If you work for a medium to large business (or even some smaller ones) chances are you’ve heard of an Electric Car Salary Sacrifice scheme. If you haven’t then check out our simple explainer guide here. They’re all the rage these days with over a third of companies now offering a scheme as an employee benefit, but why?
There are several reasons salary sacrifice is becoming, for many, the default choice for securing a car or van through your employer.
The main reason is undoubtedly the tax savings on offer. With the monthly car payments deducted from your pre-taxed salary (as opposed to regular car leasing where you pay for the car with what’s left of your pay post-tax and national insurance contributions), ‘sal saccers’ can save between 20% and 40% on the cost of leasing.
And, unlike a company car scheme which is often reserved for senior positions, salary sacrifice is open to all full-time employees. There are usually no restrictions on the car’s use outside of business purposes, either. Small wonder many people are choosing salary sacrifice EVs for personal use as well as commuting.
It’s a very hassle-free way of getting into a new car that you can rely on, too. The GRIDSERVE Salary Sacrifice Scheme includes costs such as insurance, servicing, maintenance and breakdown cover – we’ll even replace your tyres and wiper blades if they wear out – in one single monthly payment.
The biggest and most complex decision you’ll have to make is what car to choose. Salary sacrifice schemes such as GRIDSERVE’s offer the choice of basically every new electric car or van on the market. That’s a potentially daunting prospect, particularly if you’ve never ventured into fully electric motoring before. So, what cars should you be choosing?
To help guide you through the choices we’ve chosen three of our most popular salary sacrifice cars available now at different price points. We’ve also given examples of other, alternative electric cars available for similar money on the scheme. Whether you’re a more junior employee in the 20% tax bracket, or a more senior one earning above to 40% threshold, there’s something for every need and budget.
Cupra Born – the entry-level choice
We’re big fans of the Cupra Born here at GRIDSERVE because it ticks a lot of boxes for a relatively small outlay. It’s effectively a Volkswagen ID.3 – a popular electric car that’s roughly the size of a VW Golf – but with a sportier design, updated interior and tweaks to the way it drives.
Although it’s the cheapest offering in this list it’s by no means a poor relation.. With the 58kWh battery option the Born is exceedingly affordable, yet still capable of a range on a charge of up to 265 miles – double the distance the average UK motorist drives in a week. If that’s not enough for you, there’s a larger 77kWh battery pack offering a range of up to 343 miles.
It’ll go the distance when needed, then, but it also excels in town, with a tight turning circle and good visibility. Out on the open road you can enjoy its responsive steering, high grip levels and nippy performance, while the sporty suspension doesn’t give you a harsh ride.
The Born also offers plenty of space for such a compact car. Sure, it won’t hold as much stuff as the cavernous Tesla, but it’ll work for smaller families or as a second car. Whether your commute is long or short, it’s a great option.
Read our in-depth expert review of the Cupra Born here.
Other budget salary sacrifice options:
- MG 4: Almost as good all-round as the Cupra, but far cheaper
- Hyundai Kona: A practical, tech-laden SUV for a small outlay
- Smart #1: Forget Smarts of old, this grown-up family hatch is impressive
Tesla Model Y – the all-round choice
If you’re able to stretch your budget further – and have need for a do-it-all family car – then we’d point you in the direction of the Tesla Model Y. It’s a Salary Sacrifice favourite for a reason.
Effectively a chunkier SUV version of the best-selling Model 3, the Model Y has masses of space inside for passengers and luggage, plus a high driving position for great visibility. You get Tesla’s unbeatable array of technology and entertainment features on the large touchscreen, too, with over-the-air updates future-proofing your car. All this for a reasonable monthly price.
We rate the keen handling and punchy performance, with Long Range models delivering the best blend of acceleration and range – up to 331 miles on a charge and 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds. If you don’t need that much, then the Model Y standard range is still pretty brisk and delivers up to 283 miles of range.
Read our in-depth expert review of the Tesla Model Y here.
Other mid-range salary sacrifice options:
- Toyota bZ4X: Toyota’s SUV is roomy, comfy and surprisingly affordable
- BMW i4: The driver’s choice: a brilliant handling and performing EV
- Skoda Enyaq: A superb all-rounder with a long range and loads of space
BMW i5 – the premium choice
If you’re a senior employee or executive, you’ll understand that first impressions matter. While showing off too loudly isn’t the done thing, arriving for a client meeting in the right wheels can send the right message.
The BMW i5 is the perfect car for high-flyers. Its smart styling cuts a dash, while inside you’re cocooned in a luxurious and spacious environment that’s perfect for cross-country road trips or impromptu video meetings while charging. There’s also lots of safety and convenience technology to make long drives as stress-free as possible.
But the i5 isn’t just about being sensible. It’s also fun to drive, with great handling, a silky-smooth ride and effortless performance (particularly from the 593bhp M60 model).
The i5 might deliver a premium look, feel and drive, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth, with some tempting salary sacrifice deals to be found.
Read our in-depth expert review of the BMW i5 here.
Other premium salary sacrifice options:
- Mercedes-Benz EQE: The EQE excels in cool, comfort and dazzling tech
- BMW iX: A luxurious cabin, loads of space and impressive all-round drive
- Porsche Taycan: EVs don’t get much faster or more thrilling to drive
