The Motability Scheme car list includes a great range of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) that can help drivers with a disability and carers keep their fuel costs as low as possible over the course of the 3-year Motability lease. If you've been thinking about switching from a petrol- or diesel-powered vehicle to one with an electric powertrain, here's everything you need to know about driving an EV through the Motability Scheme, including some of the best EVs currently available, the benefits, the charging options, age restrictions and how to apply.
Motability customers could potentially save themselves hundreds of pounds each year in fuel costs by driving electric. As well as being far cheaper to run, 100% electric vehicles are also more environmentally friendly, with zero harmful emissions released from the exhaust pipe.
With electric cars now available to order from manufacturers including Audi, Citroen, Fiat, Hyundai, Mazda, Mini, Peugeot, Renault and Vauxhall, plus the option to install an electric charging point at your home at no extra cost, if your Motability renewal is fast approaching (or if you’re new to the scheme) now could be the perfect time to make the switch to an EV. Our list below features some of the best electric cars currently available to lease through the Motability Scheme.
The electrified version of Citroen's Berlingo has remarkably few compromises if you're looking for a family-sized EV. So, if you can afford the Motability Advance Payment and can cope with the estimated 174 mile driving range, it might be a tempting option if you want an EV that's much more practical than a compact crossover or hatchback.
EV Range: Up to 174 miles
Latest Prices For The New Citroen E-Berlingo With Motability
Also consider: Vauxhall Combo Life
The e-C4 is a very credible offering from Citroen in the new but fast-growing electric family hatchback sector. And, the French brand hopes, the e-C4 will play its part in this segment by blending SUV style and the option of full electric power into traditional family hatch design. Plus, there's bags of innovative styling, a distinctive feel and exemplary ride quality to make this car a real contender.
EV Range: Up to 217 miles
Latest Prices For The New Citroen e-C4 With Motability
Also consider: Citroen e-C4 X, Peugeot e-2008
This is the third generation Fiat 500, and contrary to appearances, everything is different. The new 500 is the first 100% electric car from Fiat, marketed as 'New 500' and sold alongside the older petrol hybrid model, which continues for the foreseeable future. This new EV is fractionally bigger than that old second generation 500, and is still offered in 3-door hatch and convertible body styles. Unlike some stylised direct EV segment rivals, there's a decent driving range of nearly 200 miles for Motability customers who choose the 42kWh version.
EV Range: Up to 199 miles
Latest Prices For The New Fiat 500 Electric With Motability
Also consider: GWM ORA Funky Cat, Mini Electric
Having shaken up the market with its very first IONIQ, Hyundai has done so again with this far more sophisticated IONIQ 5. This time round, the IONIQ is only an EV - and it's quite an arresting one, aimed at premium compact hatch and Crossover models typified by cars like Volkswagen's ID.4, Ford's Mustang MACH-E and this Hyundai's close cousin, the Kia EV6.
You have to offer something interesting and different in that kind of company. The IONIQ 5 very definitely does.
EV Range: Up to 315 miles
Latest Prices For The Hyundai IONIQ 5 With Motability
Also consider: Volkswagen ID.5, Skoda Enyaq iV
When the history books are written on the early years of electrified automation, Kia won't be one of the brands credited with originating the EV concept. But it will very much be seen as one of the makers that popularised it.
This second-generation version of the electric Niro gets more appealing packaging inside and out. But otherwise, the new Niro EV is a fairly subtle evolution of its e-Niro predecessor. Still, that's enough to make it a very good car indeed.
EV Range: Up to 285 miles
Latest Prices For The Kia Niro EV With Motability
Also consider: Volkswagen ID.4, Kia Soul EV
MG's real future starts with this model, the new MG4 EV. MG's two previous electric cars - the MG5 EV and MG ZS EV - were great but they lacked desirability. The new MG4 changes that, and as such is a serious rival to vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.3 thanks to its huge standard specification list, impressive driving dynamics and relative affordability for a cutting-edge five-seat electric hatchback.
EV Range: Up to 281 Miles
Latest Prices For The New MG4 EV With Motability
Also consider: Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electric
The Mazda MX-30 is an affordable EV that's a genuinely nice car to look at and drive.
Thanks to the flat seats in the rear of the MX-30 and its innovative 'Freestyle' doors, getting in and out should be relatively simple. The rear doors open backwards, which will make access for many wheelchair users and families with push chairs much easier. There's a decent 366-litre boot, too. The quoted 124 mile driving range puts this Mazda at a bit of a disadvantage though, when compared to a few of its similarly-priced rivals on the Motability Scheme.
