As part of the ongoing debate over leasing and purchasing batteries for EVs continues, a new option is now on the horizon. Most consumers buy vehicles in the U.S. rather than leasing them.
This changeover is relatively recent as the economic downturn put an end to many attractive leasing programs. Typically, high end vehicles or those with strong demand cannot be leased through the automaker as lease support is non-existent on many high demand models. This will likely be the case for many upcoming EVs. Buyers will have to dish out money to purchase many upcoming EVs and EREVs in high demand.
However, most businesses that have commercial fleets of vehicles have found that leasing is beneficial. They acquire vehicles in a different way than typical consumers do and their method may be of interest with regards to EVs. Businesses typically lease their fleets vehicles through an outside company and not directly from the manufacturer. This outside company purchases vehicles from the manufacturer and leases them to businesses while making a slight profit for their risk.
One such leasing company is Athlon Car Lease. This Dutch based company leases vehicle to commercial accounts for fleet use. They provide leasing services throughout eight European countries and have recently decided to partner with Renault for distribution and leasing of the companies upcoming EVs. Leasing EVs is part of Athlon's Sustainable Mobility Plan.
Commercial fleet accounts are not the same as personal leases, but the idea could expand beyond fleet use. If consumers are unwilling to invest in the upfront costs of many EVs model and despise leasing just the battery to reduce costs, perhaps leasing the entire vehicle would be more intriguing. The new technology of EVs presents a risk reward investment for many consumers. Some will be unwilling to take the initial risk on new technology, but leasing may get them in this type of vehicle now with minimal risk and create a lifelong EV buyer in the future.
source: allcarselectric
