10 great cars to have on salary sacrifice

Salary sacrifice is the ideal opportunity to drive a brand-new electric car for less than leasing one personally.

It’s a way to meet the cost of living crisis head-on by reducing your motoring costs. Your monthly payments are low thanks to the tax efficiencies offered by salary sacrifice, there’s no large up-front payment, and all your motoring costs – bar the electricity – are covered including car insurance, servicing, MOTs and tyre replacements.

Importantly,  salary sacrifice offers a cost-effective way to drive a zero-emission vehicle that will help reduce urban pollution and support a greener environment.

So, if your employer is offering a salary sacrifice scheme that allows you to lease an electric car, what sort of car should you be looking at? Here’s 10 electric cars for you to consider; from urban runarounds to executive cruisers.

Audi Q4 e-tron 150kW 40 82.77kWh Sport 5dr Auto

Range 306 miles
Salary sacrifice net £549
Equivalent PCH monthly cost £964
Cost saving £415

Here’s your chance to benefit from some premium up-market quality at a cost that’s not usually attainable with a personal lease. The Audi Q4 e-tron has the size of a compact BEV, but the finish, luxury and driving dynamics of an EV crossover from the next class up. Audi’s also been making a big deal about the TARDIS-like interior storage space which belies its compact-to-mid size, so it’s super-practical to boot. It’s clever when it comes to technology too, with a companion app which enables remote adjustment of the cabin temperature and seat heating functions to ensure the cabin is nicely warmed up on chilly mornings. And with salary sacrifice, you get to enjoy this premium all-electric driving experience at a great saving.

BMW i4 250kW eDrive40 Sport 83.9kWh

Range 347 miles
Salary sacrifice net £603
Equivalent PCH monthly cost £1,056
Cost saving £453

If you’re looking for a stylish electric executive then the BMW i4 is for you. Equipped with a 250kW motor, the BMW can sprint from 0-62 mph in just 4.4 seconds. That’s the kind of eye-watering performance you’d expect from BMW’s M-class performance models, yet here it is in an EV. Blistering performance doesn’t come at the cost of range, however, with the i4 capable of covering 340 miles on a single charge.  With its sporty design and impressive performance, the BMW i4 is a great choice for both everyday driving and weekend adventures. And look at that £450+ saving under salary sacrifice. Now that’s really impressive.

Kia EV6 166kW Air 77.4kWh

Range 328 miles
Salary sacrifice net £466
Equivalent PCH monthly cost £812
Cost saving £346

With its impressive range and quick charging capabilities, the EV6 offers convenience and a reassuring driving experience. On long journeys, its impressive range means you won’t need a stop to recharge before reaching your destination. In terms of quality, style and technology, it can equal anything on offer from the German premium brands, but at a more affordable price point. The EV6 was voted What Car? Car of the Year in 2022. That’s a significant stamp of approval and something to bear in mind if you’ve been hesitating about going electric. With salary sacrifice, you could be driving the EV6 for just £466 a month – a saving over £340 on a typical personal lease rental.

Mercedes EQA 250+ 140kW AMG Line 70.5kWh 5dr Auto

Range 304 miles
Salary sacrifice net £560
Equivalent PCH monthly cost £980
Cost saving £421

The EQA is classic Mercedes in all-electric form. Cabin elegance, sophistication and quality is present at levels most of the competition struggle to match. The EQA really feels like the electric cousin of the popular GLA model with both sharing much of the same DNA. But that’s no bad thing. However, inside there’s no mistaking this is an EV: the EQA-themed instrument and infotainment panels are impossible to miss, with two huge twin screens that dominate the front of the cabin. It’s not all subtle refinement though. Stamp on the accelerator, and like all EVs, the EQA launches itself off the line like a rocket. It’s an alluring mix of refinement and excitement, and with salary sacrifice, it can be had at a considerable saving.

MG Motor MG4 125kW SE EV 51kWh 5dr Auto

Range: 218 miles
Salary sacrifice net: £307
Equivalent PCH monthly cost: £538
Cost saving: £231

MG continues to redefine its brand with the sleek MG4. The company is no stranger to super-popular EVs, having sold bucketloads of its all-electric ZS SUV. MG refers to the MG4 compact electric hatchback as a ‘disruptor’ as it offers much more for less than equivalent EVs from the likes Skoda and Land Rover, all of whom are currently being outsold by the resurgent MG.  All the engineering stuff stacks up; it looks good and the driving range and charging figures are not to be sniffed at. It’s better equipped than some of its rivals too. It’s a lot of EV for the money and with salary sacrifice, that bargain is even better.

