Electric-car subscription services explained

If you’re after a new electric car but want to sidestep the hefty commitment of traditional ownership, subscription schemes are an option worth serious consideration. Unlike leasing, which locks you into a multi-year deal with a fixed deposit, or Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) and Personal Contract Hire (PCH) options that also require a long-term financial commitment, subscriptions are designed to make life easier with shorter terms and no up-front costs. For those who don’t want to be tethered to a single car or finance contract for years, a subscription offers a refreshingly flexible alternative.

Subscriptions cover a variety of arrangements. In some cases, manufacturers offer what are essentially zero-deposit leases with the added bonus of allowing you to change cars at set intervals. Other independent finance companies provide similar set-ups, but with more variation in costs and inclusions. There's also a pay-as-you-go approach through car-club memberships – perfect if you live in a city and only need occasional access to a car without the hassle of ownership.

One of the biggest perks of a manufacturer-backed subscription is the comprehensive cover. Your monthly payment typically includes maintenance, insurance, breakdown cover, and even wear-and-tear, taking away the usual worries of car ownership. That peace of mind and convenience come at a price, though; these schemes can seem costly compared with standard finance deals. Independent companies often offer cheaper options, but you'll need to read the fine print to see what’s covered - it’s the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) that counts when comparing options.

TCO refers to all expenses involved in owning and running a car, including insurance, maintenance, fuel, taxes and depreciation. When comparing subscription options, it’s important to consider not just the monthly payment, but also what’s included, like servicing, breakdown cover, and wear-and-tear. A higher monthly cost may be worth it if it covers more, making the overall TCO more manageable.

For city-dwellers who only need a car occasionally, pay-as-you-go car memberships can be ideal, but if you’re looking for a car on a regular basis, a full subscription might be a better fit. 

Manufacturer electric-car subscription services

There are a few manufacturers who have ventured into providing electric-car subscription services for their customers. Below we run down the different options that are available. 

Volvo Subscription

Volvo offers an in-house subscription product that allows you to drive its EX30 electric SUV from £719 per month, the EX40 from £919 per month, or the EC40 coupe-SUV from £979 per month, which includes insurance, maintenance, road tax and vehicle hire – but only if you sign up for 36 months. If you need more flexibility, there’s an option to sign a contract with a 90-day cancellation period, which also allows you to change cars every three months.

Nissan Subscription

Nissan’s subscription service includes two electric vehicles: the Nissan Leaf, available from £479 per month, and the larger Nissan Ariya, starting at £635 per month. All subscriptions offer flexible terms beginning at just three months and include insurance, maintenance and breakdown cover. However, subscribers have to be over 25.

Renault Subscription

Renault offers its fully electric Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech through its subscription service, with monthly payments covering insurance, servicing, tax, and breakdown cover. Flexible terms range from three to 24 months, with limits from 750 to 1,800 miles per month. The Megane EV subscription starts at £599 a month, while the Scenic is available from £699 a month.

Non-manufacturer electric-car subscription services

If you can’t find a car to suit you direct from the car manufacturer, there are a few companies who provide subscription services on a much wider range of electric cars. Take a look below to see if one of those suits your needs.

Wagonex 

Wagonex is a finance company providing subscription deals on a wide range of vehicles from many manufacturers, and electric cars are included too. With nearly new and used vehicles covered, you could be looking at a Nissan Leaf with an 800 miles a month restriction for a figure of £396 per month. Insurance is optional with Wagonex, so prices will vary once you get a quotation to cover your subscription, or you can shop around to find the right deal for you. Prices for the subscription vary depending on how long you want to keep the car, but Wagonex offers great flexibility with a minimum one-month subscription.

Bipi

Bipi also offers electric-car subscriptions, but with fewer options than Wagonex. There are seven electric models available through Bipi, ranging from hatchbacks like the Volkswagen e-Golf, Nissan Leaf, and Polestar 2, to SUVs such as the Kia e-Niro, Mercedes EQA, and Kia Soul, with the Tesla Model 3 completing the list.

Regardless of which model you choose, the subscription includes maintenance, MOTs, and taxes. However, commitment terms vary by car. For example, the e-Golf is available with a no-commitment option, allowing you to continue paying monthly and return it with minimal notice. In contrast, with models like the Polestar 2, terms start from three months and extend up to a year. Currently, the most affordable option is the e-Golf, starting at £425 per month with an 800-mile monthly limit.

Drive Fuze

Drive Fuze is a car-subscription service that simplifies the whole process, though it’s a bit limited. Currently, the firm offers just two electric vehicles: the MG4 and the Kia Niro EV. The subscription includes everything you need – insurance, breakdown cover, road tax, and maintenance – all rolled into one monthly fee. However, that convenience doesn’t come cheap. The MG4 starts at £749 a month, and the Kia Niro EV comes in at £799. Although the company occasionally runs promotions, don’t expect massive discounts. 

Pay-as-you-go electric-car subscription services 

A range of pay-as-you-go electric-car hire services now operate across the UK. For a fixed monthly membership fee, plus a per-mile or per-hour charge, you can conveniently pick up an electric car from on-street parking or designated locations, paying only for the time you need. It’s ideal for those who need occasional access to a car without full-time ownership.

Co-Wheels Car Club

Operating in over 60 towns and cities, Co-Wheels offers a flexible, pay-as-you-go subscription model. A one-off £25 joining fee applies, with a monthly charge of £25 for those under 25, or £5 for those aged 26 and over. Cars can be hired by the hour, with rates starting at £5.50. Although its cars are not exclusively electric, Co-Wheels has a sizable electric fleet, including models like the Vauxhall Corsa, MG4, MG ZS, and MG 5, as well as electric vans.

Zipcar

The UK’s largest car-sharing club, Zipcar, offers a fleet of electric vehicles across London, with hourly hire rates starting at £6 for short city journeys. Membership options include a basic plan (no monthly fee, with a £10 admin charge), Smart (£6 per month), and Plus (£15 per month). Each plan comes with different hourly rates, making the Plus plan the most economical for regular users. Zipcar handles charging for its electric models, including the Vauxhall Corsa-e, Nissan Leaf, and Hyundai Ioniq, overnight; users simply check charge levels on the firm’s app before booking.

Enterprise Car Club

Enterprise Car Club caters to drivers who don’t need a vehicle all the time. For a monthly membership fee ranging from £7 to £24, members gain access to a national fleet of more than 1,400 shared vehicles, which can be hired by the hour or day. Rates vary depending on membership type, vehicle, and location, with higher monthly fees generally translating to lower hourly rates. The availability of electric models depends on location, but includes options like the Hyundai Ioniq, Kia e-Niro, Renault Zoe, Vauxhall Mokka-e, and Peugeot e-208.