The best electric family cars to salary sacrifice
Considering transitioning to an electric car but unsure if it's the right fit for your family's needs? When seeking a family car, it's crucial to prioritise spaciousness, practicality, and ease of driving—essential elements for both longer journeys and the daily school run. Safety is paramount, and an effective way to gauge a car's safety is by checking its Euro NCAP score. This star rating provides a comprehensive overview of the vehicle's safety features, including scores related to child occupant safety.
We have highlighted the best 5 electric family cars that are available to salary sacrifice from The Electric Car Scheme.
Tesla Model Y
First up in our lineup is the Tesla Model Y which has a Euro NCAP safety rating of 5 stars and was recognised as one of the safest cars of 2023 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Range, battery and charging
| Measurement | Metric | |
|---|---|---|
| Range (miles) | 283-331 miles | |
| Efficiency (kWh) | 3.6-4.0 miles per kWh | |
| Battery Size | 60kWh / 78kWh | |
| Charge time AC | 7hrs 34mins (0-100%) | |
| Charge time DC | 27mins (0-80%) |
The table outlines the range, battery and how long it takes to charge the Model Y from AC and DC charge ports.
The Model Y comes in two variants: Rear-Wheel Drive and Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive. In the latter category, you have the option to choose between Long Range and Performance models. As the name implies, the Long Range version offers an impressive electric range, claiming 331 miles on a single charge, coupled with a quick 0-62mph acceleration time of 4.8 seconds.
What’s it like to drive?
On the motorway, the Tesla Model 3 is in its element because it cruises comfortably at 70mph and is very fast. You can switch on the Tesla Autopilot system and the Model Y will drive for you which makes long journeys comfortable - although a driver always needs to be on hand to supervise. Compared to the Model 3 the suspension in the Y is firmer and the car is heavier, meaning it isn’t as agile. The steering is sharp and very responsive, and it can go from one corner to another quickly, especially if you have chosen one of the four-wheel-drive models which put their power to the read well, even if the surface is wet.
Interior, space and infotainment systems
The Tesla Model Y, an electric SUV, boasts dimensions of 187 inches in length and 64 inches in height, resulting in an expansive and roomy interior. Enhancing this spacious feel is a standard panoramic glass sunroof that floods the cabin with light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
In the front, ample adjustments are available for both the seat and steering wheel, with the latter offering versatile movement options. The ability to set up a personalised driver profile, including ideal seating positions and mirror angles, adds a touch of convenience, particularly for those who frequently switch drivers. The doors feature large storage bins, and additional storage, along with cupholders, is conveniently located between the front seats. The driver's armrest provides extra room.
Moving to the rear, passengers benefit from increased head and legroom compared to the Model 3. Elevated seats ensure a better window view, contributing to an overall more comfortable seating position. The rear seats also have a reclining feature, and the flat floor design ensures ample space for everyone's feet, even with three passengers. ISOFIX mounting points for the outer seats add practicality for parents with small children.
With the back seats folded down, the Model Y unveils an impressive 1,869-litre boot space. Additionally, a front boot with a 117-litre capacity proves useful. The main boot, with an 854-litre capacity including underfloor storage, enhances the Model Y's practicality significantly. For comparison, the Skoda Enyaq, considered spacious, offers only 520 litres of boot storage with the seats up.
It has a 13-inch infotainment screen which is responsive but may take some getting used to, you can also stay entertained while you recharge with Netflix, Spotify, and games available. It may be important to note, there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto but you are able to stream music through a Bluetooth connection.
Tesla Model Y for families
The Tesla Model Y stands out for its spaciousness, making it comfortable and suitable for both short and long journeys. Its user-friendly design ensures ease of driving. Notably, the infotainment system adds to the appeal, especially for older children who can enjoy games or watch TV when the car is stationary. Safety is a priority, evident in its impressive 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating and the inclusion of seven airbags.
The Tesla Model Y is eligible for salary sacrifice, and the provided table on the left delineates the pricing breakdown, considering a £70,000 salary, a three-year lease, and an annual mileage limit of 10,000 miles. With monthly income tax and national insurance savings totaling £362, you could enjoy the Tesla Model Y for a monthly cost of £886.
