With the news that four of the Top 10 cars in the Auto Express Driver Satisfaction survey were either electric or hybrid, and that figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that sales of electric-type cars are booming with registrations having more than doubled in 2014 compared with 2013, it may be time for you to look at just what is on offer from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts when it comes to the 'green alternative'.
The most popular choice so far this year is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, followed by the Nissan LEAF and BMW i3, both of which we will look at soon; but why are drivers looking for these alternatively-fuelled vehicles?
Hetal Shah, Head of Go Ultra Low, a joint initiative by government and the UK automotive industry, has his own opinion: “The latest plug-in vehicle uptake figures prove that ultra-low emission cars and vans make sense for both private and business users, especially with the potential for fuel costs as low as 2p a mile and reduced whole life running costs.”
Add in:
and you can now see why the future is looking slightly electric.
That final point may be one of the reasons why figures show that car buyers in the South are most likely to opt for an ultra-low emission vehicle, followed closely by Londoners, but across the country figures are on the rise. And this is good news for the Government which has a target to hit for new vehicle registrations of a minimum of 5% ULEV (ultra-low emission vehicles) by 2020.
As we have said, It’s not just pure electric vehicles which are becoming more popular. Plug-in hybrids are leading the way for those not quite ready to go all-out electric, and you can see what Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have on offer when it comes to sub-95g/km CO2 emissions here.
But let's take a look at what are the most popular when it comes to leasing from NVC
But what does it offer?
First of all, zero-emissions; but then you add in four different interior options - Standard, Loft, Lodge and Suite - that all contain responsibly sourced wood, natural fibres and tanned leather; an electric drive system; and perfect weight distribution just for starters.
Then there is:
The BMW i3 Series was crowned What Car? ‘Green Car’ back in 2014, with judges praising its hot hatch pace and handling, kerbside appeal, thoughtful use of renewable energies and recycled materials, Chas Hallett, What Car? editor-in-chief, saying: “The i3 proves that electric motoring needn't be pious. It suits the town roads where it will spend its life, but it offers fun and performance too.”
Check out Nationwide Vehicle Contracts leasing deals on the BMW i3 here where you can also find details of the hybrid version of the BMW i3 with its range extender 650cc two-cylinder 34hp petrol engine that emits a negligible 13g/km CO2.
So said Craig Thomas, one of the 27 motoring journalists that made up the judging panel that also awarded the i8 the title of Performance Car of the Year, as the i8 added the COTY award to its victory in World Green Car awards, following its BMW i3 brother to the title.
The BMW i8 is the first plug-in hybrid vehicle manufactured by the BMW Group, and combines the performance of a sports car with the fuel consumption and emission figures of a sub-compact vehicle.
So what is there that ecologically-conscious BMW drivers can look forward to?
But above all, it is a BMW; and you can view leasing details for the BMW i8 from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts here.
The Nissan Leaf is considered by many people to be the flagship for all electric cars; and its trophy cabinet bears testament to that.
And with three models available in the range - Acenta, Tekna and the Visia, there is plenty to get excited about if it's the Leaf that floats your boat when it comes to electric vehicles.
Nissan’s figures give a range of 124 miles on a single charge, and there are more than 7000 charge points in the UK at almost 3000 locations to 'fill up' if more is needed.
Powered by a 109PS electric motor with the promised Zero emissions, 0-62mph is achieved in 11.9 seconds up to a top speed of 87mph; and also features:
amongst many other features.
Check out the leasing options on the Nissan Leaf from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts here.
Take a look at what Nationwide Vehicle Contracts have on offer when it comes to the new-look Toyota Prius+ here but for now, here are a few of the outstanding specification details for Europe's ONLY seven-seat hybrid.
“The new Outlander PHEV has quickly established its credentials. We have reached a defining moment in vehicle drivetrain technology which challenges conventional wisdom. Few would have predicted that a family-sized 4 x 4 sports utility vehicle could become the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid based on economy, on and off road performance and practicality”.
The Outlander PHEV...
And, of course, is available as a lease Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV option here from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts.
All these facts may be appealing to the ecologically and financially-minded driver, but electric-only vehicles aren't for everyone. Considerations need to be made concerning (amongst others):
The last of these points is negated when considering leasing, so visit our Fuel Efficient Car Leasing Deals page for details of some of the electric and hybrid vehicles we have on offer.