EV Leasing Checklist

Before You Sign

EV lease contracts have a few clauses that do not exist in traditional car leases. Battery condition at return, charging infrastructure responsibilities, and mileage limits that matter more because range is finite. Read these carefully before you commit.

• ✓ Check the mileage allowance carefully. EVs are efficient, but if you underestimate your driving and go over the limit, excess mileage charges add up fast. Track your current driving for a week to get an honest number.
• ✓ Read the battery condition clause. Some contracts define acceptable battery degradation at return. Others don't mention it at all. Know where you stand before you sign.
• ✓ Ask who pays for home charger installation. Some leasing companies include a home charger as part of the deal. Others leave it to you. A Level 2 home charger typically costs a few hundred to install.
• ✓ Check what maintenance is included. EVs need less maintenance than gas cars (no oil changes, fewer brake jobs), but tires wear faster because the car is heavier. Make sure tire replacement is covered or budgeted.
• ✓ Understand the insurance requirements. EV insurance can be higher because battery replacement is expensive. Get quotes before you commit so there are no surprises.

Choosing the Right EV

The right EV for a lease is one that comfortably covers your daily driving without forcing you to fast charge every day. Oversizing the battery just increases the monthly payment. Undersizing it creates daily range stress. Match the car to your actual routine, not your longest trip of the year.

• ✓ Match range to your actual commute, not your longest trip. If your daily drive is 60 km, you don't need a 500 km range car. A smaller battery costs less per month and charges faster.
• ✓ Think about where you'll charge most. If you have a driveway, home charging overnight covers most people. If you're in an apartment, check that there are reliable public chargers near your home or workplace.
• ✓ Check the DC fast charging speed. This matters for road trips. Some EVs charge from 10-80% in 20 minutes, others take over an hour. If you do long drives regularly, this is worth paying attention to.
• ✓ Consider a heat pump if you live somewhere cold. Heat pumps use much less energy to heat the cabin than resistive heaters. In cold climates, this can mean 10-15% more range in winter.

During Your Lease

How you charge during the lease affects both your running costs and the battery's condition at return. The key habits are simple: charge to 80% for daily use, avoid letting the battery sit at very low levels for extended periods, and mix in slower AC charging when possible. These habits keep the battery healthy and minimize your electricity costs.

• ✓ Charge to 80% for daily driving. Regularly charging to 100% or letting the battery drop to near zero wears it out faster. Most EVs let you set a charge limit in the settings.
• ✓ Don't rely on fast charging every day. Occasional fast charging is fine. But if it's your only option, the battery will degrade faster over 3-4 years. Try to mix in slower AC charging when you can.
• ✓ Keep an eye on your mileage. Check once a month whether you're on pace for your allowance. If you're consistently over, talk to the leasing company about adjusting. It's usually cheaper mid-contract than at return.
• ✓ Service the car on schedule. Even though there's less to maintain, skipping scheduled service can void warranty coverage or trigger end-of-lease charges.

Costs to Know

• ✓ Your electricity bill goes up, but way less than fuel would cost. Home charging typically costs 50-70% less per km than gasoline. Public fast charging is more expensive but still usually cheaper than fuel.
• ✓ Tires may need replacing sooner. EVs are heavier and have instant torque, which wears tires faster. Budget for a set of tires during a 3-year lease.
• ✓ Public charging costs vary wildly. Some networks charge per kWh, others per minute, and prices range from reasonable to surprisingly expensive. Find the networks near you and compare.

End of Lease

End-of-lease inspections for EVs look at everything a normal lease return covers, plus a few EV-specific items. The battery's state of health, the charge port condition, and whether the charging cable is included. Prepare for these ahead of time so there are no surprises.

• ✓ Get a battery health check before return. If the contract has a battery condition clause, get an independent check so you know where you stand. Most modern EVs retain 90%+ capacity after 3 years of normal use.
• ✓ Document the car's condition thoroughly. Photos of exterior, interior, wheels, and dashboard. Same as any lease return, but also note any charging port damage.
• ✓ Check for excess wear charges specific to EVs. Charging port scratches, missing cables, or tire condition. These are the EV-specific things that can catch you off guard.
• ✓ Consider buying if the residual is favorable. If the car has low degradation and you like it, buying at the residual value can be a good deal. Check what similar models sell for on the used market.