Octopus Energy has made a bid to extend the appeal of electric car leasing by ordering an initial fleet of 50 Dacia Springs for its salary sacrifice scheme.
Octopus Electric Vehicles, an all-electric leasing subsidiary of the energy supplier, intends to make the most of the current status of the Dacia Spring, which is being promoted as the UK’s most affordable electric car.
Under the salary sacrifice scheme, which allows to lease a car through their employer, paying through their gross salary and saving up to 40% on income tax and national insurance, Octopus customers will be able to lease a Spring from £195 a month.
The company believes the car will appeal those wanting to try out an EV without the increased costs that have until now been levelled at such vehicles. The combined cycle range of 137 miles will likely appeal looking for a car to commute to their place of work in.
The Spring’s 26.8 kWh battery can be charged from 20% to 100% in four hours using a 7kW home charger. This will be installed at the leaser’s home under the scheme, which also includes insurance, maintenance and access to Octopus Electroverse, a charging roaming service with access to more than 850,000 chargers, paid for with one card and app.
Octopus will monitor demand for the spring before deciding whether to acquire additional vehicles.
According to Alvin Castillo, Head of Procurement at Octopus Electric Vehicles, the Spring opens up new opportunities for customers. “Being able to get a new electric car for less than £200 a month is a gamechanger – opening up clean, affordable driving for drivers that previously wouldn’t have been able to switch.”
