Let's take a look.
At first glance, leasing a used electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle can seem like a simple way to get more car for your money. You could find yourself in a higher-specification vehicle for less than you'd expect to pay for a brand-new equivalent, while still getting the benefits of electric driving.
But there's a reason we called this guide The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.
A used EV or PHEV isn't simply a new car at a lower price. It has already been driven, it may have mileage already on the vehicle and its warranty, battery coverage and condition can all vary depending on the vehicle. Then there are the questions that come with electric driving itself: How much range will I actually get? Where will I charge it? And is an EV or PHEV even right for the way I drive?
None of that means you should avoid used EVs or PHEVs. In fact, for the right driver, a used vehicle could make a lot of sense.
The point is knowing what you're getting before you commit.
That's exactly what we're going to look at — the advantages, the compromises and the things you might not have considered.
WHY CONSIDER A USED EV OR PHEV?
Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids have become increasingly common on UK roads, and that means there is now a growing selection of nearly-new and used models available to lease.
For many drivers, that creates an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a vehicle that might have been considerably more expensive when new, while benefiting from a lower monthly cost than a comparable new model.
There is also a practical advantage. Because you are choosing from vehicles that already exist, you may be able to get on the road sooner rather than waiting for a new vehicle to be built and delivered.
Of course, choosing used is not exactly the same as choosing new. You will have less control over the exact specification, and the vehicle will already have some mileage and potentially minor signs of use. The key is understanding those trade-offs and deciding whether the saving and availability make them worthwhile for you.
What Should You Check Before Leasing a Used EV or PHEV?
A used EV or PHEV isn't something you need to be wary of, but there are a few things worth checking before you commit. Knowing what to look for can make the decision much easier.
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01
BATTERY HEALTH
The battery is one of the most important parts of an EV or PHEV. Check its condition, remaining warranty and how it has been maintained.
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02
VEHICLE MILEAGE
Used vehicles have already covered miles, so make sure the mileage makes sense for the vehicle's age and the lease you're considering.
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03
CHARGING
Think about where you'll charge the vehicle and whether that fits naturally into your routine. Home, work and public charging can all play a part.
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04
WARRANTY & CONDITION
Check what manufacturer's warranty remains and look at the vehicle's overall condition, including its service history and previous use.
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So, How Does Used Leasing Work?
Used EV and PHEV leasing works in much the same way as leasing a new vehicle, but you're choosing from vehicles that have already been registered and driven.
That means the mileage, condition, specification and remaining warranty are all important things to consider when choosing the right car.
Rather than configuring a brand-new vehicle to your exact specification, you're choosing from the used vehicles currently available. What you see is what you get — but that can also mean finding a higher-specification vehicle for your budget.
The important thing is to look beyond the monthly payment. A vehicle that costs slightly more each month could offer the specification, condition, range or practicality that makes it a much better fit for you.
The key is finding the right vehicle — not simply the cheapest monthly payment.
What About Battery Health?
Battery health is one of the first things people think about when considering a used EV — and understandably so. The battery is a major part of the vehicle, but that doesn't automatically make a used EV a risky choice.
Modern EV batteries are designed to last, and their condition depends on factors such as age, mileage, usage and how the vehicle has been charged and maintained.
When looking at a used EV, check what battery warranty remains and whether relevant battery information is available. The exact warranty and coverage will depend on the manufacturer and vehicle.
For PHEVs, the same principle applies, although the battery is typically smaller because the vehicle also has a conventional engine.
A used EV doesn't mean a worn-out battery. The vehicle's history and remaining warranty matter more than simply seeing a mileage figure.
What About Existing Mileage?
One of the biggest differences between a new vehicle and a used EV or PHEV is simple: the vehicle has already been driven.
That means mileage is something worth considering, but it shouldn't be looked at in isolation. The vehicle's age, condition, service history, battery warranty and overall history all help give you a better picture of what you're actually getting.
Higher mileage doesn't automatically mean a vehicle has been poorly looked after. In fact, battery performance can remain strong as an EV gets older, although some loss of range over time is normal.
It's also worth remembering that you're not necessarily looking for the lowest mileage possible. A well-maintained vehicle with sensible mileage could make more sense than paying considerably more for a lower-mileage example.
Don't judge a used EV or PHEV by its mileage alone. Look at the whole picture.
How Far Will It Go — And Where Will You Charge?
Range is one of the first things to consider when choosing a used EV or PHEV, but the number quoted by the manufacturer isn't necessarily the number you'll see in everyday driving. Temperature, driving style, speed, road conditions and use of heating or air conditioning can all affect how far you can travel on a charge.
The more important question is whether the vehicle's real-world range fits your normal journeys. If most of your driving is commuting, school runs or local trips, a smaller battery may be perfectly adequate. Longer journeys simply require more planning.
Charging is just as important. Being able to charge at home can make EV ownership considerably more convenient and cheaper than relying on public charging. Public charging gives you flexibility for longer journeys, but prices vary significantly between networks and charger types.
For a PHEV, charging matters too. The electric-only range is usually much shorter than a full EV, but you have the petrol engine available when the battery's charge is depleted. The catch is that a PHEV generally makes more sense when you actually charge it regularly; otherwise you're carrying the additional weight of its battery without making full use of its electric capability.
Don't choose a vehicle based on its maximum range alone. Choose one that fits the journeys you actually make and the charging you can realistically access.