6 Best Octopus EV Alternatives: Salary Sacrifice Compared
If you're exploring alternatives to Octopus EV, you're likely looking for more vehicle choice, transparent pricing, or Day 1 risk protection. While Octopus EV offers integrated energy solutions, it's not the only, or necessarily the best, option for your business.
Octopus EV operates as a single leasing company owning all their vehicles, which can limit stock availability and reduce pricing competition. Alternative providers, particularly brokers working with multiple funders, offer broader vehicle ranges and more competitive deals.
This guide compares six leading Octopus EV alternatives, examining pricing models, risk protection, vehicle availability, and charging solutions to help you find the best fit for your organisation.
Octopus EV Alternatives: A snapshot
Recent analysis shows Octopus EV's owned-fleet model can mean less competitive pricing than multi-funder brokers who benefit from market competition between leasing companies.
What to look for in your Octopus EV alternative
When comparing providers, these six factors determine whether an alternative genuinely improves on Octopus EV's offering:
Transparent pricing without hidden markups
Octopus EV bundles "free" home chargers into lease costs, which can inflate overall pricing. Look for providers showing clear fee breakdowns separate from vehicle costs.
loveelectric's transparent B Corp pricing discloses exactly how quotes are built, with administration fees equalling employer NIC savings—keeping schemes genuinely cost-neutral. No hidden margins inflating lease prices to cover bundled extras.
Comprehensive protection from Day 1
Octopus EV's early termination protection only starts after six months, leaving employers exposed during the initial period. The best alternatives provide complete coverage from contract start.
loveelectric's Zero Risk Guarantee covers resignation, redundancy, dismissal, and non-accidental death from Day 1—no waiting periods, no unexpected costs for employers.
Access to multiple funders and broader vehicle choice
Octopus EV owns the vehicles they lease, limiting available stock to what they hold. This single-supplier model can mean longer wait times and less negotiating power on pricing.
Broker models like loveelectric access 300+ dealers and multiple leasing funders, creating genuine market competition. This translates to faster delivery, better availability, and more competitive pricing.
Charging solutions without lock-in
Octopus EV's charging perks tie you to their energy ecosystem. If employees aren't Octopus Energy customers, or can't install home chargers, the value diminishes significantly.
loveelectric's Charge Card works with any company-leased EV (not just loveelectric vehicles) across all UK charging networks including Tesla Superchargers, offering up to 60% savings through HMRC-compliant salary sacrifice.
Minimal admin with automated integration
Setup complexity varies dramatically between providers. The smoothest alternatives offer magic-link onboarding and automated payroll reporting rather than manual processes.
loveelectric can launch schemes within 7 days with proprietary technology handling everything from quotes to payroll integration, minimising HR administrative burden.
Verified sustainability credentials
Look beyond marketing claims. B Corp certification demonstrates audited commitment to social and environmental performance, not just green branding.
loveelectric holds B Corp certification with a 102.0 impact score (median for ordinary businesses: 50.9), proving verified standards for transparency and accountability.
1. loveelectric — a more affordable, risk-free Octopus EV alternative
loveelectric has established itself as Best Salary Sacrifice Broker 2025 according to industry judges, who highlighted their "impressive digital credentials, customer-led approach and absolute focus on sustainability".
Founded in Edinburgh by early EV adopters Steve and Lyndsey Tigar, loveelectric operates as a technology-led broker rather than a single-supplier leasing company, giving employees access to competitive pricing across multiple funders.
Head-to-head: loveelectric vs Octopus EV
What's included in loveelectric's salary sacrifice scheme
Every loveelectric lease includes everything employees need in one monthly payment:
- Comprehensive insurance — Fully comprehensive cover with optional add-ons available at checkout
- Full maintenance package — Servicing, MOT, breakdown assistance, and roadside recovery included
- Tyre and glass replacement — Complete peace of mind for wear-and-tear items
- Dedicated support — Responsive email and customer service support
- Exclusive Charge Card — Save up to 60% on all EV charging costs (home and public) through HMRC-compliant salary sacrifice, compatible with every Tesla charger in the UK
- Optional home charger — Partnerships with industry leaders like Hypervolt for discounted installation
- Flexible lease terms — 12-month minimum with options from 24-48 months
- Flexible deposit options — No deposit required, or choose optional Dynamic Deposits to reduce monthly costs by paying more in the first 3 months
Employees can save up to 60% compared to personal leasing through pre-tax salary deductions, making premium EVs genuinely affordable across salary bands.
