SAIC Motor is teaming up with LeasePlan to offer EV80 electric van leasing deals as it steps up plans to relaunch the Maxus/LDV brand in Europe.

LeasePlan will provide operational leasing solutions for SAIC’s Maxus electric LCVs in continental Europe

The Chinese giant, which owns the assets for the former LDV brand as well as MG, is looking to expand its reach across the region; it recently announced plans to start selling the first MGs – including an electric version of the ZS SUV – for almost a decade, and an LDV SUV sold with plug-in hybrid and battery electric drivetrains.

It also has big plans for a range of Maxus/LDV electric vans, including a smaller electric van, dubbed the EV31, and has already started rolling out the  Maxus EV80 electric vans with fleets ahead of the brand’s full launch in 2019, including establishing partnerships with large organisations and major fleet operators.

Now, the SAIC Mobility Europe division and LeasePlan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see LeasePlan provide operational leasing solutions for SAIC’s Maxus electric LCVs in continental Europe. This will centre on the EV80 but also cover other Maxus electric vans.

LeasePlan’s operational leasing services for the range of Maxus LCVs will include configuration and customisation, finance, insurance, fleet management, repair, maintenance, tyres and remarketing. In addition, LeasePlan will provide Maxus electric LCV customers with end-to-end charging infrastructure, as well as access to a network of 75,000 charging points through LeasePlan’s existing partnership with Allego.

Tex Gunning, CEO LeasePlan, said: “Today, there are hardly any LCVs on the market that can meet the increasing demand for last-mile delivery in a sustainable way. Our new partnership with SAIC will enable us to serve the growing need for zero emission LCVs – and at a competitive total cost of ownership compared to ICE vans. Making the transition to an electric fleet is one of the easiest ways for businesses to lower their emissions and to help tackle climate change. LeasePlan is fully committed to making it as easy as possible for all our customers to start electric.”