If it’s time to review your salary sacrifice scheme, you’re not alone. Many businesses are currently assessing their providers to ensure they’re getting the best value, service, and support for their teams.
The good news is that the EV salary sacrifice market has matured significantly, with multiple established providers now offering compelling packages. But not all schemes are created equal, and the right choice for your business depends on several critical factors.
Whether you’re considering a switch or simply evaluating your options, this guide will help you understand what to look for – and how the leading providers stack up.
Why Review Your Salary Sacrifice Provider?
Before diving into the comparison, it’s worth understanding why so many employers review their schemes from time to time:
- Budget planning cycles: Many businesses align their benefits reviews with financial year planning.
- Contract renewal periods: Initial agreements often run for 12-24 months.
- Market evolution: The salary sacrifice landscape has changed rapidly, with new features and more competitive pricing.
- Employee feedback: Your team’s experience over the past year may highlight areas for improvement.
- Sustainability reporting: Q4/Q1 is when many companies assess progress towards net zero goals.
If any of these resonate, it’s the perfect time to evaluate whether your current provider is still the best fit.
What Makes a Great EV Salary Sacrifice Provider?
When reviewing providers, keep these essential criteria in mind:
1. Cost Savings & Transparency
The whole point of salary sacrifice is to save money for both employers and employees. Look for providers who:
- Offer genuine tax savings (typically 20-50% for employees)
- Provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Demonstrate cost-neutrality for employers through NIC savings
- Show clear examples of monthly costs and savings
2. Vehicle Choice & Availability
Your employees have diverse needs, so vehicle selection matters. Consider:
- Range of models available (budget to premium)
- Access to both new and used EVs
- Delivery timescales
- Ability to source vehicles quickly
3. Contract Flexibility
Business needs change. Prioritise providers offering:
- Flexible contract terms (short to long-term options)
- Fair early termination protection
- Options for employees who leave or face life changes
- Scalability as your workforce grows
4. All-Inclusive Packages
The best schemes bundle everything into one predictable monthly cost:
- Comprehensive insurance
- Maintenance and servicing
- Road tax and MOT
- Breakdown cover
- Tyre replacements
5. Customer Service & Support
This is often the differentiator. Look for:
- Responsive, accessible support teams
- Dedicated account management
- Easy-to-navigate platforms
- Positive reviews and testimonials
6. Administrative Ease
Your HR and payroll teams shouldn’t be burdened with complexity. Seek providers who:
- Handle setup and onboarding seamlessly
- Manage ongoing administration
- Provide clear reporting
- Offer employer protection from financial risk
Comparing the Leading Salary Sacrifice Providers
Let’s examine how the major players in the UK salary sacrifice market compare across these criteria.
EZOO
Best for: Businesses seeking the widest range of vehicles, flexible terms, and personalised service.
At EZOO, we’ve built a strong reputation as a business that combines the personal touch of a smaller provider with the competitive pricing and vehicle range of larger competitors.
Our focus on offering the widest range of new and used EVs sets us apart -from budget-friendly options to luxury models, we provide something for all budgets and lifestyles, whilst maintaining affordability through genuinely flexible contract options.
Key Features:
- Ultra-flexible terms: From just 3 months to 4 years – the shortest contracts in the UK.
- Large range of vehicles: Extensive range from affordable models like the Nissan Leaf to luxury options, including Tesla, Mercedes, and BMW.
- Multiple leasing providers: We work with multiple leasing partners to secure the best deals and most competitive pricing for your employees.
- All-inclusive packages: Insurance, maintenance, road tax, 24/7 breakdown cover, and servicing included.
- Comprehensive employer protection: Full protection from 3 months, safeguarding your business.
- Fast delivery: Vehicles available in as little as 7 days when supplied from our own fleet.
- Home charger financing: Add a home charger to your salary sacrifice monthly payment – no large upfront costs, making home charging more accessible.
- OVO Charge partnership: Employees receive 10% off public charging for 12 months.
- Personalised employee portal: Employees can input their salary and view real-time prices based on their chosen term and model, giving them the flexibility to find the best deal for their circumstances.
- Cost savings: Up to 60% savings compared to traditional leasing.
- Transparent pricing: No hidden costs or surprise fees.
- Dedicated service: We are a small, dedicated team. No call centres here!
Best suited for: Companies valuing flexibility and businesses wanting a more personalised, hands-on approach.
Notable: EZOO’s combination of short-term flexibility with extensive vehicle access is unique in the market. Our business car leasing service extends beyond salary sacrifice to include fleet subscriptions starting from 3 months.
