Best Electric Cars Through Salary Sacrifice 2026: Top 12 Picks
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Considering going electric in 2026, but unsure where to begin? Salary sacrifice remains one of the most effective ways to drive a brand-new electric car, enabling you to save 20–50% on monthly costs through income tax and National Insurance savings. With low Benefit-in-Kind rates still in place and more choice than ever before, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best electric cars available through salary sacrifice in 2026, from budget-friendly options to premium models that feel surprisingly affordable. Whether you’re commuting daily, transporting your family from A to B, or looking for a more cost-effective way to drive electric, this list will help you find the right EV for your needs (and your budget).
What Makes An EV Great For Salary Sacrifice?
The best salary sacrifice EVs aren’t just affordable, they’re easy to live with. In 2026, the strongest options combine:
Excellent value after income tax and National Insurance savings
Reliable real-world range, including colder months
Rapid charging capability, ideally 150kW+
Practical interiors, with 450L+ boots for families
Future-proof technology, including over-the-air updates
Strong reliability and warranties, with 7–8 years now common
Electric vehicles are taxed at 4% BiK during the 2026/27 tax year, which is still significantly lower than petrol or diesel company cars.
Quick Comparison: Top Salary Sacrifice EVs 2026
This table gives you a quick overview before diving into the details below!
| Car | Best For | Max Range | Typical Net Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG4 | Best Value | 323 miles | ~£338 |
| Kia EV6 | Families | 328 miles | ~£444 |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range | Tech & Efficiency | 374 miles | ~£450 |
| BMW i4 | Driving Enjoyment | 365 miles | ~£375 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | Space & Comfort | 298 miles | ~£710 |
| VW ID.4 | Practical SUV | 329 miles | ~£434 |
| Mercedes EQS | Executive Comfort | 360+ miles | ~£961 |
Budget Champions (>£300)
MG4: Best Overall Value in 2026
The MG4 has firmly established itself as the benchmark for affordable electric driving. Unlike other “budget” EVs, it feels modern, quick, and well-equipped, with strong safety technology and a composed driving experience.
Multiple battery options mean you can prioritise either outright value or longer range, while rapid charging and good motorway efficiency make it suitable as a main household car rather than just a city runaround.
The Details:
Range: 218–323 miles
Charging: Up to 135kW (10–80% in ~35 minutes)
Who Should Buy: First-time EV drivers, commuters, value-focused households
How Much Does The MG4 Cost To Salary Sacrifice?
| Savings breakdown | MG4 150kW Trophy EV Long Range 64kWh |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £484 |
| Employee income savings | -£194 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£10 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £57 |
| Net cost/You pay | £338 |
The table above shows how much employees can save with salary sacrifice schemes, like The Electric Car Scheme. The costs in this table and all following tables in this blog are based on a 40% taxpayer who wants to travel 10,000 miles per annum and lease the car for three years.
Dacia Spring: The Cheapest Way To Go Electric
The Dacia Spring is all about affordability. Through salary sacrifice, it becomes one of the lowest-cost ways to drive electric in the UK. It’s compact, simple, and best suited to short, urban journeys.
While it lacks premium features, it excels at keeping costs down and removing the barrier to EV ownership altogether.
The Details:
Range: ~140 miles
Charging: 20-80% in 29 minutes at a DC rapid charger
Who Should Buy: City drivers, second-car households
Salary Sacrifice The Dacia Spring
If you decided to lease the Dacia Spring through an EV salary sacrifice scheme, you could save £98 every month!
| Savings breakdown | Dacia Spring Hatchback 24kWh Expression 70 52kW |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £299 |
| Employee income savings | -£120 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£6 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £28 |
| Net cost/You pay | £201 |
Used Nissan Leaf: Proven And Familiar
As a used salary sacrifice option, the Nissan Leaf offers dependable EV ownership at a very approachable monthly cost. It’s comfortable, easy to drive, and backed by years of real-world reliability data!
The Details
Range: Up to 239 miles
Interior space: Large boot space (420L) and comfortable five-seat accommodation
Who Should Buy: Drivers wanting a safe, established EV
How Much Does A Used Nissan Leaf Cost?
At The Electric Car Scheme, our selection of used electric cars offers the most affordable way to drive electric, and we can have one delivered to your home in just 14 days!
| Savings breakdown | Nissan Leaf 110kW Acenta 40kWh |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £258 |
| Employee income savings | -£103 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£5 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £50 |
| Net cost/You pay | £199 |
You can calculate your salary sacrifice savings by using The Electric Car Scheme’s quote tool. All you have to do is input your salary, lease terms, and payment profile, and it’ll give you a personalised, monthly breakdown per car.
Family Favourites (£300-£500 Range)
Kia EV6: One Of The Best All-Round Family EVs
The Kia EV6 blends striking design with practicality. Ultra-fast charging dramatically cuts long-journey stop times, while a spacious cabin and Kia’s 7-year warranty provide reassurance for family use.
