The firm has forecast that the LEAF will retain 40% of its pre-subsidy list price at three years and 30,000 miles. CAP said that it has used this benchmark rather than the usual three years and 60,000 miles in recognition that the LEAF will be operated in a different way than standard vehicles.

The company added that it believes there will be a significant future appetite in the used market for the LEAF, despite widespread industry scepticism about future EV battery capacities and the limited driving range they offer even when new.

In a statement the company also threw its weight behind the vehicle's proposition to corporate buyers, saying that, 'With a government grant of up to £5000, designed to encourage take-up of initially expensive electric vehicles, along with zero carbon tax advantages, the Nissan Leaf will prove a financially competitive choice for forward-thinking fleets.'
 
CAP's announcement of its forecast follows disagreements within the industry over suitable financing methods for electric vehicles and debate over whether the battery should be leased separately or owned as part of the vehicle.

CAP says it's maintained its position of only forecasting future residual values where the battery is legally under the same title as the vehicle due to the complexities of alternative leasing models and its view that the contract hire sector is currently unable to accommodate such alternatives.
 
Mark Norman of CAP said: 'Although the future residual value of an electric vehicle is only a small part of the story, this forecast remains a significant moment in the industry. The figure of 40% reflects our belief that the current widespread skepticism in some areas fails to recognise that there will be a market for the Leaf and similar vehicles among consumers, especially those who wish to wear their green credentials openly.'