The Newest Electric Cars You Can Order Right Now
The newest electric cars you can order in the UK right now are the Toyota Urban Cruiser, Kia PV5 Passenger, Nissan LEAF, and Volvo ES90. They all have two things in common: they’ve all launched this year in the UK and are now available through electric car salary sacrifice from ~£327 a month after tax and National Insurance savings. The NIO Firefly, BYD Denza, and the renamed Jaguar Type 01 are confirmed for later this year.
In this guide, we’ll cover pricing, range, and salary sacrifice costs for each model, updated monthly as cars move from "confirmed" to "available to order." If you're comparing against what's already on the market, our guide to the newest electric cars on UK roads today covers established models in more depth.
Why Is 2026 Such a Big Year for New Electric Cars in the UK?
2026 has brought (what feels like) a wave of new launches. This has been driven by regulation, competition (hello Chinese EVs), and advancements in battery technology. Several models billed as "coming soon" earlier this year are now on UK driveways.
The government's zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate is the main catalyst. It requires manufacturers to sell a rising share of zero-emission cars each year, climbing to 80% of new cars by 2030. That pressure has pushed manufacturers to bring launches forward rather than stagger them over several years.
That regulatory pressure has been met with competition:
Toyota, Nissan, and Volvo have all launched entirely new EV platforms in 2026, rather than adapting older combustion-based designs
Chinese and Chinese-backed brands such as NIO and BYD's Denza are entering the UK with right-hand-drive production underway, widening choice at every price point.
Battery and charging technology have matured to the point where 800-volt architectures, once reserved for flagship models, now appear in family-sized SUVs and saloons
For UK drivers, this means more genuine choice at every budget than at any point since EVs went mainstream. Combined with salary sacrifice schemes that cut costs by 20-50%, even premium 2026 launches are within reach for many more employees.
Which New Electric Cars Are Available to Order Today?
Four models originally billed as "coming in 2026" have now launched and are available today, alongside the already-established Mercedes CLA Electric. Each can be configured, quoted, and ordered through The Electric Car Scheme now.
| Model | Price from | Range (WLTP) | Salary sacrifice (40% taxpayer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Urban Cruiser | £30,850 | 264 miles | £327/month net |
| Kia PV5 Passenger | £33,195 | 243 miles | £414/month net |
| Nissan LEAF | £32,249 | 386 miles | £376/month net |
| Volvo ES90 | £69,650 | 435 miles | £905/month net |
Toyota Urban Cruiser
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is Toyota's most affordable electric model, developed alongside Suzuki's eVitara and positioned to bring Toyota's reliability reputation to budget-conscious buyers.
Key specifications:
Range: up to 264 miles (WLTP), depending on battery
Price: from £30,850
Charging: 67kW DC, 10-80% in around 45 minutes
Battery options: 49kWh or 61kWh
Through salary sacrifice, the Urban Cruiser costs £449 a month before tax relief, dropping to £327 a month net for a 40% taxpayer once income tax and National Insurance savings apply, including insurance, maintenance, and breakdown cover.
Kia PV5 Passenger
The Kia PV5 Passenger transforms Kia's commercial PBV platform into a practical passenger MPV, filling a gap in the market for spacious, affordable family transport. A seven-seat variant joined the range in June 2026, adding genuine three-row capability alongside the original five-seat model.
Key specifications:
Range: up to 243 miles (WLTP), Long Range battery
Price: from £33,195 (five-seat), from £36,995 (seven-seat)
Charging: 150kW DC, 10-80% in under 30 minutes
Seating: five or seven seats, flat-floor E-GMP.S platform
Through salary sacrifice, the five-seat PV5 Passenger costs £601 a month before tax relief, dropping to £414 a month net for a 40% taxpayer once income tax and National Insurance savings apply.
Nissan LEAF
The third-generation Nissan LEAF abandons the hatchback format of its predecessors for a crossover SUV design and was named Auto Express's 2026 Car of the Year. It's built at Nissan's Sunderland plant, supporting UK manufacturing jobs while qualifying for full salary sacrifice benefits.