Peugeot e-2008
Next in the list is the Peugeot e-2008 which was awarded 4 out of 5 stars on the Euro NCAP rating. The Peugeot e-2008 comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, rear parking sensors and automatic LED headlights. You also get a 3.5-inch screen in front of the steering wheel and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the dashboard. This is a great family car, here’s why…
Range, battery and charging
The Peugeot e-2008 offers a choice of four trims: Active, Allure, GT, and First Edition, each with distinct features catering to various preferences. Equipped with a 54kWh battery, all trims share a commendable range of 250 miles. Using an AC charger it takes 7 hours and 30 minutes to charge the battery from 0 to 100%, while a regular wall plug extends the charging time to 23 hours and 45 minutes.
Under the hood, the e-2008 packs 154 horsepower, driving the front wheels and achieving a 0-62mph time of 9.1 seconds. This combination of performance and charging efficiency makes the Peugeot e-2008 a versatile and appealing EV.
What’s it like to drive?
The Peugeot e-2008 feels most at home navigating around towns, thanks to its light steering that facilitates easy manoeuvring through tight spaces and parking spots. It smoothly glides over potholes, and its visibility is commendable, with the option to enhance reversing with a camera available in the GT model. The driving experience on highways is relaxing, with minimal road noise.
While cruise control comes standard, an adaptive system is part of the optional assistance pack. The adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, particularly useful for long-distance journeys. This feature also includes a lane-keeping system, preventing unintentional lane crossings. The soft suspension of the e-2008 gives it a leaning sensation when cornering. Overall, the Peugeot e-2008 offers a comfortable and practical driving experience, particularly well-suited for urban environments.
Interior, space and infotainment systems
Measuring 169 inches in length and 61 inches in height, the Peugeot occupies a relatively compact space, making it not the most spacious SUV available. Despite its size, the interior design cleverly creates an illusion of more space. Taller drivers in the front might find legroom limited, and the door storage bins are on the smaller side.
A practical shelf beneath the dashboard provides a spot for your phone, while a cubby hole above it is useful for storing valuables. In the back, accommodating three people is comfortable, although headroom may be somewhat restricted.
Crucially, the outer two seats in the back feature ISOFIX points for child seats. The narrow door opening can make fitting the seat a bit challenging, but once installed, there's ample space in the seat.
The boot is well-sized and its square shape allows for efficient use of the available space. Under-floor storage is a handy feature for keeping cables and rarely used items. With 435 litres of space, the Peugeot's boot capacity is comparable to the Kia Niro and MG ZS, both offering 475 and 480 litres, respectively.
Peugeot e-2008 for families
The Peugeot e-2008 was awarded 4 out of 5 stars when surveyed by Euro NCAP. You do get a basic level of safety, such as automatic braking which can detect pedestrians walking into your path, which this upgrades in Allure models to have a night function and adds the ability to spot cyclists. This car also has a good amount of storage space and is comfortable to drive.
BMW iX3-e
Classified as a mid-size family electric car and unlike the other cars in this lineup, it hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP but the standard X3 did get a full five-star rating when it was tested back in 2017 which is reassuring.
Range, battery and charging
| Measurement | Metric | |
|---|---|---|
| Range (miles) | 286-290 miles | |
| Efficiency (kWh) | 3.5-3.5 miles per kWh | |
| Battery Size | 74kWh | |
| Charge time AC | 7hrs 30mins (0-100%) | |
| Charge time DC | 34 mins (0-80%) |
The BMW iX3 lineup offers a choice between two models: the M Sport and M Sport Pro. Both models are equipped with an 80kWh battery pack, providing an estimated range of up to 285 miles. The versatility of the iX3 extends to its compatibility with various charging stations and power outlets.
When using super-fast chargers with a capacity of 150kW, the iX3 can recharge from 0 to 80% in a rapid 34 minutes, showcasing its efficiency and convenience for users.
What’s it like to drive?