The Details
Range: Up to 328 miles
Charging: 10–80% in ~18 minutes
Technology: Dual 12.3-inch curved displays, augmented reality head-up display, premium Meridian audio
Salary Sacrifice The Kia EV6
Through The Electric Car Scheme, you could save hundreds every month on the cost of leasing your EV. In this example, the 40% taxpayer saves £272 on income tax and national insurance contributions. You do have to pay a small amount of BiK tax (currently set at 3%, rising to 4% in April).
| Savings breakdown | Kia EV6 125kW Air SR 63kWh |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £647 |
| Employee income savings | -£259 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£13 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £69 |
| Net cost/You pay | £444 |
Volkswagen ID.4: Effortless And Practical
The ID.4 feels familiar and easy from the first drive. It’s practical, calm, and predictable, making it an ideal transition from petrol or diesel!
The Details:
Ergonomic interior design with sustainable materials and ambient lighting
Range: Up to 329 miles
543-1,575 litre boot space and 125kW fast charging
How Much Does It Cost To Lease The Volkswagen ID.4?
| Savings breakdown | Volkswagen ID.4 125kW Match Pure 52kWh |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £629 |
| Employee income savings | -£251 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£13 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £69 |
| Net cost/You pay | £434 |
Tesla Model Y: Space Paired With Performance
The Tesla Model Y combines generous interior space with strong acceleration and Tesla’s software ecosystem. It’s particularly appealing to families who want practicality with a lot of impressive tech built in.
The Details
Range: Up to 331 miles
Performance: 510+ horsepower with 3.3-second 0-60mph
854-2,138 litres of storage with power-folding rear seats
Salary Sacrifice Savings Breakdown: Tesla Model Y
If you were to lease the Tesla Model Y RWD variant, as a 40% taxpayer, you could save £295 in employee income tax and £15 in national insurance savings. This would bring your monthly lease cost from £737 to £501 (including your BiK tax payment).
| Savings breakdown | Tesla Model Y Standard RWD |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £737 |
| Employee income savings | -£295 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£15 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £73 |
| Net cost/You pay | £501 |
Tesla Model 3
With class-leading efficiency, regular over-the-air updates, and access to the Supercharger network, the Model 3 remains a benchmark EV.
The Details
Range: Up to 374 miles
Performance: 305 miles of range with 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds
Re-designed interior with 8-inch rear touchscreen and acoustic glass
Salary Sacrifice The Tesla Model 3
| Savings breakdown | Tesla Model 3 Saloon Standard RWD |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £531 |
| Employee income savings | -£213 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£11 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £66 |
| Net cost/You pay | £375 |
Premium Picks (£500-700 Range)
Hyundai Ioniq 5: Comfort-First Choice
Designed around comfort and space, the IONIQ 5 offers a flat floor, a wide cabin, and a relaxed driving experience. It’s ideal for families who prioritise interior room and smooth journeys.
The Details
Range: Up to 298 miles
800V architecture supporting up to 350kW DC charging (10-80% in ~18 minutes)
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability and modular rear layout
Lease The Hyundai Ioniq 5 From The Electric Car Scheme
| Savings breakdown | Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 478kW 84 kWh |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £1,000 |
| Employee income savings | -£362 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£31 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £104 |
| Net cost/You pay | £710 |
BMW i4: Driver-Focused Electric Saloon
The BMW i4 delivers engaging handling, excellent motorway refinement, and a premium interior. It’s particularly well-suited to high-mileage company drivers.
The Details
Range: Up to 365 miles
Boot space: 470 litres
Efficiency: ~3.7-4.2 mi/kWh
How Much Does It Cost To Lease A BMW i4 From The Electric Car Scheme?
Through salary sacrifice, you could save 20-50% on the cost of this car compared to a personal lease, with savings increasing for higher-rate taxpayers.
| Savings breakdown | BMW i4 250kW eDrive40 Sport 83.9kWh |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £901 |
| Employee income savings | -£343 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£23 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £99 |
| Net cost/You pay | £634 |
Polestar 2
Minimalist design, high-quality materials, and intuitive Google-based infotainment define the Polestar 2.
The Details
Range: Up to 336 miles
Charging: Up to 205kW DC rapid charging (10-80% in ~32 minutes)
Tech: Google Android Automotive, sustainable materials, minimalist cabin
EV Salary Sacrifice: The Cost Breakdown
The table below shows how EV salary sacrifice can make the Polestar 2 surprisingly affordable, saving hundreds depending on your tax bracket.
| Savings breakdown | Polestar 2 200kW 70kWh Standard Range SM Prime |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £688 |
| Employee income savings | -£275 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£14 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £79 |
| Net cost/You pay | £478 |
Luxury Options (£700+)
Luxury electric cars are where salary sacrifice really comes into its own. These are vehicles that would normally feel out of reach on a personal lease, but become surprisingly attainable thanks to low BiK and pre-tax savings!