Key specifications:
Range: up to 386 miles (WLTP), 75kWh battery
Price: from £32,249 (after the government's Electric Car Grant)
Charging: 150kW DC, over 200 miles added in around 30 minutes
Design: crossover SUV, drag coefficient of 0.25
Before salary sacrifice, the LEAF would cost £526 a month. However, if you do choose to get your EV through a salary sacrifice scheme, the overall cost would drop to £376 a month net for a 40% taxpayer after income tax and National Insurance savings.
Volvo ES90
The Volvo ES90 is Volvo's flagship electric saloon, positioned to compete with the BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE. It's the first Volvo built on an 800-volt platform, and early reviews from the UK motoring press have been positive on comfort and charging speed.
Key specifications:
Range: up to 435 miles (WLTP), Twin Motor
Price: from £69,650
Charging: up to 350kW DC, 10-80% in around 20 minutes
Platform: SPA2, Volvo's first 800V architecture
Through salary sacrifice, the ES90 costs £1,330 a month before tax relief, dropping to £905 a month net for a 40% taxpayer, a significant reduction against a list price nearing £70,000.
Mercedes CLA Electric
The Mercedes CLA Electric is the range leader among 2026's new arrivals, with a claimed 492-mile WLTP figure from exceptional aerodynamic efficiency and Mercedes' latest 800-volt battery technology, effectively removing range anxiety for regular long-distance drivers. Salary sacrifice pricing varies by specification.
Which New Electric Cars Are Still Coming to the UK in 2026?
Budget-Friendly EVs (Under £30,000)
NIO Firefly
NIO's Firefly represents the Chinese manufacturer's first foray into the affordable EV segment in the UK. This compact city car is designed to compete directly with the Mini Electric and Fiat 500e, offering a stylish design with advanced technology at an accessible price point.
Key specifications:
Range: Approximately 200 miles (WLTP)
Price: Expected around £25,000-£28,000
Charging: 10-80% in under 30 minutes on rapid chargers
Power: Around 130 hp
The Firefly demonstrates NIO's battery-swap technology in a smaller package, though the swap stations are still being rolled out across the UK. Through electric car salary sacrifice, the Firefly could cost as little as £180-£220 per month after tax savings, making it one of the most affordable new EVs to salary sacrifice in 2026.
Citroën 2CV Electric
The Citroën 2CV Electric brings back one of motoring's most iconic nameplates in fully electric form. This isn't a direct revival of the original, but rather a modern interpretation that captures the 2CV's spirit of simple, affordable, and cheerful motoring.
Key specifications:
Range: Estimated 180-200 miles
Price: Expected £22,000-£26,000
Design: Retro-modern styling with practical interior
Target market: Urban drivers seeking character and value
The 2CV Electric is built on Stellantis's e-CMP platform, the same architecture that underpins vehicles like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric. This proven platform ensures reliability whilst keeping costs down. For drivers seeking an affordable electric car with personality, the 2CV Electric represents an exciting option, particularly through salary sacrifice schemes where monthly costs could dip below £200.
Mid-Range EVs
Tesla Model Q (Redwood)
Tesla's Model Q—codenamed "Redwood" during development—represents the company's push into the affordable compact car segment. Priced to compete with vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.3, the Model Q aims to bring Tesla's technology and performance to a broader audience.
Key specifications:
Range: Estimated 280-300 miles
Price: Target price around £28,000-£32,000
Size: Smaller than Model 3, Golf-sized
Technology: Full Tesla Autopilot capability
The Model Q is crucial to Tesla's growth strategy and to achieving the government's ZEV mandate targets. By offering a truly affordable Tesla, the company can maintain its market-leading position in the UK whilst appealing to buyers who found the Model 3 too expensive or too large. Through a Tesla salary sacrifice schemes, the Model Q could cost approximately £220-£280 per month, positioning it competitively against conventional premium compact cars.
