I Ordered My New Electric Car, Now What?
Congratulations on ordering your new electric car through The Electric Car Scheme! The wait between ordering and delivery is exciting but can also raise many questions. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the moment you place your order to your first month of electric car ownership.
What Happens Right After Your Order
Once you've chosen your dream electric car, whether it’s a new Tesla Mode 3 or a used Kia Niro EV, several important steps happen behind the scenes. Your order first goes through an approval process where both your employer and the leasing company review the lease documents. During this time, you can expect:
The initial confirmation email from The Electric Car Scheme,
Lease documentation for review,
Regular updates on your order status from our team,
Estimated delivery timeframe (though exact dates aren't confirmed until lease approval).
You can track your order status through our customer portal, and our team will keep you updated at each stage of the process.
Preparing For Your New EV
While waiting for your car, there are several things you can arrange to ensure a smooth transition to electric driving:
Home Charging Setup
The home charge point installation process is straightforward when arranged through our partner, Smart Home Charge:
You'll receive a site survey request via text or email,
Complete a simple survey with photos of your intended installation area and electric meter,
Smart Home Charge will arrange an engineer visit,
Installation typically takes 1-2 weeks,
Your charger will be compatible with all energy provider.
Energy Tariff Review
Before your electric car arrives, look into switching to an EV-friendly energy tariff - these typically offer significantly cheaper rates during off-peak hours (usually overnight). Most major energy providers now offer special EV tariffs with rates as low as 5-7p per kWh during off-peak times, compared to standard rates of 27-34p per kWh. This simple switch could reduce your home charging costs by up to 60-70%. We recommend researching options about a month before your car arrives.
Get Set Up With The Charge Scheme
In 2024, The Electric Car Scheme launched ‘The Charge Scheme,' which means employees can now save 20-50% on all their charging through The Charge Scheme app and card. Our goal is to make driving an electric car accessible and affordable for everyone and this is the next part of our journey to support your employees. All you have to do is opt into salary sacrifice your charging, and we will provide you with the app and public charging card to record your monthly mileage.
Insurance Arrangements
You'll need comprehensive insurance coverage ready for your delivery day. We would recommend starting comparing quotes around a month before your expected delivery date, specifically looking for policies that cover electric vehicles. Many mainstream insurers now offer specialised EV coverage that includes protection for charging equipment and batteries.
App Preparation
Most electric cars come with a dedicated manufacturer's app that lets you control various features remotely - from checking charge levels to pre-heating your car. Download your vehicle manufacturer's app and create an account before delivery day. Once your car arrives, allow up to 48 hours for the leasing company to complete the setup process. Don't worry though - you'll have your keys from day one, so you can still enjoy your new car while waiting for app access.
Delivery Day and First Steps
The day your new electric car arrives is super exciting, and we want to make sure everything goes smoothly! Your delivery will usually be scheduled for an all-day slot between 8 am and 6 pm, with the delivery driver contacting you shortly before they arrive.
Depending on what's most efficient, your car will either arrive by truck or be driven directly to your chosen delivery address - either way, we'll ensure it reaches you in perfect condition!
When your car arrives, the delivery driver will walk you through a handover process, demonstrating the essential features and providing all necessary documentation. This is an important time to thoroughly inspect your new vehicle - we recommend taking photos and noting any concerns, no matter how small. If you spot anything unusual, make sure it's recorded on the delivery release note and let us know immediately. This is important, especially if you’re leasing one of our used electric vehicles. While issues are rare, we're committed to resolving any concerns quickly and efficiently, ensuring you can start enjoying your new electric car right away.
Your First Month with Your EV!
Your first month with an electric car is an exciting time of learning adjustment, especially if it’s your first experience with an EV. Here's everything you need to know to get started confidently with your new EV.
Getting Connected: Vehicle App Setup
As mentioned previously, modern electric cars come with smart features controlled through your phone, and while setup is straightforward, it requires a bit of patience. Once your app is activated, you'll be able to control various features remotely, from checking your charge status to pre-conditioning your car's temperature.
Learning More About Your New EV
Every electric car has unique features and capabilities worth exploring. We recommend:
Reading through your vehicle manual (yes, really!) for model-specific features,
Watching YouTube tutorials about your exact model - especially videos covering efficiency tips,
Joining owners' groups on social media for real-world advice and tips,
Experimenting with different driving modes and regenerative braking settings,
Testing various charging speeds and locations to understand what works best for you.
Establishing Your Routine
The first month is crucial for developing good EV habits:
Find your ideal charging rhythm - most drivers charge once or twice a week,
Figure out where you frequently charge your car, whether at home, at work or out and about!
Experiment with different charging times to make the most of off-peak energy rates,
Get familiar with your car's real-world range in different conditions,
Learn to use features like pre-conditioning while plugged in to preserve battery range.
Important Admin To Consider
While enjoying your new car, there are a few administrative points to keep in mind:
Personalised Number Plates
If you want to add a personal touch with a customised number plate, contact the leasing company directly. They'll guide you through the process, though there might be a small admin fee. Remember to start the transfer process at least six months before your lease ends if you want to keep the plate.
Travel and Documentation
Planning to drive abroad? Notify the leasing company well in advance of the necessary paperwork,
Need a parking permit? The leasing company will provide V5c documentation or an authorisation letter.
It is important to remember that the leasing company remains the registered keeper of the vehicle
Support When You Need It
You're not alone on this journey. Our Customer Operations Team is here to help at info@electriccarscheme.com with any questions about your car or lease. For the quickest response, include your order reference number in any correspondence.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog for detailed guides on everything from maximising your range to understanding charging networks. We're here to help make your transition to electric driving as smooth as possible.
Please note that these are general answers and may not necessarily apply to your Electric Car Scheme order.
Last updated: 22.01.25