Love Electric
Best for: Sustainability-focused businesses and those prioritising ethical practices.
Love Electric has positioned itself as a purpose-driven provider, achieving B-Corp status and pledging 10% of profits to decarbonisation initiatives. They offer both new and used EVs through their innovative “Reloved” programme.
Key Features:
- New and used EVs: Unique “Reloved” marketplace offering quality-assured used EVs at lower monthly costs.
- B-Corp certified: Demonstrates commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
- Flexible contracts: 12-month minimum term with cancellation after 3 months (subject to one-month fee).
- Transparent pricing: 3% administration fee (around £20/month per car), deducted from employer NIC savings.
- Wide availability: Access to over 300 dealers.
- Fast setup: Can be operational in as little as 7 days.
Considerations: Limited to businesses operational for at least one year and generating profits (over £500k net worth), with 20+ employees. No phone support – customer service is email-only.
Best suited for: Established businesses with strong sustainability goals, and those seeking access to used EVs for more budget-conscious employees.
The Electric Car Scheme (ECS)
Best for: Businesses of all sizes seeking comprehensive protection and market-leading features.
The Electric Car Scheme has established itself as one of the UK’s largest and most trusted providers, with a strong focus on making salary sacrifice accessible to businesses of all sizes – including those with fewer than 250 employees.
Key Features:
- Complete employer protection: Zero financial risk from day one, with no caps on fleet size or vehicle value.
- Public charging benefits: Partnership with OVO offering 6,000 free miles and smart charging at 7p per kWh.
- Workplace charging scheme: Charging costs can be included in salary sacrifice payments.
- Comprehensive packages: Insurance, maintenance, servicing, breakdown cover all included.
- Flexible termination: Fair early termination policies for life events.
Best suited for: Businesses wanting maximum protection and those with employees who rely heavily on public charging. Particularly strong for companies with workplace charging infrastructure.
Octopus EV
Best for: Businesses wanting integrated energy solutions and comprehensive charging benefits.
Octopus EV leverages its parent company’s energy expertise to offer a truly integrated EV ecosystem. They’ve become synonymous with the all-in-one EV experience, combining vehicles, charging infrastructure, and energy tariffs.
Key Features:
- Exclusive energy tariff: Intelligent Octopus Go EV Saver offering 7p per kWh off-peak charging.
- Nearly new EVs: Refurbished vehicles under 18 months old with less than 15,000 miles.
- Early termination protection: Day 1 protection for major life events; 3-month notice period for employment changes.
Considerations: Early termination protection capped at 10 vehicles or 10% of fleet annually (whichever is greater). They own their vehicles, which may limit pricing competitiveness compared to providers working with multiple funders. Minimum 24-month terms.
Best suited for: Businesses whose employees charge at home, companies wanting integrated energy solutions, and those prioritising the complete charging experience.
Key Questions to Ask When Reviewing Providers
Before making your decision, ensure you get clear answers to these questions:
- What are the true monthly costs for employees at different salary levels?
- How long is the minimum contract term, and what flexibility exists?
- What happens if an employee leaves, faces long-term illness, or experiences other life changes?
- How quickly can vehicles be delivered?
- What’s included in the monthly fee, and are there any hidden costs?
- What level of customer support can we expect?
- How is the setup process managed, and what support do you provide our HR/payroll teams?
- Do you offer both new and used EVs?
- What charging benefits or partnerships do you provide?
- Can you demonstrate cost savings with real examples from similar businesses?
Making the Switch: What to Expect
If you decide to change providers, the process is typically straightforward:
- Research and comparison: Use this guide to shortlist providers (2-4 weeks)
- Initial consultations: Speak with providers to understand their offerings (1-2 weeks)
- Proposal review: Receive detailed proposals and pricing (1 week)
- Internal decision: Present options to stakeholders and make a decision (1-2 weeks)
- Contract transition: Work with your new provider on smooth handover (timing varies)
- Employee communication: Launch the new scheme to your team
Most providers, including EZOO, will manage the bulk of the administrative work, making the transition as seamless as possible.
Ready to Review Your Options?
If you’re currently with another provider and want to explore what EZOO can offer, we’re here to help. Our team can provide:
- Transparent pricing comparisons
- Detailed proposals tailored to your business
- Examples of savings for employees at different salary levels
- Support throughout the transition process
With the shortest contract terms in the UK, extensive EV lease deals, and a genuine commitment to customer service, EZOO offers a compelling alternative – or an ideal first choice if you’re setting up a scheme for the first time.