Tesla E41 Model Y Variant
The Tesla E41 is expected to be a more affordable variant of the popular Model Y, potentially featuring a smaller battery pack or simplified specification to hit a lower price point. This strategy mirrors Tesla's successful approach with the Model 3 Standard Range.
Key specifications:
Range: Estimated 250-280 miles
Price: Expected £38,000-£42,000
Configuration: Five-seat SUV
Efficiency: Optimised for range and cost rather than performance
For buyers who want Model Y practicality without the flagship's premium price, the E41 offers an appealing compromise. It maintains Tesla's renowned charging infrastructure access and over-the-air updates whilst reducing the initial outlay. Salary sacrifice makes the E41 particularly attractive, with potential monthly costs of £300-£380 depending on specification and individual tax circumstances.
Premium & Luxury EVs (£50,000+)
Polestar 7
The Polestar 7 is Polestar's compact SUV, slotting below the Polestar 3 to compete with vehicles like the BMW iX1 and Mercedes EQA. This Swedish-Chinese brand continues to build its reputation for minimalist design and strong performance.
Key specifications:
Range: Estimated 320-360 miles
Price: Expected £52,000-£62,000
Size: Compact luxury SUV
Performance: Likely single and dual-motor variants
Polestar has built a strong reputation in the UK for delivering premium electric vehicles that combine Scandinavian design with Chinese manufacturing efficiency. The Polestar 7 brings this formula to a more accessible price point and size. Through Polestar salary sacrifice schemes, monthly costs could range from £420,000-£550,000, positioning it competitively against German premium rivals whilst offering distinctive styling and the Polestar brand's growing cachet.
BYD Denza Models
BYD's Denza sub-brand is arriving in the UK in 2026, bringing premium electric vehicles at competitive prices. As BYD's upmarket division, Denza targets buyers seeking luxury features without the traditional premium brand markup.
Key specifications (varies by model):
Range: 300-400+ miles depending on model
Price: Expected £45,000-£65,000
Technology: Advanced driver assistance and luxury features
Value proposition: Premium features at mid-market prices
Denza's arrival represents the continuing evolution of Chinese EV manufacturers, moving beyond budget offerings to directly challenge established European and Japanese luxury brands. With BYD's reputation for battery technology and competitive pricing, Denza could disrupt the premium EV market. Salary sacrifice makes these vehicles even more compelling, potentially offering luxury features for mid-range monthly costs.
Which New 2026 EV Should You Choose?
The right model depends on what matters most to you: budget, range, family practicality, or business image. The table below gives a quick overview, with the reasoning behind each pick underneath.
| Priority | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best for families | Kia PV5 Passenger | Seven-seat option, flat-floor loading, from £414/month net |
| Longest range | Mercedes CLA Electric | 492-mile claimed WLTP range |
| Most affordable | Toyota Urban Cruiser | From £30,850, £327/month net |
| Best for business | Volvo ES90 | 800V rapid charging, professional image, from £905/month net |
What's the Best New Electric Car for Families in 2026?
For families, the Kia PV5 stands out with its seven-seat capability, practical interior design, and competitive pricing. However, the new Nissan LEAF crossover also deserves serious consideration, particularly for families who prioritise reliability and UK manufacturing.
Both vehicles offer sufficient range for family trips, rapid charging for holiday journeys, and the space needed for car seats, pushchairs, and all the paraphernalia that comes with children. Through salary sacrifice schemes, either option becomes significantly more affordable than purchasing a comparable diesel SUV outright.
Consider your specific needs: Do you genuinely need seven seats, or would a five-seater with a large boot suffice? The PV5's boxy design maximises interior space, whilst the LEAF crossover's more conventional styling might appeal to those who prefer subtlety. Both qualify for the 4% Benefit-in-Kind rate, ensuring maximum tax efficiency through salary sacrifice.
Which 2026 EV Offers the Longest Range?
The Mercedes CLA Electric is the undisputed range champion amongst 2026's new arrivals, with its claimed 492-mile WLTP range setting a new benchmark for electric car range in the UK market. This extraordinary figure is achieved through exceptional aerodynamic efficiency and Mercedes' latest battery technology.