Why loveelectric is the best Octopus EV alternative
Broker model means better pricing and choice
Unlike Octopus EV's owned-fleet model, loveelectric partners with multiple major leasing companies. This creates genuine competition between funders for your employees' business, resulting in better pricing and faster availability.
Access to 300+ dealers means employees aren't limited to one supplier's stock. They get genuine choice across makes, models, and price points. And that includes the reloved® used marketplace for more affordable options.
Charge Card rivals Octopus' charging bundle (with more flexibility)
Octopus EV's strength is integrated charging through either 4,000 free miles via Electroverse or a free Ohme charger. However, these perks only benefit Octopus Energy customers and require home charging capability.
loveelectric's newly launched Charge Card delivers up to 60% savings on all charging, public and home, through standalone HMRC-compliant salary sacrifice. Critically, it works with any company-leased EV (not just loveelectric vehicles), making it far more flexible.
The Charge Card is the only card compatible with every Tesla Supercharger in the UK, plus all other public charging networks. Employees simply provide annual mileage and charging patterns, loveelectric calculates costs, sets up the salary sacrifice deduction, and credits the exclusive VISA Charge Card monthly.
Zero Risk Guarantee from Day 1 vs 6-month wait
Octopus EV's early termination protection only starts after six months, leaving employers exposed if employees leave during the initial period. This creates genuine risk in those crucial first months.
loveelectric's Zero Risk Guarantee provides total protection from Day 1. It covers resignation, redundancy, dismissal, and non-accidental death. There’s no waiting period or unexpected costs to keep you up at night.
Genuine cost neutrality with transparent fees
loveelectric's administration fee equals the employer's NIC savings achieved when employees take out leases. This guarantees businesses never pay out of pocket to run the scheme.
Unlike providers with hidden setup costs or ongoing management fees bundled into inflated lease prices, loveelectric's transparent fee structure ensures you're never out of pocket.
Digital-first technology reduces admin burden
loveelectric's proprietary technology streamlines everything from initial quotes to payroll integration. Employees access personalised quotes through a dedicated web app with salary sacrifice calculations done automatically.
Employers get a custom portal consolidating all scheme data into one digestible dashboard. Setup completes within 7 days with magic-link onboarding and automated payroll reports.
B Corp verified sustainability
As a certified B Corp, loveelectric meets verified standards for social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. This certification demonstrates commitment to using business as a force for good.
loveelectric estimates they've helped businesses and employees reduce emissions by approximately 5,760t CO₂e, equivalent to planting over 267,000 trees.
Learn more about how EV salary sacrifice works for employers and employees.
2. The Electric Car Scheme — multi-funder flexibility
The Electric Car Scheme operates as a broker with multiple leasing funders, similar to loveelectric's model. This multi-funder approach provides broader vehicle selection and competitive pricing compared to Octopus EV's owned fleet.
What's included in The Electric Car Scheme's salary sacrifice scheme
- Multi-funder access — Works with multiple leasing companies for competitive pricing and broad vehicle choice
- Complete Employer Protection — Coverage from Day 1 for resignation, redundancy, and other employment changes
- Used EVs available — Access to UK's largest selection of used electric cars through multiple trusted leasing partners
- Comprehensive package — Maintenance, servicing, MOT, tyres, breakdown cover, and insurance options
- B Corp certification — Score of 104.3 demonstrating verified environmental and social responsibility
- Fast delivery — Used cars typically delivered in approximately 14 days
- Charge Scheme — Salary sacrifice charging across various locations with 20-50% savings
Why The Electric Car Scheme is a good Octopus EV alternative
Multi-funder model creates competition
The Electric Car Scheme's extensive network of funders means competitive pricing through market comparison rather than single-supplier rates. This broker approach typically delivers lower monthly costs than Octopus EV's owned-fleet model.
Complete Employer Protection from Day 1 matches loveelectric's immediate coverage, unlike Octopus EV's six-month waiting period for full protection.
Largest used EV selection
The Electric Car Scheme features the UK's largest selection of used electric cars sourced from multiple trusted leasing companies, ensuring prices are more competitive than single-supplier schemes.
Considerations
While The Electric Car Scheme offers strong multi-funder access, they may not provide the same level of charging flexibility as loveelectric's Charge Card, which works across any company-leased EV and all UK charging networks.
