Skip advert
Advertisement
Opinion

'Brands will need new tricks to make electric cars affordable'

John McIlroy thinks manufacturers will use the electric car rollout to change the buying process

Toyota opinion

Another week, another new entry into the electric-car market. And this time it’s a biggie: Toyota, the leading light of hybrid electrification over the past 20 years, has finally ditched the combustion engine altogether for the first of its bZ EV line-up.

We’ll leave you to read Sean Carson’s full verdict on a late prototype of the bZ4X – but one interesting aspect to take from the review is that Toyota is trying to use this car to shake up its retail model. Fact is, a four-wheel-drive version of this car is going to have a list price of more than £48,000 – which is quite a lot for a five-seat family SUV.

However, Toyota is aiming to make this figure irrelevant for many private customers by rolling out the bZ4X on a lease deal that makes the more conventional PCP finance scheme look a bit pricey. We wouldn’t say the ‘Kinto’ arrangement is particularly cheap, with a deposit of more than £3,500 and monthly payments of over £600. But then, it does include servicing, installation of a home charger and a period of access to Toyota’s ‘single-card’ public charging network – while costing less every month than the regular PCP.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We’ve seen others experimenting with ‘all-in’ lease arrangements before – some firms are using their all-electric models to play with moving the whole process online – but it seems quite significant that Toyota, one
of the most mainstream of brands, has chosen now to really push the idea (and through its showrooms, some of which will feature ‘bZ hub’ areas devoted to the EVs). 

As the transition to electric motoring continues to accelerate, manufacturers are going to have to use lots of tricks (or let’s call them novel approaches) to bring the buying process and ownership experience closer to as many customers as possible. We’ll see dozens of EVs unveiled in the months ahead; we may also see a varied line-up of ways of getting them onto our driveways.

Check out the latest Toyota news and reviews here...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Buying the right car can work wonders for your mental health
Opinion - mental wellbeing

Buying the right car can work wonders for your mental health

Paul Adam explains the role the car can play in helping to give you the ‘me time’ to maintain your wellbeing
Opinion
13 Jun 2025
The power from thousands of UK car drivers is now in your hands
Opinion - information is power when buying

The power from thousands of UK car drivers is now in your hands

Darren Wilson explains why we value your insight into car ownership – and how you can share your opinions with us right now
Opinion
5 Jun 2025
Buying a nearly new car could save you serious money
Opinion - nearly new cars

Buying a nearly new car could save you serious money

Ryan Birch explains the pros and cons of buying what are often described as ‘nearly new’ or ‘delivery mileage' cars
Opinion
29 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Comfy and chic Renault Scenic electric SUV for under £235 a month
Renault Scenic UK - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Comfy and chic Renault Scenic electric SUV for under £235 a month

The Scenic has always been a family favourite, and can be had at a tempting price. It’s out Deal of the Day for 28 May
News
28 May 2025

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025