For drivers who frequently cover long distances or who suffer from range anxiety, the CLA Electric eliminates virtually all concerns about running out of charge. Its range exceeds that of many conventional petrol cars, effectively making charging stops less frequent than refuelling would be in a comparable combustion engine vehicle.
However, it's worth noting that for most UK drivers who travel an average of 20 miles per day, any of the 2026 models with 250+ miles of range will be more than sufficient for daily needs. The key consideration is whether you have home charging capability, which makes even shorter-range EVs highly practical.
What's the Most Affordable New Electric Car in 2026?
The Citroën 2CV Electric, with its expected £22,000-£26,000 starting price, appears to be the most affordable new electric car launching in 2026. Through salary sacrifice, this could translate to monthly costs below £180 for basic rate taxpayers.
However, "affordable" means different things to different buyers. The NIO Firefly and Tesla Model Q may have slightly higher list prices but could offer better value depending on your priorities. The Firefly provides more technology and a modern design, whilst the Model Q brings Tesla's charging network access and brand cachet.
Use The Electric Car Scheme's savings calculator to compare the actual monthly costs after tax savings for your specific salary and circumstances. Often, a slightly more expensive vehicle becomes more affordable through salary sacrifice than a cheaper car purchased or financed conventionally.
Which New 2026 Electric Cars Are Best for Business Users?
Business users should consider the Volvo ES90 and Mercedes CLA Electric for their combination of prestige, range, and practicality. Both vehicles offer the professional image required for client-facing roles whilst delivering exceptional efficiency and low running costs.
The 4% Benefit-in-Kind rate makes these premium vehicles surprisingly affordable through salary sacrifice. A £70,000 Mercedes CLA Electric, for example, costs dramatically less per month through salary sacrifice than a £40,000 diesel executive saloon would through conventional company car arrangements.
For business users who cover extremely high mileages, the CLA Electric's 492-mile range means fewer charging stops and greater productivity. Meanwhile, the Volvo ES90's focus on safety and comfort makes it ideal for those who spend significant time on the road.
How Do You Save 20-50% on a New Electric Car Through Salary Sacrifice?
Salary sacrifice reduces the cost of a new electric car by paying for it from your gross salary, before income tax and National Insurance are deducted. Employees typically save 20-50% compared with a personal lease, depending on your tax bracket and the car you choose.
Here's how that works using the Toyota Urban Cruiser as a real example. At a gross monthly sacrifice of £449, a 40% taxpayer sees:
Income tax saving: £180 a month
National Insurance savings: £9 a month
Benefit-in-Kind tax added back: £66 a month, at the 4% rate for 2026/27
Net cost: £327 a month
That £327 figure already includes insurance, maintenance, breakdown cover, and road tax, not added on top. The complete package through The Electric Car Scheme typically includes:
The vehicle itself
Insurance
Maintenance and servicing
Breakdown cover
Road tax
Optional home charger installation
Drivers can also access The Charge Scheme to salary sacrifice EV charging costs, saving a further 20-50% on the electricity to power your car. Your own savings depend on your salary, tax band, and specification, so treat the figures above as a guide rather than a quote. HMRC's guidance on company car and Benefit-in-Kind tax sets out the underlying calculation.
Employers pay no net cost to run a salary sacrifice scheme, and save 15% employer National Insurance on the value sacrificed by each employee. Every scheme through The Electric Car Scheme is covered by Complete Employer Protection from day one, protecting the business against risks like an employee leaving or being unable to work, without needing separate insurance.
What Should You Look for in a New Electric Car in 2026?
The newest 2026 models share a handful of features worth checking before you commit, regardless of which one you're considering. Here's what makes a real difference to day-to-day ownership.
Range and Efficiency
Look for a realistic WLTP range of at least 250 miles, but check the efficiency figure too, usually measured in miles per kWh. A more efficient car costs less to run and charges faster, since less energy needs to be transferred for the same range. The most efficient electric cars on sale typically manage more than 4 miles per kWh.