3. Tusker — established multi-fuel fleet specialist
Tusker began offering car schemes in 2008, making them one of the longest-running providers with extensive corporate fleet experience. Unlike EV-only specialists like Octopus EV, Tusker offers flexible options across all fuel types.
What's included in Tusker's salary sacrifice scheme
- Comprehensive fleet management — Fully-managed service including insurance, maintenance, and breakdown cover
- Partner insurance options — Ability to add your partner to the insurance policy
- Multi-fuel vehicle choice — EVs, hybrids, petrol, and diesel options for diverse fleet needs
- Established corporate relationships — Significant National Insurance savings with proven enterprise solutions
- Employer protection — Comprehensive coverage as part of their mature offering
Why Tusker is a good Octopus EV alternative
Proven track record with large enterprises
Founded in 2000, Tusker has become one of the UK's leading providers with decades of experience managing complex corporate fleets. This established position gives large organisations confidence in their ability to scale.
Flexibility beyond EVs
For businesses not ready to commit fully to electric-only fleets, Tusker's hybrid and traditional fuel options provide transition pathways while still accessing salary sacrifice tax benefits.
Considerations
Tusker's multi-fuel focus means they may lack the deep EV-specific expertise and energy partnerships that Octopus EV and specialist providers offer. Their established position may also mean less cutting-edge digital tools compared to newer, technology-first providers.
4. Fleet Evolution — pioneering EV specialist with rapid setup
Fleet Evolution launched the UK's first electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme in 2012, giving them over 13 years of EV-specific expertise. Their employer protection covers situations where the employer terminates employment.
What's included in Fleet Evolution's salary sacrifice scheme
- Zero-penalty leaver protection — No early termination fees from Day 1, regardless of reason or timing
- One-day setup — Industry-fastest implementation capability
- Free workplace charging — Complimentary two-port 22kWh charger when 5+ employees join scheme
- All EVs available — Access to all current EV models including used vehicles and cancelled orders
- Electric Flex option — Up to 4 weeks per year of traditional fuel vehicle rental for long trips
- Ultra-low admin — Fleet Evolution handles everything including contract variations and HMRC clearance
- Dedicated teams — Separate Driverline Team for employees and Engagement Team for employers
Why Fleet Evolution is a good Octopus EV alternative
Employer protection when terminating employment
Fleet Evolution waives early termination fees when employers terminate employment, protecting businesses from costs when making redundancy or dismissal decisions. However, employees who voluntarily resign or terminate contracts face standard early termination charges (50% of remaining rentals plus VAT, plus £250 collection fee).
This differs from loveelectric's Zero Risk Guarantee, which covers employers from Day 1 regardless of termination reason—resignation, redundancy, dismissal, or non-accidental death.
13+ years EV-specific pioneering
As the UK's first EV salary sacrifice provider, Fleet Evolution has encountered and solved challenges that newer providers are only now discovering. This translates to smoother operations and fewer surprises.
Free workplace charging infrastructure
When five team members opt for salary sacrifice EVs, Fleet Evolution provides a free two-port 22kWh charger, removing a key infrastructure barrier.
Considerations
While Fleet Evolution offers exceptional leaver protection and EV expertise, they may not provide the integrated energy solutions of Octopus EV or the Charge Card flexibility of loveelectric for public charging savings.
5. SalSac — cost-neutral simplicity
SalSac focuses on providing a cost-neutral salary sacrifice scheme with no setup fees and transparent educational resources, making them accessible for businesses wanting an uncomplicated approach.
What's included in SalSac's salary sacrifice scheme
- No setup fees — Zero costs for employers to launch the scheme
- Cost-neutral model — Simple and affordable scheme design
- EV focus — Website concentrates on electric vehicles with clear information
- Example payslips — Shows exactly how net pay will look with salary sacrifice
- Cost comparison tools — Displays petrol vs electricity cost savings for each car over three years
- Comprehensive package — Insurance, maintenance, servicing, and breakdown cover
Why SalSac is a good Octopus EV alternative
Educational transparency
SalSac's inclusion of example payslips showing exactly how net pay changes helps employees understand salary sacrifice for the first time, potentially increasing scheme uptake.
This transparent, educational approach builds confidence and can improve adoption rates compared to providers relying on marketing rather than clear information.
No-frills value
SalSac's streamlined approach means less administrative complexity and faster decision-making for businesses that don't need extensive white-glove service or energy integrations.
Considerations
SalSac has limited eligibility criteria which may exclude some businesses. Their educational website is strong, but details on early termination protection, dealer network size, and charging solutions are less prominent than established providers like Octopus EV or loveelectric.
