All-inclusive electric car subscriptions

You might be wondering, "What's all the buzz about?" Well, it's simple. Imagine having the flexibility to drive an electric vehicle (EV) without the long-term commitment of ownership. Sounds like a dream, right? But it's not. It's the reality of monthly EV subscriptions. And we're here to guide you through it!

What is an electric car subscription exactly?

Electric car subscriptions are fairly new, but demand is growing rapidly! Anecdotally, car searches on our website have been growing every month for the past 2 years! 

An electric car subscription is a monthly service that allows you to use an electric vehicle (EV) for a fixed monthly fee. This fee typically covers the car hire cost, tax, maintenance, breakdown cover, servicing, and comprehensive insurance.

It's similar to a lease but with more flexibility and additional services bundled in. The subscription contracts usually range from one to 24 months, which usually require only a month's notice to cancel.

They're all about offering you flexibility, convenience and the ability to customise the subscription to suit your needs, bundling all car ownership costs into one fixed monthly payment. Consider it a lease with the flexibility and freedom of renting a car.

Now is a great time to make the switch to an electric vehicle, with the 2030 ban on ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles nearing closer, if you haven’t done so already. A subscription is a great way to see if you could become accustomed to a more eco-friendly method of transportation!

Benefits of an EV subscription

There are some great benefits to an electric vehicle subscription specifically, especially as more people look to make the switch from a petrol or diesel car. 

• Experience an electric car without committing to a long-term lease, 
• Battery warranty coverage, 
• Free charging network subscriptions are included by some providers, 
• Home charging solutions - either get a home charger installed or some subscription services offer portable solutions!

What does the monthly EV subscription include?

The monthly payments are all-inclusive and include the cost of hiring the car, fully comprehensive car insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, servicing, and maintenance.

With an EV car subscription, your monthly payment includes the following:

• The cost of hiring the car.
• Fully comprehensive car insurance.
• Road tax.
• Breakdown cover (24/7 roadside assistance).
• Servicing (including when things go wrong or the car is due an annual service).
• Monthly mileage allowance.
• Normal wear and tear of the vehicle.

As you can see from the above, there's little to think about regarding maintenance, so subscriptions make car ownership easy! Plus, electric cars don't require as much work as regular non-electric cars.

Also, subscription providers usually offer about 800 miles/month. Still, you can buy more if you drive a lot, which is cheaper than the excess mileage fees afterwards! 

Read our in-depth guide on how mileage works with car subscriptions.

What is the process of subscribing to a car? 

Subscribing to an electric car is straightforward. Here are the usual steps:

1. Choose a provider: Research various electric car subscription services to find one that suits your needs and budget. Consider factors like the range of vehicles offered and other fees (e.g. delivery). See this page to compare the best subscription services.
2. Select a vehicle: Once you've chosen a provider, browse their selection of electric cars. Some providers offer many models, from Tesla Model 3s and Ys to cheaper options like the Vauxhall Mokka-e, Peugeot e-2008 GT or the Fiat 500e. 
3. Customise your subscription plan: Decide on the length of your subscription (some providers let you commit for longer, saving a little bit of money) and any additional services you want to include, such as more mileage, additional driver or charging cables. 
4. Identity and driver checks: Once you've picked your EV, you will be asked to provide more personal information - delivery address, bank account details for the direct debit, driving license number, etc. You may also need to pay a deposit or an initial delivery fee.
5. Receive your electric car: After your subscription is confirmed, the subscription provider will arrange the delivery of your car. Some providers deliver the car directly to your door within just 3 days, while others may require about a week.
6. Swap for another EV: You can change your EV as many times as you want during your subscription. Each time, the provider will collect the existing car, carry out an inspection, and then take your details for the new one, one on the same day!
7. Cancelling your subscription: When your subscription term ends, and you want to return the car, the provider will pick it up. Ensure you've read the rules, which usually require cleaning and washing the car ahead of the collection. An inspection will be carried out, and a report will be sent to you.

It's important to keep in mind that subscription processes may differ from provider to provider. 

Driver eligibility and rules

Subscribing to an EV is easier than getting one on finance (e.g. PCP, HP). Rules are more relaxed, and because you're not applying for credit, affordability is usually not considered.

When it comes to driver eligibility for car subscriptions, there are a few key factors that providers typically consider:

• Age: Many car subscription services require drivers to be at least 25. However, some may allow younger drivers with an additional fee or specific conditions.
• Driving license: You must hold a valid driving license. Some providers may require that you've held your license for at least 3 years.
• Driving record: Providers will check your driving record for any serious offences or a high number of penalty points, which could affect your eligibility.
• Credit check: Some services may perform a credit check to confirm your identity or assess your financial reliability. This isn't always the case, but if a credit check is required, a good credit score can increase your chances of approval.

You may not be approved if:

• You have more than 6 points on your driving licence.
• You have criminal convictions or have been charged with a criminal offence.
• You have had a major driving conviction in the last 3 years.
• You have been disqualified from driving in the last 5 years.

Again, subscription eligibility may vary between different services, so keep that in mind!

