DriveElectric expands electric vehicle leasing offer

DriveElectric is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) leasing offer through a partnership with Sumitomo Corporation.

Sumitomo Corporation, founded in 1919, is a Fortune 500 global trading and business investment company. Its business spans a range of industries including metal products, transportation and construction systems, infrastructure, media and digital, consumer lifestyle, real estate, mineral resources, energy and chemical and electronics.

It also jointly owns Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Service, Japan’s largest automotive leasing company.

The partnership, says DriveElectric, will support its expansion and development of digital and energy products and services.

Mike Potter, managing director of DriveElectric, said: “With the UK due to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, there is an urgent need to ensure that businesses and motorists can make the switch to electric vehicles as quickly and as easily as possible.

“DriveElectric is now able to scale up its level of expert service to meet rapidly increasing customer demand, as well as to expand the technology offering of the business.”

DriveElectric has been working with EVs since 2008 and operates almost 5,000 zero-emission vehicles in the UK, with a particular expertise in electric vans.

It provides contract hire, fleet consultancy, monthly subscription rental (primarily for vans) and has existing marketing partnerships with Lloyds Banking Group and EDF.

Takashi Yamana, CEO of Sumitomo Corporation Europe, said: “Sumitomo Corporation is delighted to be part of the DriveElectric business and contribute to the UK’s journey towards Net Zero by promoting transition to zero emission mobility.

“We look forward to creating additional value to customers and society by developing new offerings integrated with digital and energy services.”