We hope you and yours are well at this challenging time as we slowly transition from lockdown to something (hopefully) approaching ‘normal’.
At DriveElectric we have been working through the COVID emergency to provide as close to business as usual. We feel it is important that we update you as a potential or existing customer on how you might be affected as the automotive sector emerges from lockdown. We set out below what we are seeing in the various areas of our business…
We have been open for business all through lockdown and are able to help you with all enquiries for leasing new electric cars and vans.
Due to the recent factory closures, it is most likely that there will be delays for some orders depending on the stage at which the vehicles were in the order/ production process prior to lockdown. In particular, the delivery of vehicles that were not built prior to lockdown are likely to be delayed.
Please be assured that if you have a car or van on order we are doing everything we can to ensure that you receive your vehicle as soon as possible. We are currently in contact with the dealerships to find out where the vehicles are in the order process and when we can expect deliveries to re-start.
However, If you have any immediate queries regarding your order please contact us.
Garages are opening up, but most had completely closed during lockdown so availability for MOT/Servicing is still sometimes difficult to come by and lead times are longer.
Breakdown services are working however due to patchy availability of servicing outlets we have had a couple of occasions where the car cannot be dropped at a garage. This is improving rapidly.
Many hire operations are working still but again with limited capability and COVID risk prevention processes coverage is limited. DriveElectric are still offering our FlexiHire short-term EV leasing solution for businesses and have some limited stock of mainly vans available, again deliveries can take time.
If you have a leased vehicle with a contract that’s ending soon this one’s for you: most leased vehicles are returned to motor auctions for inspection and sale at the end of contract. As the auctions have been closed during lockdown and only have limited capability all collections are severely delayed. This is exacerbated by a lack of plated driver resource and the backlog of collections accumulated during lockdown. Most lease companies will end the contract based on your request to collect although you may be asked to furnish a short inspection and proof of mileage (usually a photo) to allow contract billing to be ended. Vehicles do not always have to be insured once off hire but please ensure you have checked insurance is covered – you can check if its covered at ownvehicle.askmid.com
All major lease companies have been offering payment holidays for personal lease customers. You will need to contact them directly if you need to discuss your own situation. The important thing is to address this if you are struggling rather than just not paying.
We hope the above information is helpful. If you have any questions please ask us.
Best regards, Mike, Adam and the DriveElectric team