Mercedes EQS
The Mercedes EQS is the electric equivalent of an S-Class, and it feels every bit like it. Designed from the ground up as a luxury EV, it prioritises comfort, silence, and long-distance refinement above all else.
Inside, the cabin is serene and beautifully finished, with advanced driver assistance systems designed to take the strain out of motorway driving.
The Details
Range: 400+ miles (model dependent)
Ride Quality: Exceptionally smooth and quiet
Technology: Advanced driver assistance and premium infotainment
Who Should Buy: Executives prioritising comfort, range, and refinement
EQS Salary Sacrifice Cost
| Savings breakdown | Mercedes EQS 350 215kW AMG Line Premium 96kWh |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £1,295 |
| Employee income savings | -£422 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£55 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £142 |
| Net cost/You pay | £961 |
BMW i7
The BMW i7 takes a slightly different approach to luxury, blending limousine-level comfort with impressive technology and a more engaging driving feel.
Unlike some luxury EVs, the i7 still feels rewarding to drive, making it a strong option if you’re looking for comfort without completely disconnecting from the road.
The Details
Range: 380+ miles (model dependent)
Interior: Ultra-premium with standout rear-seat tech
Driving Feel: More engaging than most luxury EVs
Who Should Buy: Directors and senior leaders wanting luxury with driver involvement
Salary Sacrifice The BMW i7
If you earn £60,000, you could expect to save £366 per month on the cost of a BMW i7 lease through a salary sacrifice scheme, like The Electric Car Scheme.
| Savings breakdown | BMW i7 335kW eDrive50 Excellence 105.7kWh |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £1,404 |
| Employee income savings | -£443 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£64 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £141 |
| Net cost/You pay | £1,038 |
Genesis GV70
The Genesis GV70 Electric offers a refreshing alternative to the usual German luxury brands. It delivers a beautifully crafted interior, generous standard equipment, and a strong focus on customer service -all at a competitive salary sacrifice price for its class.
The Details
Range: ~283 miles
Interior: High-quality materials and calm design
Ownership: Strong standard spec and customer care
Who Should Buy: Drivers wanting understated luxury and standout value
How Much Does The Genesis GV70 Cost Per Month?
The figures below include everything – lease costs, insurance, maintenance, and tax savings – so you know exactly what comes out of your pay each month.
| Savings breakdown | Genesis GV70 360kW Pure 84kWh |
|---|---|
| Average monthly salary sacrifice (inc VAT) | £880 |
| Employee income savings | -£338 |
| Employee national insurance savings | -£22 |
| Average benefit-in-kind tax over term | £111 |
| Net cost/You pay | £631 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Benefit-In-Kind Rate For Electric Cars In 2026?
Electric cars are taxed at 3% during the 2025/26 tax year, rising to 4% from April 2026.
How Much Can I Save Through Salary Sacrifice?
Most drivers save 20–50% compared to personal leasing, depending on tax band.
Is Charging Infrastructure Good Enough In The UK?
Yes. The UK now has over 87,000 public chargers, including rapid and ultra-rapid sites.
Can I Charge At Home?
Yes. Home charging is the cheapest and most convenient option for most drivers.
Is Insurance Included With Salary Sacrifice?
Yes. Fully comprehensive insurance is usually included.
What Happens If I Leave My Job?
Most schemes include early termination protection.
Are EVs Reliable?
EVs have fewer moving parts and generally require less maintenance.
Do EVs Lose Range In Winter?
Range can drop slightly in colder weather, but modern EVs manage this well.
Can I Go On Long Holidays In An EV?
Yes. Rapid charging and improved infrastructure make long journeys straightforward.
Is Salary Sacrifice Worth It For Basic-Rate Taxpayers?
Savings are lower than for higher-rate taxpayers, but many still benefit.
Can I Include A Home Charger?
Many schemes support home charger installation separately.
What Happens At The End Of The Lease?
You simply hand the car back or upgrade to a new EV.
Does Salary Sacrifice Affect My Pension Or Mortgage?
Salary sacrifice will affect your gross salary, and therefore, can have an impact on your pension or mortgage. Always check with HR or a broker!
Are Used EVs Available Through Salary Sacrifice?
Yes, often with lower monthly costs and shorter lead times.
Which EV Is Best For First-Time Drivers?
The MG4 remains the most popular and cost-effective starting point.
Choosing The Right EV Through Salary Sacrifice In 2026
Salary sacrifice remains one of the most cost-effective and stress-free ways to drive electric in 2026. With Benefit-in-Kind still low, running costs predictable, and more choice than ever before, switching to an EV has never felt more accessible.
The key is choosing an EV that fits your lifestyle, your driving habits, and your priorities. Get that right, and salary sacrifice doesn’t just help you go electric, it helps you do it smarter! If you want to see how much you can save, make sure to check out our salary sacrifice calculator.
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Last updated: 19/01/2026
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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