When you’re thinking about leasing an electric car, one of the first questions that comes up is simple: how much range do you really need?
It’s easy to be drawn in by the headline figures on the latest models promising 400 miles on a single charge. But the truth is, not every driver needs that much. In fact, for many people, a shorter-range EV could be the smarter choice — not just for day-to-day convenience but also for keeping monthly lease costs down. Let’s break it down and make the decision simple and easy.
Understanding Range in the Real World
The range you see in brochures is based on official WLTP testing. In real life, those numbers are usually 10 to 20 per cent lower. Cold weather, motorway driving, air conditioning, or even how heavy your right foot is can all chip away at the official figure.
So, if a car claims 300 miles, you might realistically see something closer to 240–260. That’s still plenty for most people, but it’s important to keep in mind when comparing models.
When a Long-Range EV Makes Sense
Long-range electric cars are typically those offering 300 miles or more from a full charge. They make the most sense for drivers who cover a lot of motorway miles or travel long distances for work. If you don’t have a home charger and need to rely on public networks, a bigger battery can also be reassuring, as it reduces the number of times you’ll have to stop and top up.
Cars like the Tesla Model 3 Long Range or the Hyundai Ioniq 6 are popular choices. They give you the confidence to cover long trips without constantly checking for the next charging station. If your lifestyle involves frequent cross-country journeys, then the extra range is a genuine advantage.
Why Shorter-Range EVs Are Often Enough
Not everyone needs a 300-mile battery. If your driving is mainly local — the school run, commuting 20 to 30 miles a day, shopping, gym visits — then a shorter-range EV with around 150 to 200 miles is more than enough.
For many drivers, the smaller battery makes life easier, not harder. Charging overnight at home means you’ll always wake up to a full “tank”, and you’ll rarely ever need to use a public charger.
Another great option in this space is the Cupra Born. It blends everyday usability with sharp styling and a fun driving experience — perfect if you want something practical but also exciting behind the wheel.
The Role of Charging
Range is only one side of the story. The other is charging, and this is where your setup at home or work makes a big difference.
With a home wallbox, even a long-range EV will charge fully overnight, but a shorter-range model with a smaller battery will do it faster. If you rely on public charging, shorter-range EVs can also be more convenient, as they reach 80 per cent charge quicker. On the other hand, long-range EVs often support ultra-rapid charging, so you can add hundreds of miles in the time it takes for a coffee break on the motorway.
How and where you charge should be a big part of your decision. A city driver who plugs in at home every night doesn’t need the same battery size as someone regularly doing 250-mile motorway trips with no driveway to install a charger.
Costs: The Clear Divider
This is where leasing really shows the differences. A shorter-range EV is almost always cheaper per month because the battery is smaller, and the car itself costs less to produce.
For example, a Tesla Model 3 Long Range might start around £350 per month plus VAT, while a Ford Puma Gen E could be closer to £180 per month plus VAT. Over three years, that gap adds up to thousands of pounds saved — money that could go towards energy bills, holidays, or even a higher-spec trim level on a smaller EV.
If your driving habits don’t demand the extra range, then it’s worth asking yourself whether you’d rather have a lower monthly bill and a car that still does everything you need.
Two Real-Life Examples
Take a commuter in London who drives 25 miles a day and charges at home overnight. For them, a shorter-range EV like the Nissan Leaf or MINI Electric is the logical choice. It covers all daily needs, keeps lease payments down, and charging is effortless.
Now compare that to a sales manager who’s often on the road, covering 250 miles in a single day and relying on motorway services to recharge. In this case, a long-range EV such as the Tesla Model 3 Long Range or Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the better option, because it reduces the number of charging stops and makes long journeys far less stressful.
These examples show that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s about matching the car to your lifestyle.
Leasing Keeps Things Flexible
One of the best things about leasing is that you’re not locked in forever. Technology is moving quickly, charging networks are expanding, and battery performance is improving all the time. By leasing, you can enjoy the right EV for your needs today and then switch to something new in two to four years when the next generation arrives.
That flexibility means you don’t have to worry about second-hand values or whether today’s range will still be good enough in five years’ time. Leasing keeps it simple and easy.
Making the Choice
So, do you need a long-range EV or will a shorter-range model do? If your lifestyle involves long-distance travel and minimal home charging, a long-range car is probably the right choice. But if most of your driving is local and you have access to a home charger, a shorter-range EV will be all you need — and will save you money every single month.
Both options are valid, and with leasing you can choose the one that makes sense now, knowing you can upgrade later without hassle.
Explore EV Lease Deals with Car Leasing Made Simple
Whether you’re leaning towards a long-range model for those big road trips or a shorter-range city car for everyday driving, we’ve got options to suit every budget and lifestyle. Our site makes it quick and easy to compare lease prices across thousands of electric vehicles, so you’ll always find a deal that works for you.
👉 Browse our latest electric car lease deals and see how simple it is to drive an EV that fits your life.