EV Range: Up to 124 miles
Latest Prices For The New Mazda MX-30 With Motability
Also consider: Nissan LEAF
It feels pretty natural that there should be a 100% electric version of the Mini. This little 3-door car lends itself to battery power and quick-step EV pulling power. The driving range possible between charges isn't a particular strongpoint, but if you're going to be regularly town-based anyway, that may not be too much of an issue. After all, the brand has worked out that the average daily driving distance for a Mini customer is just 23 miles. And the spirited handling of this car may well more than make up for it.
EV Range: Up to 145 Miles
Latest Prices For The Mini Electric With Motability
Also consider: GWM ORA Funky Cat, Peugeot e-208
When developing the second-generation Nissan LEAF the Japanese car maker clearly listened to customer feedback. The biggest issue with the old LEAF was driving range, but as well as enhancing that, Nissan has also boosted the LEAF by adding a great package of technology that will make Motability customers feel like they're right at the cutting edge of automotive technology.
The 59 kWh version with an electric range of up to 239 miles is the one to go for (when available).
EV Range: Up to 239 miles
Latest Prices For The Nissan LEAF Electric With Motability
Also consider: Mazda MX-30
Funky Cat. Strange name. Very appealing car. This trendy Chinese EV comes from the freshly created Great Wall Motors (GWM) brand ORA and aims to offer drivers looking for a small, fashionable all-electric hatch a refreshingly different option to the other compact EVs out there.
And it's bigger than it looks. Despite looking like a MINI Electric or Fiat 500 rival, it's actually only slightly shorter than a Volkswagen Golf.
EV Range: Up to 193 miles
Latest Prices For The ORA Funky Cat With Motability
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Also consider: Volkswagen ID.3, Mini Electric
Like the electric Vauxhall Corsa-e, the visual differences between the Peugeot e-208 and the 'standard' 208 are so subtle you'd struggle to tell the difference between these two models, except for the ‘e’ badge that Peugeot have helpfully placed on the side of the vehicle and the charging point.
This car is built on the same modular platform as the Vauxhall Corsa-e, so unsurprisingly the Peugeot e-208 shares much of its tech with the Corsa-e, including a new 51kWh lithium-ion battery and motor which gives it a WLTP range of up to 224 miles (applies to 2023 model year cars). This, Peugeot argues, is enough for typical drivers to only have to charge the vehicle once a week. Fast charging is available, with a 0-80% charge achievable in around 30 minutes.
EV Range: Up to 224 miles
Latest Prices For The New Peugeot e-208 With Motability
Also consider: Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Renault ZOE EV
The Peugeot e-2008 is a very capable electric family car with French style, bags of practicality and all the latest technology. It takes most of the tech from the smaller e-208, including its interior design, the lithium-ion battery and the platform that it's built on. But that's no bad thing.
There's a decent 434-litre boot (the same as the non-electric versions) and plenty of room for adults in the back seats. Add to that its range of up to 214 miles and you've got a car that we think will really appeal to Motability customers who are looking for their first EV.
EV Range: Up to 214 miles
Latest Prices For The New Peugeot e-2008 With Motability
Also consider: MG 4 EV, Vauxhall Mokka Electric
Stylish, engaging and practical, the Renault Megane E-Tech is a family-friendly EV that looks and feels far more sophisticated than its Volkswagen Group and Korean class rivals.
Unlike some EVs, the Megane E-Tech is designed from the ground up to be an EV, packing its batteries under the floor at the front (where it drives the front wheels) which helps to free up extra interior space. Boot space is good at 440 litres, and the 215 bhp electric motor offers plenty of performance.
EV Range: Up to 280 miles
Latest Prices For The Renault Megane E-Tech With Motability
Also consider: Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq iV
Renault introduced the 100% electric ZOE in 2012, and it quickly became the benchmark for small and relatively affordable electric cars. The latest version has a quality interior and smart infotainment systems, plus the inside of a Renault ZOE is a nice place to sit. It’s also a simple car to drive, with a great range and a smart, distinctive appearance. The ZOE could be the right electric car for Motability customers who do most of their driving in and around towns and cities.
EV Range: Up to 238 Miles
Latest Prices For The New Renault Zoe With Motability
Also consider: Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Peugeot e-208
If you want to drive a British brand but you also want to keep your carbon footprint as small as possible, here's a great car for you. The all-electric Corsa Electric from Vauxhall claims a WLTP-rated driving range between charges of up to 222 miles. And fast charging at the rate of 100kW, which is available via a CCS socket hidden behind the fuel cap, with an 0-80% charge achievable in around 30 minutes. If you install a wallbox at home, you can recharge the battery from empty in around eight hours with a 7.4kW supply.
