FAQs
Can an EV tow/be towed?
For normal towing of the vehicle it is recommended that, as a minimum, the front wheels are lifted.
It is not possible to tow a trailer as the vehicle has never been homologated for towing.
How much (roughly) will an EV cost me in my energy bills?
Electric cars are extremely cheap to run – they cost £2 to £3 to charge fully (at home, depending on your electricity supplier), which gives a typical range of 80-100 miles.
How should the car be recovered in the event of a breakdown?
We will use Nissan/AA recovery – numbers will be on the tax disc holder in the car.
Is car-share possible e.g. two users (such as neighbours) on the same lease, operating from same charge point?
Yes, but one individual will be legally responsible for the lease – that person is legally obliged to ensure insurance etc.
Is there a maximum mileage allowance?
Yes – 10,000 miles per year (15,000 miles over the course of the project/lease).
Is there a minimum mileage? (e.g. do you need a minimum mileage for the data from a user to be worthwhile?)
No, we want ‘normal’ usage data. If you only use it for 5 miles a day that’s fine, although compared with buying another car you probably won’t see any financial benefits due to the higher costs of an EV under normal (non-subsidised) circumstances.
Is there breakdown cover? If so, do I pay for this?
Breakdown cover is included as part of the vehicle leasing contract.
What are the options after the 18 months lease?
You can choose to either purchase the car, or return it to Fleetdrive Electric.
What data/information do we have about how green an electric car is from a whole lifecycle perspective?
Electric and hybrid cars create more carbon emissions during their production than standard vehicles, but are still greener overall. This is according to a report prepared by Ricardo for, and in collaboration with, the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP). The study found that some of the CO2 savings made during the use of low carbon vehicles is offset by increased emissions created during their production, and to a lesser extent disposal. However, overall electric and hybrid vehicles still have lower carbon footprints than normal cars.
Read more about the report here:
http://www.green-car-guide.com/electric-vehicles-have-lower-carbon-footprints-than-normal-cars.html
Which version of the Nissan LEAF will be offered?
The project will use the new version of the Nissan LEAF.
Will I need to pay for an MOT on the EV?
No, MOTs are not required until a car is three years old.
Will I need to pay insurance on the EV?
Yes. There are insurance brokers specialising in electric vehicles, however standard car insurers now provide cover. Deals can be found on cost comparison sites.
Will I need to pay road tax on the EV?
No, as all EVs are currently exempt from VED, or road tax (although a tax disc is is still required).
Can my partner drive the EV?
Yes but one individual will be legally responsible for the lease - and that person is legally obliged to ensure that the car is insured for both drivers.
Can we have more than one car per household?
Yes, if you and your partner both wish to take part in the trials and and have a Nissan LEAF each, then provided all eligibility criteria have been met, and as long as both of you sign up to participate in the trial. All participants are expected to take part in the surveys to to provide feedback on their individual experience of the technology. If both you and your partner wish to sign up, both of you will need to provide feedback through the surveys. There must be one charging point per car installed.
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