Electric driving has come of age, but is short leasing electric actually practical for your business and for your daily trips? This article gives you a sober assessment with clear guidance. We discuss pros and cons (TCO, charging, availability), help you determine whether an EV suits your trip profile and explain how to smoothly arrange the implementation with charge card, instruction and a convenient changeover option.
EV short lease: the pros and cons
Electric short leasing is popular because you can get in quickly without a long-term contract. Yet it doesn’t work for every company or every driving profile. Below is a comprehensive, down-to-earth checklist of concrete advantages and disadvantages so you can make an informed choice.
Advantages
- Lower operating cost (TCO) with appropriate driving profile: Power is often cheaper per kilometer than fuel, maintenance is more limited (fewer wear parts) and brake wear decreases due to regeneration. Especially for many city/regional trips, this provides structural benefits.
- Flexible without capital commitment: You are not locked into purchases or long-term leases; as projects change or teams grow, you quickly scale up/down. Budgets remain predictable thanks to all-in monthly rate.
- Access to (future) zero-emission zones: More and more cities are steering towards emission-free driving. With an EV, you are prepared for stricter inner-city regulations and maintain accessibility for customers and logistics.
- Strong image and CSR goals: Electric driving underscores sustainable ambitions towards customers and employees. This can help with tenders, employer branding and ESG reporting.
- Comfort and driving experience: instant torque, quiet in the cabin and single-pedal driving in the city increase driving comfort-fine for many short trips or traffic jam miles.
- Charge control and cost visibility: With one charge card and monthly reports, you get a handle on consumption per car/employee. Home reimbursements can be processed automatically.
- Swap Option: Are you peaking with long distances or towing weight needs? Through short lease, you easily switch to another type (e.g. PHEV/petrol) without losing your mobility.
Cons
- Depends on charging infrastructure: Without your own charging point, you rely on public/rapid charging networks. This can be fine, but requires planning (times/locations) and discipline in pool usage.
- Range variable (weather/highway): High speeds, cold, headwind, full load or roof box reduce the practical range. In winter, 10-30% extra margin is wise.
- Time loss on fast charging on long trips: On trips of >250 km, one or more charging stops may be required. For field service with tight schedules, this is a factor to consider.
- Public charging rates fluctuate: Rates vary by provider and time of day. Without rate agreements, the mileage cost can fluctuate, especially with a lot of DC fast charging.
- Towing/trailer restrictions: Not every EV is allowed to tow (heavily). Check tow and roof load in advance if you regularly use trailers or roof boxes.
- Internal adoption and training: Drivers need to get used to charging, route planning and energy-conscious driving. Brief EV instruction is recommended to avoid frustration and unnecessary costs.
- Availability of specific models: Although many EVs are available, demand for certain body/battery variants may be temporarily higher. Flexibility in requirements accelerates influx.
- Parking and permit issues at home/work: Home charging in VvE situations or at leased business locations sometimes requires permission/adjustments. Public charging in busy neighborhoods can be less predictable.
Implementation in your company
Charge card and settlement, how to arrange it really well
Applying for a charge card is step one. You make the difference with clear agreements and automatic settlement. This is how we usually approach it:
- Define your charging scenarios. Who charges where? (home, office, public/rapid loading)
- Choose a charging pass with wide roaming. One pass for all drivers, with monthly statement by car/employee/cost center (CSV/UBl export for accounting).
- Put home charging neatly on track. Employee connects his charging point or smart meter; you set a kWh fee (fixed rate or dynamic). Payout runs automatically with monthly statement.
- Make it policy simple. Max quick charge percentage (e.g. <25% of all kWh), preferred locations (office > public), and how to handle tolls/parking at charging spots.
Practical example
- Car consumes 18 kWh/100 km. Employee drives 1,200 km p/m and charges 70% at home at €0.32/kWh.
- Home consumption: 216 kWh × €0.32 = €69.12 (automatically reimbursed).
- Public/Speed charge (30%): 92.6 kWh at average €0.45 = €41.67 (on invoice).
- Accounting: one monthly invoice + one home fee, directly assignable to cost centers (e.g. Sales South).
Tip: Claim VAT on charging sessions where possible and keep transparency by license plate/employee. This keeps TCO comparable to fuel cars.
Change option when changing trips
Trip profiles change: a new project, winter vacation with roof box, or temporarily lots of highway miles. The change option keeps you agile:
- Scenarios:
- Seasonal switch: winter → EV with heat pump or just temporary PHEV/gasoline for long distances.
- Need towing weight? Switch to model with approved trailer load.
- Pool peak/new colleagues: quickly add an extra EV, scale back later.
- Method: you report the need, we plan exchange and adjust contract & insurance. You keep a grip on costs and employability without long commitments.
- Rule of thumb: >2 long trips (>300 km) per week without charging capability? Swap for that period-TCO and productivity stay level.
FAQ
What about range in winter?
Cold, heating, wet pavement and headwinds depress the range. Count on 10-30% loss in normal use. Here’s how to limit it:
- Load and leave warm. Pre-heat the car at the plug; that saves battery power.
- Plan by margin. Start at 80-90% and keep 15-20% as a lower limit.
- Use seat/steer heaters instead of making the whole cabin mooely warm.
- Drive 100-110 km/h on longer stretches instead of 120-130; makes a surprising difference in consumption.
- Maintain tire pressure; choose winter tires that score efficiently in your size.
- Avoid unnecessary air resistance (roof box/bicycle rack) if you need range.
How do I process charging charges on a business basis?
You will receive one monthly breakdown of all public/speed charging sessions, broken down by car/employee/cost center. For home charging:
- Automatic home reimbursement on a kWh basis (fixed or dynamic).
- Evidence: smart meter/charge point connection or monthly report from charge card provider.
- Accounting: import CSV/UBl, claim VAT where allowed, link to appropriate cost centers.
- Policy snippet (example):
“Drivers charge primarily in the office or at home. Fast charging is allowed for long trips and may be up to 25% of the total kWh. Home charging is reimbursed at the established kWh rate, provided charging registration is activated. All charging charges are recorded by license plate and cost center.”
Is an EV suitable for pool use?
Yes provided you secure loading discipline. That’s how you keep the pool deployable:
- Rule = plug in upon return. No exceptions.
- Minimum SoC threshold: below 40% first load, then reschedule.
- Planning & log: keep a simple trip log (time, km, start/stop SoC).
- Office loading slots: create time slots so that not all cars want to load at the same time.
- Quick check: weekly check for “stragglers” (cars <30% SoC).
- Optional: small incentive for teams that consistently achieve >85% availability.
Ready for hassle-free electric short lease?
Take the first step today. We’ll advise you based on your trip profile, charging options, budget and arrange everything from charge card & home allowance to driver instruction. With our swap option, you stay flexible for seasonal peaks or project changes so your mobility always fits, without a long contract.
Prefer to spar first? Contact us without obligation. We like to think practically with you!