Electric commercial vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in Dutch business transport. More and more companies are opting for electric mobility, not only because of environmental targets, but also because of the long-term financial benefits. Nevertheless, for many business owners, the monthly cost of leasing an electric company car remains a barrier. What exactly does it cost, and when is it worth it?<\/p>\n
In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about leasing electric commercial vehicles. Whether you\u2019re looking to buy a small van, are considering switching from a fossil-fuel-powered car, or are curious about the costs of a double-cab commercial van: you\u2019ll find clear answers here.<\/p>\n
The lease price of an electric company car is determined by the vehicle\u2019s list price, the term of the contract, the annual mileage, the residual value and the type of lease chosen. Together, these factors determine the monthly payment you make.<\/p>\n
Electric commercial vehicles generally have a higher purchase price than comparable petrol or diesel vehicles. This higher list price is directly reflected in the monthly payment. At the same time, the residual value plays a major role. The higher the expected residual value at the end of the contract, the lower the monthly costs. For electric vehicles, the residual value has become more stable in recent years, as demand for second-hand electric commercial vehicles has increased.<\/p>\n
A longer contract term, for example 60 months instead of 36, reduces the monthly payment but increases the total cost. The same applies to the number of kilometres per year. If you drive more than the agreed number of kilometres, you\u2019ll pay a surcharge per extra kilometre. For businesses that do a lot of driving, it\u2019s wise to estimate this carefully in advance, particularly with an electric van, where charging behaviour also plays a role.<\/p>\n
An electric commercial vehicle with a larger battery and a longer range costs more. When buying or leasing a small van, models with a limited range are cheaper, but less suitable for long journeys. Choose a vehicle with a range that suits your daily needs, so you don\u2019t end up paying unnecessarily for capacity you don\u2019t need.<\/p>\n
With an operating lease, you hire the vehicle for a fixed period and pay an all-inclusive monthly fee, which covers maintenance, insurance and road tax. With a finance lease, you finance the purchase of the vehicle and become the owner at the end of the term. The main difference lies in ownership, risk and what is included in the monthly fee.<\/p>\n
An operating lease is the most popular option for businesses that want peace of mind. You pay a fixed monthly fee and don\u2019t have to worry about maintenance costs, tyres or repairs. This makes budgeting straightforward. At the end of the lease term, you return the vehicle and can opt for a new model if you wish. For electric commercial vehicles<\/a> This is an attractive option because technological developments are happening rapidly and, once the contract term is up, you can switch to a newer model with a better battery.<\/p>\n With a finance lease, you pay a monthly amount which effectively pays off the car. At the end of the contract, you can take ownership of the vehicle for a residual amount. You are responsible for arranging maintenance and insurance yourself. This offers greater flexibility, but also entails greater responsibility. For business owners who wish to capitalise their electric company car on the balance sheet or who prefer to own the vehicle, a finance lease is a logical choice.<\/p>\n When leasing an electric company car, you can take advantage of various tax benefits and subsidies. The most important of these are the MIA (Environmental Investment Allowance), the Vamil scheme and the lower additional tax liability for electric vehicles. Together, these benefits can significantly reduce your net monthly costs.<\/p>\n The MIA scheme allows you to deduct an additional portion of the investment from your taxable profit. The Vamil scheme offers the option of flexible depreciation, which provides a liquidity benefit. Both schemes are specifically designed for environmentally friendly investments and also apply to electric vans and commercial buses. The exact benefit depends on your tax situation and the type of vehicle.<\/p>\n For electric passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that are also used privately, a lower additional tax liability applies than for fossil-fuelled vehicles. This makes electric leasing more financially attractive for many business owners and employees. Please bear in mind that the additional tax liability percentages and thresholds may change annually, so always check the current rules with the tax authorities or your leasing company.<\/p>\n As well as incentives for the vehicle itself, grants are also available for the installation of charging points at business premises. This reduces the overall cost of switching to electric vehicles. For companies with a fleet, this represents a significant additional saving that shortens the payback period.<\/p>\n Leasing an electric company car is cheaper than a fossil-fuel-powered alternative when you compare the total costs over the entire lease term, including fuel, maintenance and tax benefits. With an annual mileage of more than 20,000 kilometres and by taking advantage of available subsidies, the balance often tips in favour of electric vehicles.<\/p>\n The higher purchase price of an electric commercial vehicle does indeed result in a higher monthly cost, but the running costs are structurally lower. Electricity is cheaper per kilometre than petrol or diesel. Furthermore, an electric powertrain has fewer moving parts, which leads to lower maintenance costs. Brakes wear out less quickly thanks to regenerative braking, and there is no need for oil changes.<\/p>\n Electric vehicles are particularly well-suited to businesses that operate mainly in urban areas, such as delivery services or healthcare transport providers. Short journeys, fixed routes and the ability to charge overnight are well suited to the characteristics of electric commercial vehicles. When using a double-cab van<\/a> For construction companies or service providers, the decision is slightly more complex, but even there we are seeing that electric vehicles are becoming increasingly financially attractive.<\/p>\n When taking out an electric car lease, you should consider the range in relation to your driving habits, the charging facilities available at your location, the contract terms regarding the battery warranty, and the total costs, including any excess mileage or damage upon return.<\/p>\n Check whether the range of your chosen vehicle suits your day-to-day use. A small electric van with a range of 200 kilometres is ideal for urban distribution, but less suitable for long inter-city journeys. Also ensure that you have access to sufficient charging facilities, both at your business premises and whilst on the road.<\/p>\n Always ask about the battery warranty. Most manufacturers offer an 8-year or 160,000-kilometre warranty on battery capacity. However, it is wise to know what the contract stipulates in the event that the battery degrades sooner than expected. This prevents any surprises at the end of the lease term.<\/p>\n Read the small print regarding excess mileage, damage and early termination. Operational leases usually have a fixed mileage limit. If you exceed this limit, you\u2019ll pay a penalty per kilometre. Also discuss in advance what happens if the vehicle is unavailable for an extended period due to technical problems. A good replacement vehicle arrangement is particularly important for electric vehicles, as charging infrastructure and technology are still very much under development.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t just compare the monthly price; work out the total cost over the entire term. Take the following into account: the monthly lease payment, energy costs, any charging point installation, tax benefits and expected maintenance costs. This will allow you to make a fair comparison with a fossil-fuel alternative.<\/p>\n At Van den Hurk Commercial Vehicles, we help you make the right choice for your situation. Whether you\u2019re looking to buy or lease a small van, an electric double-cab commercial van, or a fully electric fleet: we\u2019ll work with you to find the best solution. Our approach is personalised and practical: no standard quotes, but advice tailored to your business and driving profile.<\/p>\n Here's what we can do for you:<\/p>\nFinance lease: a step towards ownership<\/h3>\n
How much of a subsidy or benefit is available when leasing an electric vehicle?<\/h2>\n
MIA and Vamil<\/h3>\n
Lower additional tax liability<\/h3>\n
Grant for charging infrastructure<\/h3>\n
When is leasing an electric company car cheaper than a fossil-fuel-powered car?<\/h2>\n
What should you bear in mind when taking out an electric car lease?<\/h2>\n
Range and charging infrastructure<\/h3>\n
Battery warranty and degradation<\/h3>\n
Terms and Conditions<\/h3>\n
An overview of the total costs<\/h3>\n
How we can help you with electric commercial vehicle leasing<\/h2>\n