6. DriveElectric — EV specialist with charging expertise
DriveElectric has been helping organisations adopt EVs since 2008, bringing 15+ years of electric vehicle expertise to salary sacrifice. Their Pod Point and EDF partnerships create integrated charging solutions.
What's included in DriveElectric's salary sacrifice scheme
- Wide vehicle choice — Access to all major EV makes and models
- Pod Point home charger — Professionally installed for as little as £14 per month, yours to keep
- EDF energy partnership — Exclusive residential EV tariff with 8p/kWh overnight rate (75% savings vs standard tariffs)
- New and used EVs — Options for both brand new and quality second-hand electric vehicles
- Comprehensive package — Insurance, maintenance, servicing, and breakdown cover included
- Flexible deposit options — No deposit required, or optional Dynamic Deposits available to lower monthly costs
- 24/7 online portal — Search, select, and order EVs entirely online
Why DriveElectric is a good Octopus EV alternative
Deep EV and charging infrastructure expertise
DriveElectric's 15 years specialising exclusively in electric vehicles means dedicated consultants with genuine EV knowledge, supported by tax and compliance specialists.
This expertise extends to charging infrastructure through sister company CrowdCharge, offering workplace charging, solar, V2G, and energy management—similar to Octopus EV's energy integration but with more B2B focus.
Integrated but not locked-in
DriveElectric's Pod Point and EDF partnerships offer similar energy benefits to Octopus EV (8p/kWh overnight rates) without requiring you to be an existing Octopus Energy customer. The Pod Point charger becomes yours to keep, unlike bundled packages.
Proven cost savings
Example savings include £260 monthly on a Tesla Model Y or £206 monthly on an MG4 SE for 40% taxpayers compared to personal leasing, with employees reducing emissions by approximately 20 tonnes CO2e over vehicle lifetime.
Considerations
DriveElectric's strength lies in EV and charging expertise rather than the broader mobility solutions or multi-funder comparison shopping that brokers like loveelectric offer. Their model works best for organisations committed to electric-only fleets.
How to choose your Octopus EV alternative
Selecting the right provider requires aligning scheme features with your specific business priorities:
Match your business priorities
- For maximum pricing competition: Choose brokers with multiple funders (loveelectric, The Electric Car Scheme) over single-supplier models
- For ultimate risk protection: Prioritise Day 1 coverage (loveelectric, The Electric Car Scheme, Fleet Evolution) over Octopus EV's 6-month wait
- For charging flexibility: Consider whether Octopus EV's energy ecosystem lock-in suits your workforce, or if loveelectric's Charge Card (works with any company EV) provides better flexibility
- For fastest setup: Fleet Evolution's one-day implementation or loveelectric's seven-day launch beat Octopus EV's two-week average
Evaluate true charging costs
Octopus EV bundles charging perks, but these only deliver value if employees are Octopus Energy customers and can install home chargers. Calculate whether "free" chargers actually inflate monthly lease costs.
Loveelectric's Charge Card offers up to 60% savings through salary sacrifice on all charging (home and public), works with any company-leased EV, and includes Tesla Superchargers—providing flexibility Octopus EV's bundled approach can't match.
Consider employee uptake potential
Vehicle choice drives adoption. Octopus EV's owned-fleet model limits available stock. Brokers accessing multiple funders (loveelectric with 300+ dealers, The Electric Car Scheme's multiple partners) provide broader selection, improving employee satisfaction and scheme uptake.
Assess total scheme transparency
Question providers on:
- Business model: Does the provider own vehicles (Octopus EV) or broker across multiple funders (loveelectric, The Electric Car Scheme)?
- Fee structure: Are fees disclosed separately from vehicle costs, or bundled into lease prices?
- Protection timeline: Is coverage immediate or delayed six months?
- Charging solution flexibility: Does it require specific energy suppliers or work universally?
For most UK businesses, loveelectric ticks every box — transparent broker model with competitive multi-funder pricing, Zero Risk Guarantee from Day 1, Charge Card flexibility working across any company EV and all charging networks, plus seven-day setup. Their B Corp certification ensures verified transparency Octopus EV's parent company provides, without the owned-fleet limitations.
Ready to compare your options? Explore the best salary sacrifice car scheme features.
Choosing loveelectric
If you're looking for an Octopus EV alternative combining competitive pricing, charging flexibility, and genuine risk-free operation, loveelectric delivers on every front.
