The offer – which is unique to the UK – has been introduced following feedback from fleets and residual value setters, and will enable both private and retail customers to choose whether to own the battery outright or lease it for a fixed monthly cost, as per all sales to date.

Vehicles with the battery included will be badged as ZOE i and Kangoo Z.E. i and specifically marked out on its V5C documents, helping identification on the used market. These are expected to account for the majority of fleet sales, mostly new customers rather than cannibalisation from the Battery Hire scheme.

Ken Ramirez, managing director, Renault UK, said: ‘The battery leasing scheme has proved popular with customers for the flexibility and lower purchase prices it offers. The addition of full purchase versions on our core EV models will offer private and business customers a greater choice and further strengthen our position in the UK EV market.’

Full Purchase adds £5,000 to the list price of both vehicles, though some of that additional cost is offset by being able to claim the full £5,000 Plug-in Car Grant. At £18,443 (after the grant), the ZOE i is the cheapest electric car on the market behind the smaller Volkswagen e-up!, which starts at £19,270 on the road. Pricing for the Kangoo Z.E. i starts from £16,161 (plus VAT).

Battery Hire, expected to remain the option favoured by retail customers but also offered to fleets, has also had a temporary price reduction of £20 per calendar month, available until March.