Electric Car Lease Guide: The Top EVs to Lease in California

Last updated: October 2026

A few years ago, leasing an electric car meant choosing from a handful of small hatchbacks with limited range. Today it’s a completely different story. Almost every major automaker now sells at least one fully electric model in the US – from compact crossovers to three-row family SUVs and flagship luxury sedans.

And here in California, where gas prices are high and EV charging is everywhere from North Hollywood to Roseville, more drivers than ever are asking us the same question: “Which electric car should I lease?” This guide walks you through the EVs available from the brands you already know and trust, and shares a few tips to help you lease the right one.

Why So Many Drivers Lease Their EV

We’ve said it before: there are plenty of reasons to lease a car. With an electric car, those reasons get even stronger:

• Technology moves fast. Battery chemistry, charging speed, range and software are improving with almost every model year. A lease lets you upgrade every two to four years instead of being stuck with older tech.
• Resale values are unpredictable. According to iSeeCars’ 2026 study, EVs lost an average of 57.2% of their value after five years, compared with 41.8% for all vehicles. With a lease, the end-of-lease value is set in your contract, so that risk sits with the leasing company.
• You stay under warranty. EV batteries carry long warranties – Toyota covers its battery-electric models for 8 years/100,000 miles, and Hyundai covers its EV batteries for 10 years/100,000 miles. A typical lease ends well inside that window.

We cover all of this in more detail in our article on why leasing an EV beats buying one.

SEE THIS MONTH’S LEASE SPECIALS

Electric Cars You Can Lease from Mainstream Brands (2025–2026)

Every model below appears in the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov electric vehicle listings for the 2025, 2026 or 2027 model year (as of October 2026). Model years overlap in showrooms, and inventory changes quickly, so call us to confirm exactly what’s available.

Hyundai

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 – the popular electric crossover, including the rugged XRT and the high-performance IONIQ 5 N.
• Hyundai IONIQ 9 – a three-row electric SUV for families who need space.
• Hyundai IONIQ 6 and Kona Electric – EPA-listed for the 2025 model year; ask us about remaining availability.

See our Hyundai lease specials.

Browse our current Hyundai lease specials.

Kia

• Kia EV6 – a sporty electric crossover, including the high-performance GT.
• Kia EV9 – a three-row electric SUV with seating for the whole family.
• Kia Niro EV – a practical, easy-to-park electric crossover.
• Kia EV3 – a new compact electric SUV, EPA-listed for the 2027 model year.

See our Kia lease specials.

Browse our current Kia lease specials.

Toyota

• Toyota bZ – Toyota’s electric SUV (previously called the bZ4X), including the more adventure-ready bZ Woodland.
• Toyota C-HR – now offered as an all-electric crossover with all-wheel drive.

See our Toyota lease specials.

Browse our current Toyota lease specials.

Lexus

• Lexus RZ – Lexus’ electric luxury SUV, offered as the RZ 350e, RZ 450e and RZ 550e.
• Lexus ES 350e and ES 500e – the new-generation ES luxury sedan is also offered with fully electric power.

See our Lexus lease specials.

Browse our current Lexus lease specials.

Honda

• Honda Prologue – a roomy midsize electric SUV, available with front- or all-wheel drive.

See our Honda lease specials.

Browse our current Honda lease specials.

Volvo

• Volvo EX30 – Volvo’s smallest SUV, including the new EX30 Cross Country.
• Volvo EX40 and EC40 – compact electric SUV and coupe-style SUV.
• Volvo EX90 – a seven-seat electric flagship SUV.
• Volvo EX60 – a new midsize electric SUV, EPA-listed for the 2027 model year.

See our Volvo lease specials.

Browse our current Volvo lease specials.

BMW

• BMW i4 – an electric Gran Coupe with sport-sedan handling.
• BMW i5 – the electric 5 Series sedan.
• BMW i7 – the electric version of BMW’s flagship 7 Series.
• BMW iX – a spacious electric luxury SUV.
• BMW iX3 – a new-generation electric SUV, EPA-listed for the 2027 model year.

See our BMW lease specials.

Browse our current BMW lease specials.

Mercedes-Benz

• Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology – the new all-electric CLA sedan.
• Mercedes-Benz EQE – offered as a sedan and an SUV.
• Mercedes-Benz EQS – Mercedes’ electric flagship.
• Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology – the legendary G-Class, fully electric.
• Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology – a new electric GLC, EPA-listed for the 2027 model year.

See our Mercedes lease specials.

Browse our current Mercedes-Benz lease specials.

Audi

• Audi Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron – compact electric SUVs.
• Audi Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron – midsize electric SUVs, also in Sportback form.
• Audi A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron – electric sport sedans, EPA-listed for the 2027 model year.
• Audi S e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT performance – Audi’s electric grand tourers.

See our Audi lease specials.

Browse our current Audi lease specials.

Charging Your Leased EV in Los Angeles and Sacramento

The best EV lease in the world won’t feel like a good deal if charging is a hassle. Before you sign, think about:

• Home charging. If you have a driveway or garage, a Level 2 home charger is the most convenient way to start every morning with a full battery.
• Apartment or condo living. Ask your building about shared chargers, and map out the public chargers near home and work.
• Fast charging on the road. The industry is moving to the NACS (SAE J3400) charging port. Hyundai, for example, gave the 2025 IONIQ 5 a built-in NACS port, and Toyota has announced its own move to NACS, which opens up access to more fast-charging stations. Ask us which port and adapter come with the model you choose.

California’s MyFirstEV Incentive

The federal clean vehicle tax credits ended for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025, according to the IRS. But California launched a new state program in August 2026 called MyFirstEV. It provides an instant, point-of-sale incentive for Californians who are buying or leasing their first zero-emission vehicle – up to $3,500 on qualifying new ZEVs with an MSRP of up to $50,000, through participating automakers and while funding lasts.

Which brands participate is up to each automaker. In the Governor’s August 2026 announcement, Hyundai was among the first to participate, with Kia, Toyota/Lexus and Honda scheduled to follow. Program rules and eligible models can change, so we’ll confirm eligibility for your specific vehicle before you sign. On approved credit. Subject to availability.

How to Choose the Right EV Lease

• Be honest about your mileage. Choose a mileage allowance that fits your real commute – see our car lease tips.
• Look at real-world range, not just the sticker. Range drops in cold weather and at freeway speeds. Pick a model with enough cushion for your longest regular drive.
• Keep the term inside the warranty. As we explain in how car lease works, your lease term shouldn’t be longer than the basic warranty.
• Compare brands, not just models. EV lease programs change every month. Two similar SUVs from different brands can have very different lease terms.
• Check your credit first. Learn about the credit application process – and if your credit isn’t perfect, read whether you can lease with bad or no credit.
• Know your exit. Read how lease return works so turning in your EV is easy.

Lease Your Electric Car with AutoLux

At AutoLux Sales & Leasing, we’re a full-service broker. We compare lease programs across brands, find the EV you want, and make the process simple – from the first quote to delivery. Whether you’re looking for a compact electric crossover for your commute or a three-row electric SUV for the family, we’ll help you find the right fit.

Ask us about current EV lease programs from Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Volvo, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. On approved credit. Subject to availability.

Shopping from Placer County? Stop by our Roseville car leasing office on Sierra College Blvd.