Building Confidence in the Transition, How the Rise of Used EV Leasing is Accelerating Fleet Electrification
Second-hand Electric Vehicles
The electric vehicle (EV) transition is no longer a question of if, but how confidently fleets and drivers can make the move. And confidence, it seems, is growing fast, particularly through the second-hand EV market.
According to the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA), the UK has seen a 7,000% year-on-year increase in salary sacrifice leases for used EVs and a 174% rise in business contract hire. Together, these figures show that the used EV market has moved from niche to mainstream, providing a much-needed bridge between sustainability goals and financial practicality for fleets.
At ZeroMission, we see this as a pivotal milestone, not just for affordability, but for trust in the total lifecycle of zero-emission mobility.
Confidence in the Circular EV Economy
Fleet operators are increasingly recognising that the journey to zero emissions doesn’t start and end with new vehicles. Re-leasing and redeploying ex-fleet EVs extends the lifespan of assets, stabilises residual values, and creates a circular economy that benefits all parties, manufacturers, lessors, operators, and eventually, private drivers.
By supporting the second and third owners, the industry protects value for the first, ensuring that EVs are not only sustainable from an environmental perspective but also economically resilient.
Toby Poston, CEO of BVRLA, put it best:
“The used vehicle market underpins the entire zero-emission ecosystem. It needs stability to succeed — and by supporting second and third owners, we protect value throughout the vehicle’s life.”
Why This Matters for Fleets
For fleets, this trend unlocks three major advantages:
Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) – Used EVs can deliver significant cost savings. The BVRLA estimates that a five-year used EV buyer charging mainly at home saves £5,317 versus a petrol car, and even those using public charging save around £3,573.
Increased Accessibility – Leasing used EVs provides a more affordable entry point into electrification, especially for SMEs and public sector fleets constrained by capital budgets.
Faster Adoption – Releasing EVs into second life supports faster fleet turnover, helping organisations meet net-zero and ESG commitments sooner.
EVs Built to Last
As Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, noted:
“EVs are built to last, with batteries holding their power year after year. Giving drivers the same confidence and support as new-car owners is key to building a thriving electric market.”
Battery performance data continues to prove this point, degradation rates remain far lower than early forecasts predicted, meaning ex-fleet EVs still deliver exceptional range and reliability.
At ZeroMission, our digital twin analytics and predictive maintenance models give fleet managers real-time visibility into asset health and lifecycle performance. This allows data-led decisions on when to redeploy, resell, or re-lease, turning every mile and every battery cycle into actionable intelligence.
The Gateway to Zero Emission Motoring
With more than half of potential EV buyers saying their next vehicle will be pre-owned, the used market is becoming the gateway to electrification. Campaigns such as BVRLA’s Used EV Week are helping to raise awareness and highlight how far the technology and market maturity have come.
Yet, confidence gaps remain. Almost two-thirds (64%) of motorists say there isn’t enough public information on how to buy or manage a used EV.
That’s where knowledge-driven ecosystems like ZeroMission come in. By connecting fleets, leasing providers, and policy frameworks through one intelligent data layer, éxō makes the transition more predictable, measurable, and profitable for all stakeholders.
A Sustainable, Data-Driven Future
The surge in used EV leasing is proof that EV adoption is evolving intelligently, balancing sustainability with economics. For fleet operators, it signals a maturing market where every asset has extended purpose, and every transition step is backed by insight.
At ZeroMission, our mission is simple: to turn fleet electrification into a confident, data-backed journey, from first lease to second life, and beyond.
Every mile smarter. Every asset more efficient. Every transition powered by intelligence.