Renault is adamant that its battery leasing model still offers the best deal for drivers contemplating a plug-in car.
The manufacturer leases batteries to EV customers to reduce the transaction price of its plug-in vehicles and make them more competitive.
However, pricing expert CAP will not forecast used values for Renault EVs until the battery is included.
HMRC has said the cost of replacing the battery must be added to the car’s list price for P11D purposes from 2015/16.
Renault UK sales director Darren Payne dismissed concerns over its business model and whether it posed any
difficulties for leasing companies.
He told Fleet News: “We’ve got a number of major leasing companies using that model. We still believe that it’s the best and most affordable route to market.”
Phil Thomas - 11/03/2014 10:28
I guess Renault doesnt want to admit they are wrong. Leasing the battery works for the retail market but the leasing market. What I find it hard to understand is that Nissan and Smart are offering both options (leasing/purschase) the battery and all others purschase only. How hard is to offer both options? I dont believe on his last comment " We've got a number of Major leasing companies using that model". I guess using the work major could mean top 50. I know that most of the top 10 are not quoting on the Renault EV product. Shame really since the Zoe is a great product. In years to come we will be talking aout this and how wrong Renault was to stick to a silly lease option.