Purchase or lease EVs

Once you’ve decided to electrify your fleet, you need to determine whether to purchase or lease, and where. 

Purchasing

Light-duty electric fleet vehicles are typically purchased directly from a dealership or vendor. Medium- to heavy-duty fleet vehicles usually require coordination with vendors to custom-order a specific vehicle model that fits your fleet’s needs. When purchasing, you own the vehicle outright and assume full responsibility for the vehicle’s maintenance. Review our Incentives Database to see if there are ways to lower the upfront purchase price! 

Leasing a single EV may be possible through a local dealership, whereas bulk fleet leasing may be arranged through a private company. Vehicle leasing is an alternative way to get your electric fleet vehicle. With leasing, your monthly payments are generally lower than loan payments. Yet keep in mind that there is usually an upfront cost at the time of leasing the vehicle to factor in as well. And once the lease is up, you do not own the vehicle. Still, you will have the option to trade in the vehicle for a newer model, purchase it, or end the lease entirely. Depending on the company, it is also possible to lease a fleet with additional management services, which may include maintenance and fuel. 

Leasing

Where to purchase or lease 

You can purchase or lease EVs from a variety of sources: 

  • Minnesota State Contract: a cooperative purchasing venture with contracts established by the Office of State Procurement.  
  • Sourcewell: a public agency that provides contract purchasing solutions.  
  • Original equipment manufacturers: may be limited to Tesla or specific to medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.  
  • Dealerships: visit your local dealership website or a website like cars.com for available vehicles. If interested in used EVs, check for local used car dealerships.  

EV Sales Savvy: an “Angie’s List for Recommended EV Salespeople” that can help identify salespeople at Minnesota dealerships who are knowledgeable about EVs and related technologies.  

Questions to ask sales vendors 

  • What is the range of the car? 
  • What is the expected range difference between seasons?  
  • What type of charging plug(s) does the vehicle accept? 
  • What is the maximum charging rate, and does the vehicle support DC fast charging? 
  • Is there a federal or local incentive for this car? 
  • What type of maintenance is required, and where can I have the vehicle serviced?  
  • What is the car’s warranty?  
  • What would it cost to purchase vs. lease the car? 

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Secure charging