Why Cosmetic Dentists and Orthodontists are leasing electric cars like the new Kia EV9 GT

The new Kia EV9 GT- Why Cosmetic Dentists and Orthodontists are leasing this electric car

Numerically EVs are a solid proposition. By this we mean that supply and demand for 2024, continuing into 2025, has proved to be buoyant in both the new and used car sector. Notwithstanding some of the negativity and anti-EV rhetoric in the UK’s news and media, the registrations are very much happening.

As reported by our partners over at Zap Map by the end of January there were some 1.4m electric cars on the UK roads; which translates to just over 4% of the entire market. When you consider, as per the Zap Map article, that by the end of 2021 just 1.21% of our vehicles were pure electric, this really is a marked improvement and much credit is due to the manufacturers, dealerships and finance companies enacting this seismic shift in fuel choice.

Already in 2025, EVs account for 21% of the total vehicles registered this year, which is tracking above the 19.8% of 2024. With a plethora of new options, in both new and used format, arriving to the market, it is fair to say that combustion vehicles are very much on their descendancy; especially anything in a diesel format.

However, there are suggestions that not everywhere in the UK is enjoying quite the same level of benefit in making the transition to EV, As reported this week (10 February 2025) in the BBC the UK needs to consider Northern Ireland as part of its plans to achieve a zero-emission future.

The article laments the lack of infrastructure, cost of charging and incentives to be able to afford a new EV, especially for private / retail customers. According to the article, Northern Ireland only accounts for about 32,000 battery vehicles within the UK, which is a much smaller proportion than the rest of the UK.

To push more demand in January 2025 the Zero Emission Vehicle and Vehicle Emission Trading Schemes were introduced, with the Department for Infrastructure looking to push new and used options. But thoughts on achieving a net zero by 2050 are suggested to be challenging. Not unlike England, market maturity will necessitate various stakeholders working together to help the ambitious move towards a zero-emission fleet happen.

This is about charging options, charging costs, home charging, new and used EV choices, finance, information / education, motor insurance and servicing / maintenance. While the Government do have to help drive this, they cannot be the only ones assisting to do this. A synergy across all businesses is a must.

In the UK business owners, like profitable cosmetic dentists and orthodontists, are still utilising the electric car leasing schemes, which remain immensely popular. More recently we have noticed a concern due to the VED changes on EVs, especially the impact of the expensive car supplement.

While this is not good news for the green industry this does not negate the significant benefits which are still in place for 2025. While some successful entrepreneurs in the teeth and gums industry may want to pursue petrol-focused super cars, like the Ferrari or Lamborghini, there are many directors and senior management exploring the BEV options instead.

Put simply, whether you are buying or leasing an incredible EV, like the Kia EV9 pictured here, both the business and the employee will benefit more significantly for moving towards a zero-emission solution.

When you use a purchase product, like Hire Purchase or Contract purchase, the 0g/km status of the car allows the business to do what is called First Year Allowances. This means that 100% of the vehicle cost (and any interest) can be offset against the Corporation Tax bill.

In contract hire (as an operating lease), the company can offset 100% of the monthly rental, including any maintenance element, against tax. While up to 50% of the VAT can be reclaimed on the finance element, 100% of the VAT on the maintenance can be offset.

Which finance product should your business choose? This is very much a subjective query, as some businesses like the non-ownership style of leasing, where the vehicle can be returned / replaced every 2 - 4 years. Whereas some businesses prefer a longer-term solution and will keep fleet vehicles for much longer.

In any case, if your dental practice does invest in any charge point infrastructure for the staff or the customers, there are grants available to assist with the cost. Any expenditure you do make is Full Expensing, meaning that you can offset this cost against tax.

One of the biggest incentives for fleet vehicles in BEV format is that the driver, in their capacity as an employee, will enjoy considerable tax breaks under the BiK (Benefit In Kind) rules compared to petrol or diesel options. Many directors will have used cash for car scenarios to fund their supercars or luxury SUVs in the past.

But new luxury and performance EVs are making them reconsider this archaic approach. As the UK’s tax regime under HMRC is focused on emissions, if you run a polluting vehicle through your orthodontic business you are liable to some substantial tax repercussions.

However, with 0g/km BEVs, the level of BiK is only a nominal figure . So even the more expensive and luxury vehicles can be an affordable proposition. As can be seen by the upcoming EV9 GT from Kia, these vehicles do not reflect any compromise or backstep.

Having already launched a RWD and AWD 7-seat EV9 in 2023, the South Korean  Kia  group are now looking to push “power and performance in an elevated SUV package” . The upcoming GT is a high-performance 7-seat SUV, with 3-rows, which will offer considerable excitement.

Based on the same 99.8 kWh battery as the existing options, the GT will be built on the E-GMP 800V platform. This translates to 200kW DC+ charging capabilities for 10 - 80% charging sessions in 24 minutes, 11kW AC charging and bidirectional charging. The V2L (Vehicle-2-Load) will allow the EV9 to charge external devices too.

With 3-rows to comfortably seat 7 people plus a braked towing capacity of 2500kg, the EV9 is fundamentally about practicality for the family, as well as the business.

Other notable features include the Electronically Controlled Suspension (ECS) for ride comfort and driving stability, GT-exclusive steering wheel and sports seats, GT-dedicated digital lighting grille, exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara suede inserts on the sports seats, Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) to simulate step-shift automatic, unique ambient lighting scheme, remote climate control, remote battery conditioning, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Over-the-air (OTA) updates with Wi-Fi.

While you can build your new Kia EV9 at the new GT sports option is not yet available but do expect this in the 1st half of 2025. For all other Kia SUV options just head across to our dedicated Kia EV9 deals section. 

Or just get in touch with our team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]