Types of electric cars available

Whether you're looking for a compact city car, a family-friendly SUV, or a high-performance luxury vehicle, there's likely an electric car subscription service that has what you need. Here are some examples:

• Compact cars: Ideal for city driving and shorter commutes, compact electric cars like the Fiat 500e and the Renault Zoe are often available through subscription services. They're known for their manoeuvrability, efficiency, and lower monthly subscription costs.
• Family cars: For those needing more space, family-sized electric cars like the Hyundai Ioniq Electric and the MG 5 estate are great options. These vehicles offer more room for passengers and cargo, making them perfect for family outings or longer trips.
• Luxury cars: If you're looking for a touch of luxury, some subscription services offer high-end electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 and the Jaguar I-Pace. These cars combine the environmental benefits of electric power with premium features and performance.
• Sporty cars: Sporty electric vehicles like the Model 3 Performance, Polestar 2 and the Cupra Born are available for those who crave performance. These vehicles offer impressive acceleration and handling.
  

You can use our car search to browse the latest subscription EVs!

How to change your subscription EV

When you subscribe to an electric car, charging infrastructure is a key consideration. Most subscription providers don't include home charger installation, but many offer partnerships with charging companies for discounted installation rates. Some providers include free or discounted access to major public charging networks like BP Pulse or IONITY.

For public charging costs, you'll typically pay these directly – they're not included in your monthly subscription fee. However, some providers offer charging credits or reimbursement schemes. For example, Onto includes free charging at Shell Recharge and BP Pulse networks within their subscription cost.

For longer trips, most subscription providers offer route planning tools through their apps. These help you map out charging stops and estimate charging times. It's worth checking if your subscription includes rapid charging network access, as this can significantly reduce stops on longer journeys.

Range and Battery Health 

With an EV subscription, you don't need to worry about long-term battery degradation as you might with ownership. If the battery's performance drops significantly during your subscription, providers will typically replace the vehicle. Most providers guarantee that all their vehicles maintain at least 70% of their original battery capacity.

Winter conditions can reduce the range of an EV by 20-30%, but subscription providers factor this into their mileage allowances. Many include features like preconditioning (warming the battery while plugged in) to help maintain range in cold weather.

You're protected if battery capacity falls below the manufacturer's warranty threshold (usually 70-75%). In such cases, the subscription provider will replace the vehicle at no extra cost. While specific range guarantees aren't common, providers ensure their vehicles meet manufacturer specifications before delivery and throughout the subscription period.

Subscriptions compared with car buying, renting and leasing.

One of the biggest questions regarding getting your hands on a new car is the cost of owning it and the responsibilities that come with it. Here we have compared the most important aspects of car subscription vs buying:

We have two very in-depth guides on the above topics, so be sure to check them out:

• Car subscription vs buying a car: What's best for you?
• Car subscription, leasing or renting: What's best for you?‍
  

Making the most out of your EV subscription

We've compiled the list below, highlighting how to maximise your EV subscription.

Cheap home charging with EV energy tariffs

Even though the UK is at the end of the energy crisis, it may still be worth exploring the different electricity tariffs designed for EV owners who want to charge at home.

These home charging tariffs are only available for recharging your electric vehicle. You are given an off-peak rate for up to 7 hours at night. These cheap periods are usually between midnight and 6am.

Check out our best EV tariffs guide, listing all current energy tariffs, their rates and customer ratings. Expect tariffs from providers such as Octopus, EDF, Scottish Power and others!

Free public charging stations

Is there such a thing as a free lunch? Yes. According to Zap-Map, there are now 59,000 charging devices in the UK and 4% of them are free to use, as of April 2024. Most of these are found in supermarkets, so you can recharge while grocery shopping. You can use Zap-Maps, or other charging apps, to find a charging station near you! Bargain.

You can also check out our interactive map of electric car charging stations!

London perk #1 - Congestion charge exemption

All fully electric cars are completely exempt from the London Congestion Charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge. This will be the case until 25 December 2025. All you have to do is pay the £10 per year admin fee, and you can enjoy unlimited free travel to the City.

"Green" number plate benefits

Planned ‘green licence plate’ initiatives may allow EV drivers to use bus lanes. This is currently still being worked on and isn't available yet. It's certainly something which will make many drivers think twice before picking another diesel, or petrol, car. More on this here.

Swap EVs as often as you want

Most subscription companies in the UK allow you to swap cars as often as you like, as long as you give a month's notice.

The one thing to keep in mind is that some providers may charge you for the delivery and collection when you decide to change your cars. Please read our guide on delivery and collections when subscribing to a car.

How to pick the right subscription electric car

Even though most of the usual car expenses are covered by one monthly payment, it's still important to consider all other factors that play a key role in choosing an electric car.

The first is your budget and how much you can afford to spend on the monthly subscription fee and charging. At least, financial considerations are easier because you know exactly how much you're paying for the car every month, eliminating any unexpected costs (even if the vehicle breaks down, the subscription provider will cover the cost of repairs).

If you're switching to an EV from a diesel or petrol motor, range will be on your mind. Luckily, so many charging stations are dotted around the UK that topping up your battery has never been easier. 

However, if you're expecting many long drives to distant areas, you'll need a car with a longer range and a good plan for charging on the way.

There's a lot to be said about the EV driving experience. You should just read our guide to learn more about what this is like. You can expect your car to be a lot more responsive and quiet (to say the least).

You can also check if your employer offers (or is open to offering) electric car subscriptions through the business.

Finally, remember to check the subscription terms! Look at the minimum commitment term and what's included in the package. What are the excess mileage fees, delivery and collection costs, and deposits? Can you swap cars or cancel the subscription easily if your needs change?

An EV subscription is an excellent way to experience an electric car for the first time. It's convenient, reliable and environmentally friendly - truly a win-win!

EV subscription FAQs