Would you like to drive electric but don't have the budget (or don't want to use your budget for an EV) for a new electric car? Then private leasing of an electric car could be an option for you. Before you sign a lease contract, it is a good idea to first take a critical look at the possibilities, costs and benefits. We are happy to help you with that and that is why we have looked up all the information for you.
What exactly is private leasing of an electric car?
Private lease is an agreement in which the user pays a fixed amount per month and in return receives a new or used car. The monthly costs for private lease are usually high, but the leasing company pays all costs for the car, such as maintenance and taxes. In the event of damage, you often only pay the deductible with private lease of an electric car. Be sure to check the amount before you sign.
Please note: always check in advance what the leasing company offers for the private lease of the electric car. The offer can differ from what is stated above, both negatively and positively.
Is private leasing of an EV interesting for the average Dutch person?
Private leasing of an electric car has a number of advantages. For example, the following matters are for the account of the leasing company:
- Tax costs;
- Roadside assistance subscription;
- Depreciation and residual value;
- Car insurance;
- Maintenance and repairs.
Every leasing company will pay a lot of attention to this, because this is the perfect sales pitch for a lease contract. It is good to keep in mind that it is often slightly less attractive for an electric car. The road tax is still 0 in the coming months and only in 2026 will there be tax on electric driving, although you will still get a big discount then. The costs for maintenance and repairs are also much lower for an electric car, because the electric motor has fewer moving parts and therefore is less often at the garage.
The other higher costs are covered by the price you pay monthly for the private lease of an electric car. Does this make the lease agreement immediately unattractive? No, because it can be a great way to drive electrically without immediately paying the higher purchase price for the electric car. Do take into account the term of the lease contract.
Also keep in mind that you can also claim the subsidy for electric cars with private leasing? This applies to both new cars and used electric cars.
Buy or lease: what is more attractive to you?
Comparisons between buying and leasing are decades old now and the story hardly changes. Not even when it concerns an electric car, not even with the lower maintenance costs and the exemption from road tax. The leasing company always makes a long, accurate calculation when drawing up the monthly payments, so that you get a deal that is attractive to you and that always makes the leasing company money. Even when you can take over the electric car at a reduced price after the lease period.
Do you want to drive a newer, modern electric car and do you not want to have high costs to drive the car and do you not care that the car will never actually become your property, that the monthly payments exceed the value of the car and that you will never get the residual value? Then the private lease for an electric car is a good option. However, do you not want this and can you pay for an EV or make a down payment and borrow the rest, plus be responsible for the costs of maintenance and insurance yourself? Then buying is a better option.
Please note that all situations, personal budgets and the offers of the leasing companies are different. Therefore, in all cases, take the time to thoroughly compare and think before making a choice.
A few things to keep in mind when leasing an electric car
Regardless of whether you choose to buy or privately lease an electric car, you will need charging solutions at home. Most leasing companies offer a standard charging cable with the lease of a car, but that is not enough. Many companies now also offer a service where they can have a charging station or wall box installed for you. That seems attractive, but often it is not. They work together with suppliers and installers who all charge extra costs because everyone wants to earn something from the deal.
Therefore, first look at the prices of our charging stations and consult a local installer, so that you know what the normal costs would be. There is a very big chance that the price of the leasing company will be higher. You can simply refuse the charging solution of the company without this having consequences for the private lease of your electric car and this is a handy way to save on costs from day one.
