loveelectric data points to a shift in how UK workers are responding to rising pump prices
London, May 27 – Electric vehicle salary sacrifice orders placed through loveelectric grew 32% in Q1 2026 against the same period last year, as employees look increasingly to their employer to reduce the cost of running a car.
Petrol has climbed past 150p per litre, and diesel is edging toward £2. The Office for National Statistics confirmed inflation rose to 3.3% in March, with fuel being a significant contributor. loveelectric says its platform data suggests employees are actively running the numbers and finding that salary sacrifice makes an EV cheaper to run than the petrol or diesel car they are replacing.
The company puts the average monthly saving for an employee on its platform at £280, equivalent to more than £3,300 a year.
Steve Tigar, Founder & CEO of loveelectric, said: “The seemingly ever-increasing cost of living has fundamentally changed what a benefit needs to be. Employees want to see benefits that are actually making a tangible difference on their actual monthly outgoings. Today, employees are looking at their payslip and wondering how it’s going to stretch to the end of the month. That’s why we’re so passionate about EV salary sacrifice. £280 a month back in someone’s pocket isn’t just nice-to-have; it’s the difference between a stressful month and a manageable one. Benefits in 2026 have to show up in someone’s day-to-day life, anything less just isn’t enough”
Salary sacrifice allows employees to fund an EV from gross salary, reducing income tax and National Insurance liability. Depending on tax band, the saving against an equivalent private lease is between 30% and 60%.
loveelectric, which joined the Perkbox family earlier this year, says demand has grown consistently across employee salary bands in Q1, including among lower earners accessing EVs through the scheme.
—
About loveelectric
loveelectric is a B Corp-certified electric vehicle leasing broker specialising in salary sacrifice, enabling businesses and employees to transition toward sustainable mobility. Our inclusive employee benefit allows employees to save up to 60% on new and used electric cars while helping companies lead the way in sustainability – all at zero cost and zero risk to employers. Each lease includes maintenance, tyres, breakdown cover and more as standard – ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
loveelectric | EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme |
About Perkbox
Perkbox helps companies strengthen their cultures by bringing together employee wellbeing, benefits and engagement in a single app that employees enjoy using.It makes it simple for organisations with diverse and dispersed workforces to care for, connect with and celebrate their people. At the heart of Perkbox is a clear mission: every employee should feel valued. From everyday grocery savings to recognition and mental health support, Perkbox provides something relevant for everyone, every day.
Today, more than 7,500 organisations and nearly 4 million employees worldwide trust Perkbox as their partner in employee experience, including more than 80 percent of the NHS. With two decades of experience, Perkbox continues to innovate so people teams can support thriving workplace cultures with ease. Global Employee Benefits and Rewards Platform | Perkbox
