A driver in Birmingham is paying £450 a month for a Peugeot electric vehicle that cannot be driven due to a charging fault. The vehicle stopped working within a fortnight of delivery, yet the lease company refuses to rescind the contract, claiming the car is still driveable.
Vehicle breakdown and repair delays
The driver, who wrote to a national newspaper, explained: "My brand new Peugeot EV stopped working within a fortnight of delivery. The dealer postponed the repair appointment by a month because it was too busy." Peugeot Assist, operated by the RAC, eventually collected the car for warranty repair two weeks ago, but it never reached the dealer. The RAC claims the dealer refused to accept it due to being "too busy."
The driver has called Peugeot and the RAC 36 times and sent multiple emails, but no one has been able to locate the car or respond. "I am paying £450 a month for a vehicle I have been unable to use for more than two months," they said.
Consumer rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
Since October 2015, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 has governed consumer retail sales in the UK, replacing the Sale of Goods Act. The Act covers new and used cars bought from a trader (franchised dealer or independent garage) for private use. It does not cover vehicles bought via private sale, at auction, or for business use.
The Act provides clearer guidance on customer rights, including the right to reject a faulty car that is not fit for purpose. However, not every fault entitles a buyer to a full refund, especially for used cars with pre-existing wear and tear.
Impact on the driver
The driver remains without their vehicle or a resolution, despite repeated attempts to contact the companies involved. The situation highlights potential gaps in consumer protection for EV owners facing persistent faults and poor customer service.
