Electric cars are a hot topic. They now account for almost a fifth of new car sales in the UK. When leasing through an electric car salary sacrifice scheme, not only do you get the affordable running costs associated with electric cars, but you benefit from reduced NI contributions and significant tax savings compared with personal leasing.
Subject to your employer offering them, which 10 electric cars should make the top of your shortlist?
1.Tesla Model 3
One of the UK’s most popular electric cars, this one tops our list as the best all round. Probably Tesla’s most affordable vehicle, the Tesla Model 3 features the same great technology and driver assistance features as the pricier cars in the range and is often used as a business or company car. As a mid sized car with 5 seats, it is practical enough for most families too. The Model 3’s 2024 facelift has brought with it sharper design and technology updates. It gives a rapid 0-60mph sprint of 4.4 seconds and range for its entry level specification is now 344 miles. The long-range model comes with 391 miles.
2. Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan is a sporty, high-performing electric car. There really isn’t much not to like about this vehicle if it’s in your price bracket and on offer through your employer’s salary sacrifice scheme. The range is varied and includes a four-door saloon, a five-door hatchback (or estate) called the Porsche Taycan Sport Tursimo and a Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. Each has various models including the 4S, Turbo, Turbo S and Turbo GT with different power outputs.
It can officially cover up to 422 miles between charges, depending on which model you go for. With the addition of a Turbo GT, the maximum power increases to an incredible 1093bhp! The 4S has a 282-mile range, plus a 0-60mph time of 4 seconds, making this a great choice for the majority of drivers. If you need more space there is the Sport Turismo model, with added practicality provided through its estate-like rear.
3. MG4
If you’re looking for one of the cheapest EVs that still provides great value for money, look no further than the MG4 which is a great drive with plenty of kit. With a line-up that includes Standard, Long and Extended Range versions, the latter can travel up to a claimed 323 miles from a charge too.
4. Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The Ioniq 5 N is an electric car that gives the impression of a petrol car, perfect for drivers who want a smooth transition from petrol to electric without drawing too much attention in the process. Both sensibly priced and practical, this 641bhp electric hot hatch/crossover, is ideal for drivers looking for a larger electric car that is fun and stylish but feels more luxurious than most standard cars.
For mixed driving, you can expect a range of around 221- 230 miles. With charge Power 11 kW AC the Hyundai 5 N will take approximately 8 hours 45 minutes to charge, while with a rapid charger, charge time (24->192 mi) can be achieved in around 17 minutes.
5. Cupra Born
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If style is important to you, here’s one more you might want to look out for on your employer’s salary sacrifice scheme list of approved vehicles. The Cupra Born suits drivers looking for a spacious family hatchback. It drives equally well around town as it does on the motorway. Crucially, you’ll get a good range, particularly on the big battery version, helping you keep your electricity bills as economical as possible.
6. BMW i4
The BMW i4 Gran Coupe is the all-electric cousin of the 4 Series Gran Coupe. a compact executive car, combining great performance with a plush interior and excellent infotainment.
Though it has 5 seats and boot space for approximately 3 suitcases, there are better choices in our list of you’re looking for a practical family car but this is a great choice as a business vehicle. It has a battery range of 299 - 366 miles, making it a practical choice on the roads. The entry-level eDrive35 has 282hp and claims up to 299 miles of range, while the eDrive40 ups this to 366 miles courtesy of a larger battery.
7. Volvo EX30
One of the best cars where value for money is concerned, the Volvo EX30 is a small, premium range, electric SUV. Great to drive, well built and kitted-out, as well as being highly practical, the Volvo EX30 is great for small families who want a premium brand electric vehicle without the premium price tag. It can comfortably seat five people alongside cargo and with the ability to drive up to 295 miles on a single charge, offers a lot of bang for its buck, compared to other vehicles of the same calibre.
8. Kia EV9
A top contender if you need more room from your electric vehicle. With 7 seats, it is highly practical for larger families and has enough space for adults in all three rows, with a wide array of possible seating configurations making it one of the most versatile electric family cars on the market.
The Kia EV9 boasts a huge 100kWh battery with ultra-rapid charging capability and a claimed 349-mile range, meaning it should prove to be a practical choice for business drivers and families who travel on longer journeys.
9. VW ID.7
The standout aspects of Volkswagen’s first electric saloon (which also comes as an estate), include its space, comfort, range and efficiency. With 532 litres of boot space and limo-like rear space, it’s a car that looks good enough for business, in which the whole family will be comfortable too. It has a lot of legroom and headroom, making it a great choice for drivers looking to drive longer distances.
With a sufficiently powerful DC charger, the ID.7 can achieve a 10-80% charge in 28 minutes. Home charging will take closer to 11 hours from a 7.4kW supply, 0-100%. The VW ID.7 can officially manage a range of 386 miles on a full charge of its 77kWh battery. Long Range cars are equipped with an 86kWh battery that offers a range of over 400 miles.
10. Fiat 500
The electric Fiat 500 is great for driving around town if you want a compact car and don’t need a lot of bootspace. Two battery sizes are offered, with 115 miles of WLTP range in the smaller-celled Action and 199 miles in the bigger-battery version. Chic, with decent handling and performance, it also houses enough tech to compete with plenty of other brands on the market, so can make a good business vehicle, depending on requirements.