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Dacia Spring available through The Electric Car Scheme for just £112/month*
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TfL Zones 1-2 travelcard costs £171.70/month
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Cheaper than Sky TV bundles and premium gym memberships in the capital
The Electric Car Scheme has spotlighted just how economical electric motoring can be, showing that some EVs are now more affordable than a monthly London travelcard.
Drivers can now lease the Dacia Spring—an electric car offering up to 140 miles of range—for just £112 per month via salary sacrifice. This is based on a four-year agreement, covering 5,000 miles annually and inclusive of MOT, servicing, maintenance and tyre replacement. That monthly figure is well below the £171.70 charged for a TfL Zones 1-2 travelcard.
Not only is the cost lower than commuting via public transport, but it’s also cheaper than many lifestyle expenses. A full Sky TV bundle, complete with sports, movies, Netflix and kids’ content, can run up to £125 a month. High-end gyms like Virgin Active in Bromley charge nearly £120 monthly.
Data from The Electric Car Scheme reveals affordability is still the biggest obstacle to EV adoption. Over half (54%) of Brits say it’s their top concern, ahead of other factors like charging infrastructure or reliability.
Affordable Used EVs Also Available
Pre-owned electric cars are also proving hugely popular. Used EVs now account for around 50% of the scheme’s total leases. Popular options include the FIAT 500E at £193 per month and the MINI ELECTRIC starting from £198 per month.
The Electric Car Scheme’s CEO and Co-Founder Thom Groot said:
“Electric Vehicles are getting more affordable and therefore accessible every day and this effect is only set to gather pace as more people make the leap to an EV and as more models become available on the second-hand market. We expect March to be a record month for EV uptake, potentially topping 35% of all new car sales for the very first time, and at prices such as this it is hardly a surprise, especially considering the upcoming increases in Road Tax for petrol and diesel models.
We know that the main concern for drivers is, affordability, which was the biggest barrier for 54% of Brits, way out in front of any concerns around range, reliability or resale value. This is why we started The Electric Car Scheme, to make EVs more affordable and help increase uptake ahead of the coming phase-out of traditional cars.”