In town and at lower speeds, driving is remarkably easy and relaxing, especially due to minimal cabin noise. The B mode proves useful by enhancing regenerative braking, slowing down the vehicle without brake engagement. While many electric vehicles (EVs) offer this feature, it's notable that it can bring the car to a complete stop without touching the pedal, provided there's enough space.
On the motorway, there is a slight increase in wind noise, but the overall driving comfort remains comparable to city driving. The car boasts impressive speed, achieving a 0-62mph acceleration in just 6.8 seconds. Notably, the battery pack's low placement in the car's floor contributes to a lower centre of gravity compared to a standard petrol or diesel car.
Interior, space and infotainment systems
The iX3's interior mirrors that of the BMW X3, except the metallic blue trim. Featuring the Drive version 7.0 infotainment system, it boasts two separate 12.3-inch screens for instruments and infotainment. An optional head-up display projects speed and directions onto the windscreen. The central infotainment display is a touchscreen, complemented by a convenient click-wheel on the centre console, providing an alternative control method which is particularly useful while driving. The menu layout is straightforward, and the inclusion of real controls for air conditioning simplifies the user experience. Connectivity options include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The front cabin offers ample space with various storage areas, such as large door bins and storage under the armrests. In the back, there's plenty of headroom and legroom, ensuring comfort for passengers. The iX3's square boot features a flat floor, with additional storage areas at each side equipped with nets. A 12-volt socket is available for charging needs.
Folding the back seats expands the boot from 510 litres to 1,560 litres, ideal for family use. It's worth noting that this is 50 litres less than the standard X3. While some EVs feature a front boot for extra storage, unfortunately, the iX3 lacks this feature.
BMW iX3-e for families
The iX3-e offers an ideal level of comfort for families, ensuring a pleasant driving experience for various trips. Its spacious interior and commendable range make it convenient for extended journeys without frequent charging stops. The back seats are not only comfortable but also accommodate three people with ease, making it a reliable and family-friendly car that merits consideration for leasing.
Salary sacrifice allows you to save £376 every month because of your tax savings, which means you can lease a BMW iX3-e for £582 per month. You can browse all of the electric cars we have available at The Electric Car Scheme by visiting our quote tool.
Kia e-Niro
The Kia Niro, a family-friendly SUV, comes in three models: the Niro Hybrid, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, and the all-electric Niro EV. The e-Niro made its debut at the 2018 International Electric Vehicle Expo in Korea, and intriguingly, it shares its powertrain and battery configuration with the Hyundai Kona Electric. Following in its footsteps, the Niro EV was introduced in 2021, featuring notable enhancements in design, onboard technology, ride comfort, and practicality. In this blog, we will be focussing on the e-Niro.
Range, battery and charging
| Measurement | Metric | |
|---|---|---|
| Range (miles) | 285 miles | |
| Efficiency (kWh) | 3.8 miles per kWh | |
| Battery Size | 65kWh | |
| Charging time AC | 6hrs20mins (0-100% | |
| Charging time DC | 43 mins (0-80%) |
The e-Niro has a 64.8kWh battery pack and can do 285 miles on a single charge if you can achieve a 4.4 miles/kWh efficiency. In the real world, you’re more likely to get 260 miles on a charge.
Using a DC rapid charger, your e-Niro will charge from 0-80% in 43 minutes. Whereas, when charging at home it’ll take 6 hours and 20 minutes.
What’s it like to drive?
The e-Niro, as anticipated with most electric vehicles (EVs), operates remarkably quietly on various terrains, including country lanes, urban settings, and motorways. Its swift acceleration and enjoyable driving experience make it particularly adept for town or motorway driving. The e-Niro simplifies motorway driving with features like lane keep assist, lane follow assist, and forward collision assist. When navigating twisty roads, the e-Niro's optimal size and width contribute to a comfortable driving experience, even on narrower lanes. Additionally, responsive steering enhances control at higher speeds.
Interior, space and infotainment systems
Internally, the cabin features a predominantly black colour scheme accented with blue details surrounding the air vents, along with a mood lighting system enhancing the centre console. The interior boasts a tactile and visually pleasing atmosphere, incorporating materials such as leather, soft-touch plastics, and piano black trim.
