Switching to an electric car through salary sacrifice is one of the most cost-effective ways to drive a brand-new EV in 2025. But with more choice than ever, the big question is: how do you pick the right one for you?
At Salary Sacrifice Made Simple, we help drivers across the UK make smart, tax-efficient choices without overcomplicating things. This guide walks you through what to look for – from BIK tax bands to real-world range – and highlights a few top picks to make your decision easier.
Why choose salary sacrifice?
Salary sacrifice allows you to lease a brand-new electric car through your employer by giving up a portion of your gross salary. The monthly cost is taken before tax and National Insurance, which means you pay less overall.
The costs are simple:
- No deposit
- Fixed monthly payments
- Road Tax Included for the duration of the contract.
- Free Delivery to the UK mainland only.*
- Commission is included in the rental price.
- No document or set-up fees.
- No resale worries — just hand the car back at the end
Learn more about how salary sacrifice works
3 quick questions to ask yourself first
Before choosing a car, ask yourself:
1. How many miles do I drive a week?
If you regularly drive long distances, you’ll want a car with a higher range. If you’re mostly doing local trips, a more affordable model with a smaller battery may suit you better.
2. Do I need space for passengers or gear?
Think about boot space, rear legroom and whether you’ll need room for family, pets or work equipment.
3. What’s my budget after tax?
Salary sacrifice reduces your take-home pay, but the tax savings mean you often get more car for your money. Still, you’ll want to compare different models to find the sweet spot for your needs.
What makes an EV good for salary sacrifice?
Here’s what we recommend looking for when choosing the best electric car to lease on a salary sacrifice scheme in 2025:
Low BIK
Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax for electric cars is still very low:
- 3% in 2025/26
- Increasing by just 1% each year through to 2028
Choosing a fully electric car with 0g/km CO₂ emissions means you’ll pay far less tax than you would on a petrol or diesel car.
Decent range
Most modern EVs offer between 250 and 350 miles of range. If you drive long distances, look at WLTP figures — but also factor in your daily routine.
Reliable charging
Access to a home charger helps, but many EVs now support fast charging networks like Ionity, BP Pulse or Tesla Supercharger.
All-in-one cost
Salary sacrifice is about simplicity. Look for EVs that come with service plans, insurance, and breakdown cover included.
What are the lowest BIK cars in 2025?
Any fully electric car qualifies for the lowest BIK band — but these stand out:
Tesla Model 3 – Premium feel, 318-mile range, and Supercharger access
Lease the Tesla Model 3
Nissan Ariya – Crossover comfort with up to 250 miles of range
Explore Ariya leasing
Volkswagen ID.7 – One of the longest-range EVs on the market (up to 364 miles)
View ID.7 offers
Hyundai Ioniq 6 – Sleek styling with up to 338 miles of range
See Ioniq 6 leasing options
If you would like to see an example of how Salary Sacrifice works, enter your annual salary, and we will calculate how much you could be saving on this vehicle.
Final thoughts
If you’re asking how to choose the best EV for salary sacrifice in 2025, start by looking at your mileage, monthly budget and how you’ll use the car day-to-day. The most tax-efficient cars will always be zero-emission EVs, and thanks to the low BIK rate, it’s never been more affordable to drive one.
We’ll help you compare makes and models, explain the savings in plain English, and make sure everything is set up for you through your employer — seamlessly and simply.
Contact our team if you want help choosing the right car.