EV Range: Up to 222 miles
Latest Prices For The New Vauxhall Corsa Electric With Motability
Also consider: Renault Zoe EV, Peugeot e-208
In launching its first all-electric SUV, Skoda has taken the biggest step yet in its move toward electrification. The Enyaq iV is a large electric SUV that boasts generous amounts of space (as is typical of the brand), a superb ride and excellent build quality. And when you take into account the driving range, charging stats and overall equipment levels, we think the Enyaq iV will look like an attractive option for Motability drivers who want an EV that hits the sweet spot in the family SUV market.
EV Range: Up to 339 miles
Latest Prices For The Skoda Enyaq iV With Motability
Also consider: Volkswagen ID.5, Ford Mustang Mach-E
This electric-powered version of the Vauxhall Mokka is certainly a much trendier proposition than the model it replaces. In fact, we can't remember a more visually appealing Vauxhall in recent memory. The Vauxhall Mokka Electric is fun to drive, fast when it needs to be plus it's practical as well, with large doors and a high driving position that many Motability customers will want.
With its impressive electric-only range, worry-free quick charging and lower overall running costs, the new Vauxhall Mokka Electric could be the Motability car for you.
EV Range: Up to 209 Miles
Latest Prices For The New Vauxhall Mokka Electric With Motability
Also consider: Peugeot e-2008, MG4 EV
Offering superb levels of comfort, the Vauxhall Vivaro Electric Life delivers a smoother, quieter, and more luxurious travelling experience for up to 9 people. If you want a large MPV with room for all the family the Vivaro Electric Life is an EV that we think you should consider. The battery has a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 144 miles, which means it could make a lot of sense if you're looking for an affordable, green MPV and you don't regularly travel too far away from home.
EV Range: Up to 143 Miles
Latest Prices For The New Vauxhall Vivaro Electric Life MPV With Motability
Also consider: Citroen e-SpaceTourer
Volkswagen say that the ID.3 is 'designed for everyone', which we guess is why they've fitted the ID.3 with a range of different battery sizes and priced each version accordingly.
You can currently choose between 2 battery sizes (58 kWh and 77 kWh) and, depending on which one you choose, you should be able to travel up to a maximum of 339 miles between charges. With a smart, modern interior and great smartphone connectivity, the ID.3 has plenty of space for the whole family. And if you choose to fit a home charging wall box, it will be easy to charge and cheap to run.
EV Range: Up to 339 miles
Latest Prices For The New Volkswagen ID.3 With Motability
Also consider: Volkswagen ID.4, Kia Niro EV, Renault Megane E-Tech,
Most Motability customers who drive an EV will choose to charge their vehicle at home overnight, waking up every morning to a full battery for the day ahead.
Charging an electric vehicle at home using a dedicated home charging point is the simple, cost-efficient way to charge up your car. A compact, all-weather 7kW charging unit can be installed at your home by Ohme, and the cost of this is included with the lease of the vehicle. Once installed (by a qualified specialist installer) you’ll be able to plug in and charge your vehicle to full capacity.
There are no additional installation or access costs (unless extra work is required to gain access to your electricity supply), but you do have to pay for the electricity you use to charge up your vehicle.
Using a 7kW home charger, the majority of EVs can charge to full capacity in around 7 - 10 hours. If you don’t have access to off-street parking BP Pulse can arrange for you to have access to their network of charging points for easy on-street charging.
Speak to a Motability Specialist at your local Motability-accredited car dealership to find out more.
Choosing an electric Motability car could cost you more upfront than a comparable conventionally powered car, simply because the Motability Advance Payments required to lease an EV are sometimes much higher. That said, there are still a good number of Motability EVs that you can order with no upfront Advance Payment. If you want to drive a car with green credentials and you expect to do an above-average number of miles each year in your vehicle, the lower fuel costs mean that an electric car could make financial sense.
All EVs leased through the Motability Scheme come with comprehensive insurance for up to 3 drivers, servicing and maintenance, full RAC breakdown assistance, replacement tyres, replacement windscreens and a 60,000-mileage allowance over 3 years. A selection of popular and helpful adaptations can be also be included with the vehicle, many at no extra cost.
So, while the initial upfront Advance Payment price of an EV leased through the Motability Scheme could be higher, this is likely to be offset by much lower running costs. Electric cars offer a range of great savings and benefits, including:
Motability Scheme customers under the age of 25 are only allowed to drive electric cars with an insurance group of 21 or lower and a power output of 140 BHP or less (these restrictions exclude Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) drivers). Furthermore, only one driver under the age of 21 is permitted.
In 2023 more electric cars will appear in new car showrooms here in the UK and on the Motability Scheme car list. Electric vehicles that could join (or come back onto) the Motability Scheme car list in 2023 include the Citroen e-C4 X, The Kia Niro EV, the Peugeot 408, the Dacia Spring EV and the Vauxhall Astra Electric.
What New Cars Are Coming On The Motability Scheme?
This article is kept updated with the latest EV information.
