Is leasing a used electric car worth it in the UK?

Getting behind the wheel of a second-hand electric car has become increasingly popular in recent years. Thanks to advances in EV technology and increased competition, electric models are now a genuinely sensible option for used car leasing. 

That said, it’s completely normal to pause and ask: is leasing a second-hand electric car actually worth it? 

The short answer is yes. Leasing a second-hand electric car provides the benefits of electric driving for less than you'd pay to lease a brand new EV. 

In this guide, we'll break everything down and explain why a used electric car lease can be a good idea, cover the pros and cons, and address key concerns, such as battery lifespan, range degradation, and charging. 

If your main worry is the battery, you’re not alone. It’s easily the most common hesitation when people consider a used electric car lease. 

The good news is that EV batteries degrade gradually, not suddenly. Real-world data from Geotab suggests average battery degradation sits at around 2.3% per year, which means many used EVs still have plenty of life left in them.

And because used lease vehicles are under five years old, you’re generally starting with a battery that’s still in a healthy window for everyday driving.

On top of that, many second-hand EVs are still covered by the manufacturer’s battery warranty (often up to around 8 years from new, depending on the make and model), which adds another layer of reassurance.

And finally, there’s the money side. Leasing a used EV usually means you’re getting electric driving for a more manageable monthly price than a brand-new car, which is exactly why used electric lease deals in the UK have become so popular.

Take a used Tesla for example. Because they've been established in the UK for years (and their batteries are some of the best on the market), there's now plenty of stock available for used car leasing. 

That means you can drive a used version with strong performance, good range, and modern tech for a fraction of the cost of a new one. Even better, it can be available for delivery in as little as 14 days as all used cars are in-stock (exact delivery times can vary). 

Pros:

• Lower monthly payments compared to leasing a brand-new EV
• Lower running costs and zero tailpipe emissions
• Battery warranty may still be active on many models (depending on age/mileage and manufacturer terms)

Cons: 

• Real-world range varies a lot depending on the model, previous driving style, and weather
• Some older EVs charge more slowly, which matters more if you rely on public rapid chargers

Most manufacturers provide long battery warranties because EV batteries are designed for the long haul, but battery lifespan still depends on how the car has been used. The biggest factors include:

• Charging habits - Using rapid chargers all the time can put more strain on a battery than regular slower charging.
• Climate - Warmer weather can speed up battery degradation. The good news is the UK’s mild climate is generally kinder to EV batteries than hotter regions. 

When comparing second-hand electric car lease deals, you'll come across a lot of models that take your fancy. However, it's essential that you focus on cars with features that make your day-to-day life easier. We'd recommend looking for used electric cars with: 

• A range in excess of 150 miles (or enough to cover your longest journey) 
• Rapid charging is very useful for longer trips or if you rely on public charging
• Battery warranty remaining (speak to one of our leasing advisors regarding this)

Unfortunately not. The UK's Electric Car Grant only applies to new eligible vehicles. 

The good news is that used EV leasing can still offer excellent value, because the biggest part of depreciation has often already happened, helping keep monthly payments lower.

If leasing a second-hand electric car sounds like the right fit, browse our latest used lease deals and compare what works for your day to day. 

At Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, we keep things human and straightforward. You’ll get clear pricing from an independent leasing broker, expert UK support, and guidance from real people who’ll help you choose a used EV that makes sense

We also publish plenty of helpful leasing advice. For more general information, head over to our Car Leasing Guides — or if you want something more specific, browse our Used Leasing Guides.