I would like to see a far better selection of decent sized petrol (and diesel for those that want it) SUVs and estate cars. I find it extremely irritating that the only decent additions to the scheme these days are EVs. Motability are NOT an environmental charity yet seem to behave like one. It’s good to see all the EV additions for those that want one, but this should not be at the expense of choice for those who either do not want an EV, or would find one to be impractical. Sadly, I think I will be disappointed.
I agree, whilst there are a lot of benefits in owning an EV, it’s not for everyone, yet. Whilst there are limitations in who should own one, there should be a full offering of suitable cars for those not yet wishing or able to have an EV. I do think, however, it’s easier for Motability to negotiate for EVs at a good price while the government have successfully reduced demand. While sales are still improving, they’re a way behind forecasts and that gives Motability an ‘in’ on negotiations
Yes, with the sales of EVs to private customers having dropped off a cliff lately, the lease market is where manufacturers will be targeting. As most lease customers are driving company cars, the ‘benefit in kind’ tax advantages of EVs over ICE cars are enormous, so that’s a much more receptive audience (even for those whose ‘fuel’ costs are paid for by their employer). Motability Operations, as a major lease supplier, will be able to take advantage of this, even though we don’t benefit from any tax advantages of driving an EV.
As I said, I’m pleased to see an improving choice of decent EVs, not least because it’s pushing the envelope of the retail value of cars on the scheme. I haven’t entirely ruled one out myself but, on balance, I’d prefer a petrol car, even though I know it will cost me a lot more to run (at least in the short term). What I find frustrating is that Motabilty operations negotiating team seem to be focusing almost 100% of their attention on the EV market and, with a few token exceptions, pretty much ignoring what the vast majority of their customers still want.
As an example, now that we have EVs that are well in excess of £50k, I’d like to see the BMW X3 petrol on the scheme which starts at £48k. I fully appreciate that Motability wouldn’t get anywhere near as good a deal on the X3 as they would on the EVs, but I’d happily pay a few grand more AP for one than is currently being asked for the likes of the iX1 and i4. I’m fully aware that this isn’t going to happen though. It doesn’t fit with the agenda of the policy makers at Motability who are obviously ‘on a mission’.