Top 10 Best Cars Eligible for Electric Car Grant 2025: Salary Sacrifice Winners
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The UK government's electric car grant makes 22 specific EV models more affordable, but not all grant-eligible vehicles offer equal value through salary sacrifice electric car schemes. After analysing monthly payments, running costs, practicality, and overall value, we've ranked the top 10 grant-eligible cars that deliver the best combination of savings and satisfaction for company electric car scheme participants.
With drivers saving 20-50% through The Electric Car Scheme and the current 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate making electric vehicles exceptionally affordable, these ten models represent the cream of the grant-eligible crop.
Our Ranking Criteria
We evaluated each grant-eligible vehicle based on:
Salary sacrifice value: Monthly payments vs. features delivered
Running costs: Efficiency, charging speeds, and maintenance
Practicality: Space, range, and real-world usability
Build quality: Reliability, refinement, and residual values
Technology: Safety features, connectivity, and driver assistance
Top 10 Best Grant-Eligible Electric Cars for Salary Sacrifice
1. Volkswagen ID.3 - The Complete Package
Starting from approximately £275/month via salary sacrifice
The Volkswagen ID.3 claims our top spot for delivering premium German engineering at accessible salary sacrifice rates.
Why it wins
Exceptional build quality with solid, refined driving experience
Spacious interior that maximises the compact exterior footprint
Rapid charging capability (up to 135kW) for convenient long-distance travel
Strong residual values that keep salary sacrifice payments competitive
Advanced technology with intuitive driver assistance systems
Potential drawbacks
Touch-heavy controls may frustrate some users
Software updates occasionally required for optimal functionality
Best for: Drivers wanting premium quality without premium pricing through electric car schemes.
2. Renault 5 E-Tech - Style Meets Substance
Starting from approximately £240/month via salary sacrifice
The Renault 5 combines irresistible retro styling with modern electric efficiency.
Where it excels
Distinctive design that stands out in any car park
Competitive range (up to 248 miles) for mixed driving
Advanced charging with bidirectional capabilities
Strong value proposition through salary sacrifice schemes
Modern technology wrapped in nostalgic packaging
Considerations
Limited rear passenger space
Premium pricing for compact dimensions
Best for: Style-conscious drivers seeking character in their electric car salary sacrifice choice.
3. Cupra Born - Performance Focus
Starting from approximately £320/month via salary sacrifice
The Cupra Born brings sports car excitement to the grant-eligible segment.
Why it ranks highly
Engaging driving dynamics with rear-wheel-drive feel
Rapid acceleration delivering genuine performance thrills
Fast charging speeds (up to 135kW) minimise charging stops
Distinctive sporty styling inside and out
Advanced technology with large touchscreen and connectivity
Trade-offs
Higher monthly payments than economy-focused alternatives
Limited rear passenger accommodation
Best for: Enthusiast drivers wanting sports car performance through salary sacrifice.
4. Peugeot E-208 - Urban Excellence
Starting from approximately £240/month via salary sacrifice
The Peugeot E-208 delivers French flair with city-friendly efficiency.
Strengths
Competitive monthly payments make premium electric mobility accessible
Distinctive design with signature LED daytime running lights
Excellent city range and manoeuvrability
Advanced safety features including autonomous emergency braking
Quality interior with digital instrument cluster
Limitations
Firm ride quality may not suit all preferences
Limited boot space compromises practicality
Best for: Urban commuters seeking style and efficiency through electric car salary sacrifice.
5. Nissan Ariya - Premium Proposition
Starting from approximately £380/month via salary sacrifice
The Nissan Ariya represents Japanese innovation with premium features.
Key advantages
Impressive range (up to 379 miles) eliminates range anxiety
Premium interior with high-quality materials throughout
Advanced ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving assistance
Fast charging capability for convenient long-distance travel
Strong residual values support competitive salary sacrifice rates
Considerations
Higher monthly payments reflect premium positioning
Complex infotainment system requires learning time
Best for: Drivers prioritising range and luxury through salary sacrifice.
6. Citroën ë-C4 - Comfort Champion
Starting from approximately £270/month via salary sacrifice
The Citroën ë-C4 prioritises comfort with distinctive French styling.
Notable features
Advanced Comfort seats with superior long-distance comfort
Distinctive coupe styling differentiates from mainstream competition
Competitive range for mixed driving conditions
Smooth, refined driving experience with minimal road noise
Good equipment levels across the range
Drawbacks
Boot space compromised by sloping roofline
Some interior materials feel budget-oriented
Best for: Comfort-focused drivers seeking distinctive style through electric car schemes.
