Why choose an EV through salary sacrifice?

05 / 08 / 26

Salary sacrifice car schemes make switching to electric simple. With lower tax costs, fixed monthly payments, and all-inclusive packages, they offer an affordable and hassle-free way to drive an electric car.

Whether you’re looking for a compact city car, a stylish saloon or a spacious SUV, there’s an EV to suit all needs and lifsetyles. To help narrow down your options, we’ve highlighted some of the best EVs currently available through Zenith’s salary sacrifice scheme.

Why EVs are ideal for salary sacrifice

For many employees, salary sacrifice is one of the most cost-effective and convenient ways to make the switch to electric.

  • Tax savings – as the cost is covered from your gross salary before Income Tax and National Insurance deductions, many employees can reduce their monthly motoring costs.
  • Low Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates – electric cars continue to benefit from significantly lower BiK rates than petrol and diesel vehicles, making them particularly attractive through salary sacrifice.
  • All-inclusive package – with Zenith, insurance, servicing, maintenance, breakdown cover, and MOT costs are included in the monthly cost.
  • Predictable monthly costs – with everything bundled into one payment, budgeting becomes simpler and there are fewer unexpected bills to worry about.
  • Lower running costs – charging an EV is often cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle, especially if you can charge at home.
  • Smart technology and safety features – most modern EVs are equipped with a range of advanced features including enhanced audio systems and navigation, as well as better parking and security features.
  • Quality used models – here at Zenith, we also offer used EVs, meaning your budget can stretch further or you can opt in to a shorter term length. Plus, all our used EVs undergo a thorough quality checks, are covered by our Used Car Promise, and can be delivered in as little as two weeks.

Top EVs available through salary sacrifice

To help you pick the right EV for you, we’ve selected some of our favourite models across a range of different sizes and manufacturers.

Smaller cars and hatchbacks

Best for: drivers who mainly use their car for shorter journeys or drive in urban areas.

Popular examples:

  • Hyundai Inster: compact but roomy on the inside, ideal whizzing about town.
  • MINI Cooper Electric: a premium design with a strong urban range.
  • Renault 5 E-Tech 110kw ‘Techno+’ Comfort Range 52kwh: this award-winning compact car comes with a slick, Google-based infotainment system.

Mid-sized hatchbacks

Best for commuting, urban driving, and drivers looking for a little more storage.

Popular examples:

  • Cupra Born: one of the most highly regarded electric hatchbacks on the market, offering sporty handling, striking styling, and strong range.
  • Cupra Raval: compact, agile and designed for city life, while still delivering the performance and technology expected from the Cupra brand.
  • Vauxhall Frontera Electric: the revived Frontera combines practicality, value for money and family-friendly versatility.

Saloons

Best for drivers who want long-range capability, premium comfort and a more refined driving experience.

Popular examples:

  • Mercedes-Benz CLA: the 2026 European Car of the Year winner, combining premium quality, efficiency and an impressive range of up to 483 miles.
  • BMW i3: BMW’s latest electric saloon offers advanced technology, rapid charging capabilities and a range of up to 562 miles.
  • BYD Seal: stylish, well-equipped and comfortable, the Seal has quickly established itself as a strong alternative to traditional premium electric saloons.

SUVs

Best for: families, long journeys and drivers who want additional space and flexibility.

Popular examples:

  • BMW iX3: a premium SUV featuring a high-tech interior, impressive comfort and BMW’s latest Panoramic iDrive technology.
  • Peugeot E-5008: a practical seven-seater with flexible seating arrangements and up to 2,150 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded.
  • MG S5 EV: a value-packed SUV loaded with safety technology, including autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

Choosing the right EV for your driving needs

Choosing the right EV ultimately comes down to your lifestyle and day-to-day requirements. When comparing vehicles, consider:

  • Your commute: compact hatchbacks are ideal for shorter urban journeys, while larger vehicles may be better suited to regular motorway driving.
  • Passenger numbers: if you regularly travel with family, friends or pets, an SUV or seven-seater may provide the extra flexibility you need.
  • Boot space: think about how much luggage space you’ll require for pushchairs, sports equipment, shopping, or holidays.
  • Comfort and technology: while all EVs offer a quiet and smooth driving experience, premium saloons and larger SUVs often include additional features such as adaptive suspension, acoustic glass and advanced driver assistance systems.

 

Written by: Zenith Editorial & Insights Team
Reviewed by: Zenith Salary Sacrifice Specialists
Last reviewed: August 2026

How to get started

If your employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme through Zenith, you can browse, compare, and order your next electric car online in just a few clicks. Head over to your ‘My Account’ area to get started.

If you’d like some guidance, our expert team is on hand to answer your questions and help you find the EV that’s right for you.

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My Account

If your company currently has a salary sacrifice car scheme with Zenith and you're looking to browse the cars available, log in or activate your account using the link below.

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