end of your LeasePlan contract, there are a couple of available options:
Return the Vehicle
When your contract ends, you can choose to give the car back. Ensure you contact your LeasePlan account manager or broker at least three days prior to the intended return date.
Familiarise yourself with the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear guide to understand what state the vehicle must be in when you return it. Remember, items delivered with the car, such as spare keys and charging cables, need to be returned. Failure to do so will result in additional charges.
Extend the Lease
If you’re not ready to part with the vehicle, LeasePlan offers an option to add extra months to your existing contract. This is referred to as a ‘formal extension.’ Reach out to your account manager or broker to understand the process. The extension can be taken for a minimum of six months.
EV charging add-ons
You can add the cost of an EV charger onto your lease, the charge becomes your property when the contract is finished. LeasePlan handles both maintenance and installation of the charger and offers a variety of EV charger options:
Home
A straightforward charging solution is perfect if you have your own private parking space. The offer includes the charger, installation, and maintenance. Standard installation terms and conditions apply.
Home Plus
This solution is designed for those residing in multi-unit buildings, such as a block of flats. It includes the charger, installation, and maintenance for up to 5 years (with a 2-year warranty), an app to manage your usage and support services for obtaining approval from your building manager.
Biz Plus
Aimed at corporate clients who want to install an EV charger in the workplace, it provides a system that gives the company and employees visibility on the charging activity.
The package includes the charger, installation and maintenance for up to 5 years (with a 2-year warranty).
Vehicle options
With 600 EVs on offer, LeasePlan boasts one of the largest electric fleets we have reviewed. Whether you’re an individual or a business, LeasePlan’s extensive EV fleet offers a wide range of options to suit various needs.
What’s included with LeasePlan?
Here’s what’s typically included in your monthly lease payment, you can personalise it to add or remove certain elements:
Maintenance
Both preventive and corrective maintenance are covered, ensuring your vehicle remains in optimal condition.
Insurance
Comprehensive electric car insurance is provided.
Roadside Assistance
Immediate support is available in case you need an EV breakdown provider, ensuring minimal disruption to your journey.
Tyres
Maintenance and replacement EV tyres are taken care of.
Replacement Vehicle
In the event your electric vehicle is unavailable due to maintenance or repairs, a substitute is provided.
Road Tax
The hassle of annual road tax payments is eliminated, as it’s included in the lease. Currently, there is no road tax to pay on EVs, however, road tax on electric cars is going to change as EVs become the norm on our roads.
Accident Management
In the unfortunate event of an accident, LeasePlan offers management services to handle the situation.
24-Hour Support
Day or night, LeasePlan support is available.
Personalised Assistance
Tailored assistance to cater to individual needs.
LeasePlan Salary Sacrifice
LeasePlans EV Salary Sacrifice scheme is designed for larger organisations keen on sustainable practices, here’s a look at what they offer:
Employees have the opportunity to pay for an electric car directly from their gross salary. If your business has more than 1,000 employees, LeasePlan is able to offer a salary sacrifice to the company.
How LeasePlan salary sacrifice works
- Initial Consultation
Fill in the online enquiry form, and a LeasePlan expert will reach out to discuss your needs. - Customise Your EV Scheme
Design a scheme that perfectly aligns with your organisation’s objectives and employees’ requirements. - Scheme Launch & Promotion
LeasePlan assists in launching and promoting the scheme to help increase awareness and participation among employees. They also offer continuous support for your team.
What LeasePlan does well
Extensive range of EVs
With a substantial fleet of 600 EVs available, LeasePlan offers a variety of electric vehicles to cater to different needs.
Comprehensive Service Package
LeasePlan’s monthly lease includes a wide array of services like maintenance, insurance, roadside assistance, and more.
Flexible Charging Solutions
LeasePlan provides a range of charging solutions tailored for homes and businesses that can be added to the lifetime of the lease. They even manage the charging card, reducing administrative burdens for users.
Green Initiatives
LeasePlan’s commitment to sustainability is clear with their aim for net-zero emissions by 2030, partnerships with eco-focused campaigns, and other green initiatives.
Salary Sacrifice Scheme
LeasePlan provides an in-house EV Salary Sacrifice scheme, letting employees pay for an electric car from their gross salary.
Global Presence
Being one of the world’s leading leasing companies with a presence in 29 countries, LeasePlan offers a broad network and global expertise.
Where LeasePlan falls short
Early Termination Fee
Exiting a contract before its end requires an early termination fee, and there are specific criteria to meet before one can consider early termination.
Limited Flexibility in Rentals
While there is a FlexiPlan for rentals, it has a maximum duration of 24 months.
Minimum Employee Requirement for Salary Sacrifice
The EV Salary Sacrifice scheme is mainly geared towards larger companies, requiring a company to have at least 1,000 employees to avail of the scheme.
How do I apply for a LeasePlan lease?
If you’re interested in leasing with LeasePlan, here’s the process:
- Enquire
Begin by filling out the enquiry form available on the LeasePlan website. - Consultation
Once you’ve submitted your enquiry, one of LeasePlan’s experts will contact you.
They’ll review your requirements and help tailor the vehicle choice to your preferences, such as colours and features. - Credit Check
To ensure your financial stability they will conduct a brief credit check. - Contract Finalisation
Upon approval, they will send you a contract. You will need to review all the terms, sign the agreement, and return it. - Vehicle Ordering
After LeasePlan receives your signed contract, they’ll proceed to order your chosen vehicle. - Delivery
Sit back and relax! Your brand-new EV will be delivered to your doorstep.
The final word on LeasePlan leasing
LeasePlan has a long history of leasing cars spanning over half a century and with operations in 29 countries, they’ve got a good grip on the nuances of the leasing business.
They offer a broad range of EV lease options that are in tune with the flexible needs of modern customers.
With initiatives like the EV Salary Sacrifice scheme, they are committed to sustainability and provide EV owners access to the tax savings of salary sacrifice initiatives.
Their flexible leasing terms and clear application processes make the customer journey simple.
LeasePlan’s have a solid customer service record, and their 24/7 helplines and tailored advice, exemplify a company that puts the client first. Their initiatives in an eco-conscious supply chain and partnerships with top EV manufacturers showcase LeasePlan as a responsible leasing company that is a credible choice for eco-friendly consumers.
- Free Ohme home charger
- 4,000 free miles of charging
- Intelligent Octopus EV tariff
- Public charging via Octopus Electroverse
- All EV's on the market
- Built-in early termination protection
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.
LeasePlan review methodology
At Electric Car Guide, our review of LeasePlan 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 car 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 LeasePlan has received from a diverse range of customers.
- Comparison with Competitors: We compared LeasePlan’s features, offerings, and customer experience against their nearest competitors in the electric car leasing market. This enabled us to gauge LeasePlan’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.