Charging Speed
Several of 2026's new arrivals, including the Volvo ES90, use 800-volt architecture for dramatically faster charging. Look for a 10-80% charge time under 30 minutes on a rapid charger, and check the charging infrastructure on your regular routes.
Our guide to EV charging covers what to check before you commit.
Smart Technology and Connectivity
Modern EVs should offer over-the-air updates, a smartphone app for remote climate control and charging scheduling, and integration with home energy systems where relevant. These go beyond convenience: scheduling charging around the cheapest electricity rates can meaningfully cut your running costs over a year.
Safety Features
The newest 2026 models include advanced driver assistance as standard or as an available option. Check specifically for automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, since these can also reduce insurance premiums.
Interior Space and Practicality
Electric vehicles often offer more usable interior space than an equivalent combustion car, since there's no transmission tunnel or large engine bay. Check boot space against your needs, and look for practical touches like underfloor storage where the engine would traditionally sit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cheapest New Electric Car You Can Order in the UK Right Now?
The Toyota Urban Cruiser, from £30,850, is currently the most affordable of the newly launched 2026 models that are orderable in the UK. Through salary sacrifice, that works out to around £327 a month net for a 40% taxpayer, including insurance, maintenance, and breakdown cover.
Which New Electric Car Has the Longest Range in 2026?
The Mercedes CLA Electric leads the field with a claimed 492-mile WLTP range, achieved through aerodynamic efficiency and 800-volt battery technology. The Volvo ES90 follows closely at up to 435 miles. Both comfortably exceed what most UK drivers need for daily use.
Can I Get These New Electric Cars Through Salary Sacrifice?
Yes. The Toyota Urban Cruiser, Kia PV5 Passenger, Nissan LEAF, Volvo ES90, and Mercedes CLA Electric are all available through salary sacrifice schemes today. Models still awaiting UK launch, such as the NIO Firefly and BYD Denza, will typically become available through salary sacrifice within weeks of their official on-sale date.
How Much Can I Save on a New 2026 Electric Car Through The Electric Car Scheme?
Employees typically save 20-50% compared with a personal lease, depending on tax bracket and the car chosen. For example, a Toyota Urban Cruiser costs £449 a month before tax relief, dropping to £327 a month net for a 40% taxpayer once income tax and National Insurance savings are applied. Use our savings calculator to see your own figure.
Is the NIO Firefly Available to Order in the UK Yet?
Not yet. Right-hand-drive production has started, and Firefly has confirmed UK plans, but no UK on-sale date or price has been published as of this update. We'll move it into the "available now" section as soon as order books open.
When Will the Jaguar Type 01, BYD Denza, and NIO Firefly Arrive in the UK?
Jaguar's Type 01 (formerly previewed as the Type 00 concept) is expected to open order books in the second half of 2026, with deliveries around 12 months later. BYD's Denza sub-brand is confirmed for UK launch during 2026, though an exact date hasn't been set. NIO Firefly has confirmed UK plans but hasn't announced a launch date.
Go Electric with a New EV Through The Electric Car Scheme
2026 has delivered more new-EV choices than any year so far, and most of the headline launches are already sitting in UK showrooms rather than existing only as press releases. Whether you want the affordability of the Toyota Urban Cruiser, the family practicality of the Kia PV5 Passenger, or the range-topping Mercedes CLA Electric, there's a newly launched model to suit most budgets.
The 4% Benefit-in-Kind rate for 2026/27, combined with salary sacrifice savings of 20-50%, makes now a strong time to switch. Don't let a list price put you off: through The Electric Car Scheme, even the Volvo ES90's near-£70,000 price tag becomes a manageable monthly cost once tax and National Insurance savings apply.
If you're weighing up which provider to use, our comparison of the best UK salary sacrifice providers covers how The Electric Car Scheme stacks up on protection, used EVs and charging.
Calculate Your Savings: Use our savings calculator to see exactly what any of these 2026 models would cost you, based on your own salary and tax band.
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Last updated: 10/07/2026
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme's terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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