Discover the benefits
Electric vehicles are now available to hire through Rental Plus, our unique flexible mid to long term rental service.
Pendragon Vehicle Management are pleased to now offer electric vehicles through our Rental Plus product. Rental Plus is our unique Flexi-Hire service which enables you to hire vehicles for three months or more while providing your business with an eco-friendly solution to vehicle rental.
It is very quick and easy set up and with free delivery, we can get you on the road in no time. Our new electric options can provide practical and affordable, environmentally conscious mobility solutions for your business.
Why should you choose electric hire vehicles?
Driving an electric vehicle allows you to be as environmentally friendly as possible, as these vehicles produce zero CO2 emissions and are run completely on electricity. There can therefore be significant savings to running costs in comparison to their diesel and petrol counterparts. Hiring electric vehicles for your business could not only save you money, but it could also improve your business reputation, all while offering great performance, outstanding fuel economy and exceptional environmental awareness.
The benefits of electric vehicles:
- Offers a quieter, more enjoyable and relaxed driving experience.
- All electric cars have instant torque, which means as you hit the accelerator you will get an immediate response and surge of speed from the car.
- Electric vehicles can be cheaper to maintain as they are designed to be as efficient as possible with little stress on the motor and fewer moving parts that are susceptible to damage.
- Highly fuel-efficient and generally cheaper to run than their fully petrol and diesel equivalents.
- Exempt from Clean Air Zones (CAZ), Low Emissions Zones (LEZ) and London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
- Electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions making them greener and better for the environment than their petrol or diesel car counterparts.
- Access to the latest in-vehicle technology and battery technology.
- Improve your businesses reputation and meet corporate responsibility goals by choosing low emission vehicles.
Things to consider when hiring electric
An electric vehicle is not necessarily a practical choice for every business just yet. There are several considerations that need to be taken into account such as intended usage, driving range and functionality in bad weather like snow and sub-zero temperatures. To determine what the right hire choices are for your business, it is best to seek advice, but it could be useful to consider the following:
Usage
What type of journeys will your vehicle need to be used for? Short hops around towns and cities where charge points are plenty, or longer journeys? If short city journeys are the majority of your business travels, then electric vehicles are perfect.
More and more electric vehicles are increasing their range and battery capabilities, so motorway jaunts are not impossible either. However, it is important to identify exactly what you need from your vehicles and how you intend them to be used before looking at the different types available.
Charging and access to charge points
Are there going to be charging facilities at your drivers’ destinations or along their routes? Do your drivers have home charge points or access to public ones locally?
If electric vehicles are going to be a permanent feature within your business going forward, it might be a good idea to look into installing workplace charging units. The government currently offers a Workplace Charging Scheme that you may qualify for.
Time to charge
Is there enough time in driver's schedules to factor in charging time where necessary? Charging times can vary, depending on the power of the charging system in your EV.
The quickest options would be DC rapid chargers that can give an 80 percent charge in around 40 minutes. Most workplace or home charging units with a 7kW source will take anywhere between five to ten hours to charge, and an 80 percent charge using a public 50kW or 100kW rapid charger can currently take between 40 and 60 minutes.
Vehicle Range
Most new electric vehicles can manage a range of between 190 to 300 miles depending on the make, model, and size of the vehicle, but there are multiple ways to maximise your vehicle's range. You can plan journeys and access to public chargers, anticipate the road ahead to avoid harsh acceleration and braking, consider how and when to use the heating and air conditioning, and use the vehicle’s eco-mode or features more efficiently.
Vehicle availability
Are you looking to hire a specific electric vehicle? Not all models are currently available through our Rental Plus product, but we can work with you to choose an alternative that is suitable. We are also working on expanding the range of electric and hybrid vehicles on offer, so check back for updates.
Fully Electric vs. Hybrid
Each of these types of vehicle has its own pros and cons, based upon its capability, maintenance, and intended use. Fully electric vehicles can be better suited to shorter journeys or city driving, as you do not usually have as far to travel on a single charge.
Range is typically the largest worry when it comes to electric vehicles, but continual improvements in battery technology are now making that less and less of a concern. The average car journey is around 21 miles, so the majority of us will not need an EV that can go over 300 miles on a single charge. But if you are still concerned about range and would be looking to take longer journeys with heavier loads, then it may be that a plug-in hybrid is the best option for you.
Maintenance and Insurance
Service, maintenance and breakdown insurance are all included with our Rental Plus product. So you would not have to worry if anything were to happen while you had hired a vehicle, we would be able to provide a replacement within 4 hours.
What is Rental Plus?
Rental Plus is our unique flexible mid to long term rental service. Customers can take advantage of substantially reduced rates compared to daily rental and can enjoy free delivery of a vehicle under six months old with Bluetooth and Satellite Navigation guaranteed.
Why choose a Rental Plus car?
- A cost-effective alternative to pool cars
- Ideal for new starters in probationary periods
- To support short-term projects or to supplement an existing fleet
- As lead-in vehicles for employees awaiting delivery of a company car
- For temporary staff or contractors requiring an interim vehicle
- Emergency vehicles when yours are off the road
