How quick does it take to organise an electric car lease like the Alpine A290 EV?

The Alpine A290 EV-How quick is it to organise an electric car lease?

Selling your EV-wares in Europe may become a little bit more difficult if you are a Chinese car manufacturer. The EU are pushing ahead with the tariff system for the EU, as reported in the BBC, which means that electric cars in EU member states will incur up to 45% levies, as part of “protecting” EU-based car manufacturers".

Since the UK has not applied this tariff directly, it is thought that many Chinese brands may instead divert their products here, on a discounted basis, rather than incur some heavy taxes in the EU.

The decision in the EU to do this was clearly not an easy or smooth one, with some member states like France and Italy voting for more stringent measures against the competition whereas others like Germany have raised concerns that this may spark trade wars and a more fragmented relationship between Beijing and Brussels.

Obviously the Chinese Government may in turn impose corresponding tariffs on other goods which are made in the EU and exported to China. Given that many components for EU-made cars will originate from China, this does create a potentially difficult or confusing situation. However, with the UK not applying like for like measures, we may see Chinese EVs enter the UK market, which is currently applying its more stringent ZEV Mandates on car manufacturers.

For UK customers, there are a swathe of good all-electric options coming to the market. Probably two of the most exciting EVs set to launch in 2024 / 2025 are the Renault 5 e-Tech and Alpine A290 EV hatchbacks. The Renault 5 will be the donor vehicle, with this set to launch imminently (October 2024) for UK customers to order for early 2025 delivery.

Launching in a 40kWh (95bhp), 40kWh (120hp) and 52kWh (150bhp) version, this is very much reminiscent of the hot hatch which was so iconic in the 80’s and 90’s.

While the new 5 is set to be another great addition to the Renault fleet, which already includes a Megane and Scenic e-tech, the French manufacturer are clearly trying to push back against the Chinese competition with the likes of the BYD Dolphin, GWM ORA 03 and the MG4.

However, the Alpine team, which is a specific Renault Sport unit, is also providing an option to the UK market. The upcoming A290 will be a motorsport version of the Renault 5 and this will not be the only project they are undertaking. The team are also innovating a mid-sized cross over and large SUV. For purveyors of fine small electric cars, there will be 3 options in the Alpine hatch includin:

•  GT - this will include a F1 steering wheel, 10” touchscreen, sports suspension, heated seats, 19” alloys and automatic air conditioning;

•  GTS - this will include Nappa 2-tone leather, premium audio, sports tyres, black monograms, lumbar adjust for the driver seat and telemetric; and
•  Premiere Edition - this will include a numbered plate, distinct floor mats, safety pack and driving pack.

The Alpine EV will have some considerable performance. This FWD hatchback supermini  will have a 52 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 6.4 seconds, 106 mph top speeds and 160kW (or 215hp). Expect a combined winter range of 155 miles with warmer weather allowing for 215 miles – a 185 mile combined.

On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 5 hour and 45 min 0 – 100% charging times with the 100 kW DC maximum allowing 33 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 326L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 144 mpg. You can tow with this EV – 500kg (Unbraked) and 500kg (Braked). It also has Bidirectional Charging - V2L via an exterior outlet capable of 3.7kW AC plus V2H and V2G functionality. The Heat Pump is standard.

How long does it take to receive an amazing EV like the Renault 5 or Alpine A290?

When you arrange a lease car from a broker, or finance company, it is important that you ascertain the vehicle status. In general there are three clear options (or statuses) for a customer including:

1. Stock - a stock option is a vehicle which is either with a dealership (or their compound) or at port. A stock vehicle is suitable for a customer who needs a more immediate vehicle solution i.e. in 1 - 3 weeks. For personal lease customers, many transactions are subject to a cooling-off period (distance selling) which means that there will be a compulsory two week period from the date of signing an order / finance documents and the delivery of the vehicle. Due to the conditions of a manufacturer or finance company, there may be a time restriction, which means that the vehicle must be delivered within a strict time period.Many “stock” options are pre-registered and therefore offer better value than a factory option but because of this registration, the vehicle needs to be delivered quicker. Some customers may ask for a stock vehicle to be delivered 1 - 3 months later but this is not always possible. For those customers taking a vehicle from port, please note that you cannot collect this personally as this is not a dealership / customer experience centre. Many leasing transactions are centred around efficiency and expedience plus value;

1. Allocation - this is a vehicle which is either due to go into build or is already in build. Many UK dealerships will pre-order a certain number of vehicles and these will be produced at certain dates (known as build weeks). In some cases, the manufacturer will allow you to alter the specification on the car, before it has gone into the build, whereas others will be a fixed order / build and you cannot adjust the options which are on the vehicle. The allocation-style leasing deal, is often a much quicker process than a fresh factory order, with vehicles more likely to arrive in 4 weeks  - 2 months; and
2. Factory Order - this is a bespoke order built to the customer’s individual requirements and will be subject to the criteria of the manufacturer. It will ultimately be the dealership / factory who determine how long it will be for your vehicle to arrive and this will vary from brand to brand. In some instances, if a car is mass-produced in mainland Europe, this could be a 2 - 4 month process whereas for vehicles built further afield in the USA, South Africa or far East, this may be 6 months. For high-end luxury vehicles, like the Rolls Royce Spectre or Maserati Grancabrio / Granturismo this may be a much longer process of 12 months (or even longer). Where a vehicle is a factory order, please note that as your broker we have no influence or power to expedite this process or prioritise your order; it will arrive when it arrives. If you are already in a lease vehicle, you may need to organise a formal or informal extension to your contract. Do not return this on the basis of the factory order arriving as we cannot supply a courtesy car if there are delays. Please also note that luxury vehicles will necessitate a holding deposit with the dealership, for example Porsche or Land Rover.

Need more help and advice on your new Alpine A290 for 2025? Just get in touch with our team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected] Alternatively, just build your preferred option at the Alpine manufacturer website.