HITACHI Capital (UK) and , Gridserve have launched a ‘net-zero’ electric vehicle leasing service aimed at bringing down the cost of driving electric to well below that of petrol or diesel cars, and minimise the environmental impact of EVs.
Net zero carbon energy is included in Gridserve Electric Vehicle Solutions’ monthly leasing payments, meaning drivers can charge at the company’s new Electric Forecourts without paying any additional costs. This removes a key barrier to mass EV adoption, enabling people to accurately compare the cost of leasing a petrol or diesel vehicle, plus fuel, with an electric vehicle with fuel included.
The benefit is amplified for the 40% of UK drivers without access to off-street parking who would otherwise have to rely on less dependable and typically more expensive public charging infrastructure compared to charging at home. For those who lease through Gridserve, charging at an Electric Forecourt becomes cheaper than home charging because energy is already included in monthly leasing payments.
The company has just opened its first Electric Forecourt near Braintree, Essex, the first of over 100 being built by Gridserve over the next five years ahead of the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars. The company’s £1bn UK-wide programme aims to make EV driving an enjoyable, ultra-convenient and stress-free experience.
To reduce the environmental impact of EVs even further, Gridserve has partnered with a tree planting organisation, with will plant 100 trees for every electric vehicle leased through the service. This helps to minimise the carbon emissions from supply chain processes, such as manufacturing.
Chief Executive Toddington Harper said: “Together with our Solar Farms and Electric Forecourts, Griderve Electric Vehicle Solutions completes our ‘sun-to-wheel’ infrastructure designed to deliver net zero carbon transport from 2020 onwards. By including the planting of 100 trees for every electric vehicle leased through the service and providing net zero carbon energy to charge all the vehicles, we’re making EV driving greener, cheaper and more straightforward than ever before.”
Robert Gordon, Chief Executive of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, added: “Our partnership is a total game-changer for electric mobility. Not only are we providing electric vehicles at some of the most competitive rates on the market, but we are at the same time developing a network of rapid, reliable and renewably powered Electric Forecourts that will fast-track the electric vehicle revolution in the UK as we prepare for a zero-carbon future.”
Gridserve and Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC plan to offer electric vehicles from all major vehicle manufacturers. At the time of launch, available brands include Audi, BMW, DS, Mercedes-benz, MG, Mini, Nissan, Renault, and Volkswagen.
