Include tyres, servicing, insurance, energy and lease terms when comparing EV running costs.
Compare an EV lease on total use cost
The monthly lease payment is only one part of the cost. Include initial rental, monthly payments, insurance, electricity, public charging, tyres, servicing, mileage limits, excess-mileage charges, end-of-contract condition and any maintenance package.
Tyres can be a meaningful EV cost
Vehicle mass, torque, alignment, driving style and tyre specification all affect wear. Some EVs use high-load or manufacturer-specific tyres. Do not assume an “EV tyre” label alone makes a product suitable; match the exact vehicle requirement.
Charging assumptions matter
Home and public charging costs can differ substantially. Build your comparison using the proportion of charging you realistically expect to do at home, work, rapid chargers and other networks rather than one headline pence-per-mile figure.
Servicing and maintenance
EVs remove some combustion-engine maintenance but still need tyres, brakes, suspension, low-voltage battery, cabin filters, fluids and manufacturer inspections. Check the actual service schedule and what a maintenance lease includes.
Lease terms can outweigh running-cost savings
Mileage allowance, excess mileage, early termination, insurance and return charges can dominate small energy or servicing differences. Compare the same term and mileage across quotes before deciding.
Lease, finance, hire, warranty and maintenance terms vary by provider and contract. Check the documents that apply to your vehicle before spending money or relying on general guidance.
What to do next
Gather the relevant contract, vehicle handbook, recent invoices and real mileage/cost figures. Compare like-for-like options over the same period rather than deciding from a headline monthly payment.