7. Vauxhall Grandland Electric - Family Focus
Starting from approximately £350/month via salary sacrifice
The Vauxhall Grandland Electric delivers space and practicality for larger families.
Notable features
Seven-seat configuration available for larger families
Excellent range (over 300 miles) for family adventures
Spacious interior with generous passenger and luggage space
Comprehensive safety features including autonomous emergency braking
Strong dealer network provides excellent aftersales support
Drawbacks
Higher monthly payments reflect larger size
Charging infrastructure planning required for long journeys
Best for: Larger families needing space and range through salary sacrifice.
8. Citroën ë-C3 - Budget Champion
Starting from approximately £220/month via salary sacrifice
The Citroën ë-C3 offers the most affordable entry to grant-eligible electric mobility.
Value proposition
Exceptional affordability through salary sacrifice schemes
Practical city dimensions with surprisingly spacious interior
Low running costs ideal for urban commuting
Modern EV technology in an accessible package
Distinctive styling with contemporary French design
Limitations
Limited range compared to larger EVs
Basic interior materials in entry specification
Best for: Budget-conscious drivers seeking affordable electric cars through salary sacrifice.
9. Renault Megane E-Tech - Balanced Choice
Starting from approximately £300/month via salary sacrifice
The Renault Megane E-Tech offers mainstream appeal with competitive specifications.
Balanced attributes
Spacious interior with generous rear passenger accommodation
Competitive range for mixed driving scenarios
Advanced infotainment with large touchscreen interface
Family-friendly pricing through salary sacrifice
Comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind
Considerations
Conservative styling lacks distinctive character
Charging speeds lag behind premium competitors
Best for: Mainstream buyers seeking reliable electric mobility through electric car salary sacrifice.
10. Alpine A290 - Performance Pinnacle
Starting from approximately £400/month via salary sacrifice
The Alpine A290 delivers pure driving excitement in electric form.
Performance Highlights
Outstanding driving dynamics with track-focused engineering
Rapid acceleration and precise handling characteristics
Unique market positioning as an electric sports car
Premium interior with race-inspired design elements
Advanced chassis technology for exceptional ride and handling
Limitations
Limited practicality for family use
Premium pricing reflects performance focus
Best for: Driving enthusiasts seeking electric sports car thrills through salary sacrifice.
Why These Models Didn't Make Our Top 10
Strong contenders that narrowly missed our ranking include:
Peugeot E-2008: Excellent crossover but higher costs than E-208 with limited additional benefits
Vauxhall Mokka Electric: Good value but limited interior space affects family appeal
Renault Scenic E-Tech: Practical MPV but styling may not appeal to SUV-focused buyers
Citroën ë-Berlingo: Maximum practicality but van-based origins affect refinement
Maximising Your Grant and Salary Sacrifice Savings
Key Financial Benefits:
Grant Impact: Reduces the vehicle's list price, lowering monthly salary sacrifice calculations
Tax Efficiency: 20-50% savings through pre-tax salary deductions
BiK Advantage: Current 3% rate represents exceptional value versus petrol alternatives
Comprehensive Packages: Insurance, maintenance, and breakdown cover included
No Depreciation Risk: Fixed monthly payments eliminate financial uncertainty
Choosing Your Perfect Match:
For City Driving: Citroën ë-C3, Peugeot E-208
For Families: Vauxhall Grandland Electric, Citroën ë-C4
For Performance: Cupra Born, Alpine A290
For Value: Renault 5, Volkswagen ID.3
For Range: Nissan Ariya, Vauxhall Grandland Electric
Making Your Decision: Next Steps
Ready to explore these top-ranked grant-eligible vehicles through The Electric Car Scheme?
Calculate Your Savings: Use our salary sacrifice calculator to understand potential monthly payments
Assess Your Needs: Consider daily mileage, family requirements, and charging access
Book Test Drives: Experience your shortlisted models firsthand
Engage Your Employer: Discuss company electric car scheme implementation
The combination of government grant support and salary sacrifice benefits makes these ten electric vehicles the smartest choices for 2025. Whether you prioritise the premium quality of the Volkswagen ID.3, the distinctive style of the Renault 5, or the performance focus of the Cupra Born, grant-eligible vehicles deliver exceptional value through electric car schemes.
With monthly payments starting from just £220 and savings of 20-50% compared to personal leasing, there's never been a better time to make the switch to electric mobility through salary sacrifice.
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Last updated: 18/08/2025
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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