Renault leads the charge with new electric options.

One of Europe’s biggest car manufacturers is leading the charge in a bid to get drivers to choose the plug instead of the pump, giving customers new buying options on its electric car range.

The new scheme, from Renault, will allow motorists buying an electric vehicle (EV) to choose whether to buy the batteries outright, within the cost of the vehicle, or to rent them on a monthly basis.

Under the new price plans, the French manufacturer’s Zoe and Kangoo Z.E. 'i' models will be sold without batteries for a minimum of £4,448 less than the price of buying the car and battery outright.

Both models come with an additional five-year, 60,000-mile warranty for the batteries, on top of the standard four-year, 100,000-mile overall protection that comes with the rest of the car. The warranty also guarantees a replacement battery should the capacity drop below 70% within five years.

The new battery-leasing tariffs start from £25 per month, making it a more affordable option for business and fleet owners than before. Renault believe that the lower leasing prices, which represent a saving of between £900 and £1,008 across 36 months, could be of greatest benefit to business owners and low-mileage drivers.

Ken Ramirez, Managing Director of Renault UK, said: “Renault was a pioneer in the EV market and has remained a leader by offering the best technology, across a wide line-up and at affordable prices.”