Scott Allen, OVL Group Ltd

When a customer comes to OVL  asking for help with sourcing a vehicle, we offer a comprehensive research service to ensure we are able to match their needs as closely as possible. 

A recent enquiry that came in around fully electric vehicles, led to me doing some extensive research into how things are changing in this growing, and newsworthy, market. 

Here are some of my findings

• Nissan have discontinued their entry model of the Nissan Leaf, the Visia and mid-range model the Acenta. Nissan told me that take up on the lower spec models was low which led to these discontinuations and it is their belief that someone looking at an electric vehicle is primarily interested in higher specification models, with plenty of added tech.

• The Jaguar i-Paceis a vehicle already available that people are excited by and it looks as though this car is going to be exceptional value for money when compared to the Tesla, which is undoubtedly one of it’s high end rivals.

• The new Hyundai Konais due for launch to the fleet market in 2019 and I think this will be a great option for people looking to lease an electric car. The entry model has a range of up to 194 miles and a more powerful battery option offering a range of up to 300 miles reported, it’s one to keep an eye on. 

• The Volkswagen e-Golf stands out in terms of a brand people know and like. It’s a good size car with a reasonable range of 144 miles on one charge. WhatCar? have said of the e-Golf; “The Golf succeeds because it works brilliantly as an electric car yet it doesn’t compromise on practicality, equipment, or driving dynamics.”

• BMW used to produce an i3 battery only model and a range extender model with a small engine that charges the battery. They have discontinued both of these and are launching a single electric only model with a greater range closer to 200 miles towards the end of the 2018. BMW’s research suggests customers are pushing towards electric only vehicles. I also believe that emission figures may also be part of the decision process for BMW. 

• Tesla Model 3 is due to launch in the first half of 2019. This model is not currently available for ordering but Tesla are building the excitement by allowing customers to buy a reservation slot for £1,000! My feeling is that when if you do get a reservation slot you will still be looking at a year before you are behind the wheel. The Model 3 has been a game changer in the US being the first affordable electric car with good range but with competition from Hyundai’s Kona this might not be the case here in the UK.

Overall the move in the industry is definitely one towards electric only vehicles. My feeling is we will see a dozen or so models launched in 2019 but that 2020 will be the year when the market is really flooded with options. Interesting times ahead, for certain! 

If you are considering adding more electric vehicles to your fleet, contact us for more advice. www.ovl.co.uk