53% of employers offer an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

electric vehicle salary sacrificeEmployee Benefits poll: More than half (53%) of employers currently offer their employees an electric vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme.

A fifth (21%) of respondents to an online survey conducted by Employee Benefits Magazine said they do not provide a scheme of this kind, while a further 26% said they were considering implementing one.

Last month, Employee Benefits reported that benefits provider Unum UK had launched an EV salary sacrifice scheme for its 800-plus permanent employees, to coincide with Earth Day (22 April).

The initiative was backed by the Octopus Electric Dreams Car Scheme, allowing staff to choose from a range of EV models with no up-front payment on a 24-, 36- or 48-month lease period. They were given a yearly mileage allowance up to 30,000 miles and access to support from a team of EV experts to choose the right car, and pair them with the right charger and energy tariff.

Jane Hulme, HR director at Unum, said: “As a purpose-led and values-driven employee benefits provider, Unum is committed to reducing our impact on the planet and playing our part in the fight against climate change.

“With responsible benefits like the electric vehicle scheme, carbon offsetting and Cycle2Work, we’re also proud to help our employees make informed choices about their own carbon footprint and environmental impact to help limit climate change.”

Stantec UK, an international services provider to the design and consulting industry, introduced a flexible salary sacrifice scheme to encourage employees to use electric and hybrid vehicles back in March.

The business, which has 22,000 employees around the world, introduced the initiative in conjunction with fleet management specialist Fleet Evolution, which is available to all UK employees subject to usual salary sacrifice rules. Those who are eligible receive a flexible benefit allowance, which they can choose to use towards more sustainable travel options.