The dashboard takes centre stage with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, complemented by a 7.0-inch display positioned behind the steering wheel. The touchscreen size can be expanded up to 10.25 inches depending on the model you choose.
The touchscreen serves as the command hub for infotainment functions and controls the reversing camera display, while the digital display behind the steering wheel provides information such as the speedometer, driving details, and battery information. The e-Niro also comes with an 8-speaker JBL Premium Sound system which is a great feature to have.
The e-Niro has 451 litres of boot space - compared with the 382 petrol version - this is generous and expands further if you put the back seats down. The e-Niro has been deemed a generous five-seater which accommodates head and leg room.
The Kia e-Niro for families
The e-Niro stands out as an excellent option for families, providing ample space for both passengers and luggage. Its efficiency and comfort make it a versatile choice, allowing users to operate it much like a traditional petrol car, thanks to its reliable and substantial range.
Skoda Enyaq
The Skoda Enyaq is an all-round great SUV because it does all of the basics very well. It goes up against alternatives like the Volkswagen ID4, the Nissan Ariya and the Ford Mustang Mach-e
Range, battery and charging
The Enyaq is offered in three variants: Standard, Lounge, and Edition, each differing in price and included standard features. Concentrating on the Standard Enyaq, it comes equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, upholstery in a combination of fabric and artificial leather, LED headlights, a digital instrument display, and rear parking sensors complemented by a reversing camera. The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 8.7 seconds, and the battery provides a reliable range of 249 miles, making it ideal for extended journeys in the Enyaq.
What’s it like to drive?
The Enyaq excels on the motorway, offering a progressively smoother ride as your speed increases. Inside the cabin, tranquillity prevails, devoid of any engine noise, as well as wind and road noise. In urban settings, a similar experience unfolds, enhanced by the small 9.3-meter turning circle, making the Skoda easy to manoeuvre and an excellent choice for navigating city streets. On country lanes, you can feel the size and weight of the car, yet it manoeuvres deftly, leaning easily into corners for a nimble and controlled performance.
Interior, space and infotainment systems
Externally, the Skoda Enyaq may appear unremarkable, but upon entering, you encounter a distinctive two-spoke steering wheel, a compact digital display, and a prominent 13-inch touchscreen. The smaller display is customizable, allowing users to adjust the presented information, such as speed and battery levels. Over time, users become accustomed to its functionality. The 13-inch display incorporates shortcut buttons for user-friendly navigation, although it encompasses air conditioning controls, which can be frustrating if the screen experiences slight lags. Alternatively, users can interact with the virtual assistant, Laura, or connect to Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Up front, the Enyaq offers generous leg and headroom for the driver, accommodating even taller individuals comfortably. Seat adjustments cater to varying driver sizes, and an optional comfort seat package provides electrical adjustments and memory functions for personalized driving positions. The front also boasts ample storage, including felt-lined, spacious door bins, a centre console, and twin cupholders.
Transitioning to the rear, rear-seat passengers enjoy abundant leg and headroom, allowing a six-foot passenger to comfortably sit behind a tall driver with room to spare. Wide-opening doors and ISOFIX mounting points for outer seats facilitate easy installation of rear-facing child seats. The flat floor ensures comfort for all three rear passengers, although an additional fee is required for a rear USB port for phones. The boot offers a capacious 585-litre capacity, sufficient for a family of four’s holiday luggage at a minimum.
The Skoda Enyaq for families
In 2022, the Skoda Enyaq was considered the Best Family Car in the annual Autocar Awards. It is a great family car offering plenty of range, fast charging, lots of space and comfort and technology that makes every journey feel easy. This is a great family car to consider investing in.
If you choose to salary sacrifice the Skoda Enyaq, you will be saving £379 every month in income tax and national insurance savings. Have a browse of our quote tool to see how much you could save by inputting your salary and choosing the EV of your dreams!
All of these cars are available to salary sacrifice through The Electric Car Scheme, visit our quote tool to learn more
Our lease 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.