MINI Hatchback 135kW Cooper S Level 3 33kWh

Range 144 miles
Salary sacrifice net £295
Equivalent PCH monthly cost £514
Cost saving £219

The MINI Cooper S  might be electric but it offers the same sporty performance offered by the full-fat version – plus some. There’s 0-62 mph acceleration in just 7.3 seconds coupled with an exhilarating driving experience with go-kart handling and steering response courtesy of the ‘Cooper S’ spec. The MINI is better suited to urban and shorter journeys since its range is under 150 miles. Having said that, it’s lightning quick to charge using a rapid charger, so a quick pit stop and you’ll be whizzing around the streets in no time. If you’re looking for an urban runaround that’s fun, techy and enthusiastic, the all-electric MINI Cooper S is ready to whisk you away.

Tesla Model Y RWD 5dr Auto

Range 283 miles
Salary sacrifice net £475
Equivalent PCH monthly cost £830
Cost saving £355

When it comes to electric cars, no manufacturer has done more to popularise the technology than Tesla. The Model 3 has frequently appeared in the UK’s most popular car lists and is a fantastic option for cutting-edge, long-distance zero-emission driving. But what if you’re looking for a little more practicality? Enter the Model Y. A higher roof offers significantly improved headroom, comfortably seating up to 5 adults whilst storage is boosted with a boot that offers nearly twice the capacity of the Model 3. Despite all this extra practicality, the car has the same footprint as the Model 3 so you get a bigger car that won’t hog your driveway. If you’re looking for an efficient, clever and practical SUV then salary sacrifice helps makes the Model Y even more appealing.

Vauxhall Mokka 100kW GS 50kWh 5dr Auto

Range: 197 miles
Salary sacrifice net: £384
Equivalent PCH monthly cost: £672
Cost saving: £288

The electric Mokka is a sharp-looking crossover SUV with a sharply styled exterior courtesy of Vauxhall’s signature ‘Visor’ front end. The Mokka offers a great ride and an impressive level of specification for the price. The 50 kWh battery provides over 200 miles on a single charge, so it’ll cover most weekly commutes with ease. There’s also an array of advanced technology such as the digital ‘Pure Panel’ – two adjacent panels that contain both the digital instrument display and the central touchscreen combined into one big panoramic display.  It’s the sort of car that you might well be tempted to buy on a personal lease – but with salary sacrifice, you can save over £280 a month. And who wouldn’t want that?

Volkswagen ID.4 125kW Life Ed Pure Perf 52kWh 5dr Auto [110kW Ch]

Range: 215 miles
Salary sacrifice net: £354
Equivalent PCH monthly cost: £612
Cost saving: £258

The ID.4 is the bigger brother to the ID.3 and like the smaller sibling it’s been built from the group-up as an EV. As such, it strikes a great balance between compact convenience and SUV practicality. The ID.4 is comparable to the likes of the Skoda Enyaq IV but carries the look and feel of a premium brand, but thanks to salary sacrifice, that premium feel doesn’t come with a premium price. If you’re looking for an EV that offers a little more ‘feel good’ factor than the competition, then the ID.4  is just the ticket!

Volvo XC40 300kW Recharge Twin Core 82kWh 5dr AWD Auto

Range: 257 miles
Salary sacrifice net: £504
Equivalent PCH monthly cost: £873
Cost saving: £370

The XC40 is everything you’d expect from an electrified Volvo. It’s safe, loaded with smart storage and possesses cool Scandinavian aesthetics that set it apart in the car park. Pop the bonnet and instead of a fuel-guzzling engine, you get the practicalities of a handy 31-litre ‘frunk’ that offers additional storage space. Inside, there’s a harmonious blend of contemporary design and sustainability. Recycled materials are used to upholster the seats which also offer a high seating position for a reassuring blend of comfort and visibility. If you’re looking for the excitement of electric driving coupled with class-leading safety and refinement the XC40 is for you. Throw in the savings offered by salary sacrifice and you have quite the package!

Ready to take advantage of your electric car scheme?

* Prices featured are for guidance only and are subject to change. The net figure is the amount that would be deducted from your salary after all taxes. All prices – for both salary sacrifice and personal lease – include full maintenance over the term of the lease rental and £600 annual insurance premium. All salary sacrifice calculations are based on a 40 year old higher rate taxpayer living in Chelmsford driving 5,000 miles per annum on a 48 month contract. Salary Sacrifice prices quoted are the lease cost for this car after a 40% tax saving and the Benefit in Kind tax payable. Prices quoted are correct as of 08/03/2023.  Excess mileage charges will apply if mileage is exceeded. Customers are expected to comply with the BVRLA’s Fair Wear & Tear Guide, or additional fees may also be applied. Fleet Alliance Ltd is an independent credit broker, not a lender. We will receive commission for introducing your employer to a lender. Please see our Terms of Business for full details. Featured images are for illustrative purposes only.