Broker model beats owned-fleet pricing
loveelectric's partnerships with multiple leasing funders create genuine market competition, typically delivering lower monthly costs than Octopus EV's single-supplier owned-fleet rates.
Access every EV on the market through 300+ dealers and multiple leasing partners, plus quality-assured used EVs through reloved®. Employees earning from £27,000 upward can find affordable EVs that fit their budget.
Charge Card matches Octopus' strength—with better flexibility
Octopus EV's charging bundle requires Octopus Energy membership and home charging capability. loveelectric's Charge Card works with any company-leased EV across all UK charging networks including Tesla Superchargers, delivering up to 60% savings through HMRC-compliant salary sacrifice.
Employees tell loveelectric their mileage and charging patterns. loveelectric calculates costs, sets up salary sacrifice deductions, and credits the exclusive VISA Charge Card monthly—turning charging from post-tax expense into pre-tax benefit.
Zero Risk Guarantee from Day 1
Unlike Octopus EV's six-month waiting period, loveelectric provides total employer protection from contract signature, covering resignation, redundancy, dismissal, and non-accidental death. No waiting. No unexpected costs.
Cost-neutral for employers
loveelectric's administration fee equals employer NIC savings achieved when employees take out leases, guaranteeing businesses never pay out of pocket.
Lightning-fast setup
Schemes complete within 7 days with magic-link onboarding, automated payroll reports, and dedicated employer portal handling all administration automatically.
B Corp sustainability
loveelectric's B Corp certification with 102.0 impact score demonstrates verified commitment to social and environmental responsibility, perfect for businesses with genuine sustainability goals.
Get started today
Ready to offer employees an EV benefit with better pricing and flexibility than Octopus EV?
- Check eligibility: Use the eligibility checker to confirm your business qualifies
- Request information: Complete the employer enquiry form to speak with a Salary Sacrifice Expert
- Learn more: Visit the employee information page to understand how the scheme benefits your staff
- Refer your company: Employees can refer their company to suggest switching from Octopus EV
Browse available vehicles in the car selector to see the full range your employees can access.
Octopus EV alternative FAQs
Who are the main alternatives to Octopus EV?
The leading alternatives to Octopus EV include loveelectric, The Electric Car Scheme, Tusker, Fleet Evolution, SalSac, and DriveElectric. Each offers different approaches to EV salary sacrifice.
loveelectric stands out with its broker model accessing multiple funders (unlike Octopus EV's owned fleet), exclusive Charge Card offering up to 60% savings on all charging, Zero Risk Guarantee from Day 1, and quality-assured used EVs through reloved® marketplace.
The Electric Car Scheme offers similar multi-funder access with Complete Employer Protection from Day 1. Fleet Evolution provides employer protection when terminating employment, though employees face charges for voluntary resignations. DriveElectric brings 15 years of EV-specific expertise with Pod Point integration.
The right alternative depends on whether you prioritise pricing competition (multi-funder brokers), charging flexibility (loveelectric's Charge Card), or energy ecosystem integration (DriveElectric, similar to Octopus EV but without lock-in).
Is loveelectric better than Octopus EV?
loveelectric offers several key advantages over Octopus EV that may make it the better choice for your business:
Broker vs owned-fleet pricing: loveelectric's multi-funder broker model creates genuine competition between leasing companies, typically delivering lower monthly costs than Octopus EV's single-supplier rates. Access to 300+ dealers means better stock availability and faster delivery.
Day 1 vs 6-month risk protection: loveelectric's Zero Risk Guarantee provides complete employer protection from contract signature. Octopus EV's early termination protection only starts after six months, leaving businesses exposed during the initial period.
Universal vs ecosystem-locked charging: Octopus EV's charging perks require Octopus Energy membership. loveelectric's Charge Card works with any company-leased EV across all UK charging networks including Tesla Superchargers, offering up to 60% savings through salary sacrifice without energy supplier lock-in.
Used EV accessibility: loveelectric's reloved® marketplace provides quality-assured used EVs alongside new models, making salary sacrifice accessible to employees earning from £27,000. This inclusivity drives higher scheme uptake.
Both are strong providers. Your choice depends on whether you value pricing competition and flexibility (loveelectric) or prefer Octopus EV's integrated energy ecosystem (if you're already Octopus customers).
What's the cheapest salary sacrifice provider?
Provider costs vary based on specific vehicle, lease term, and mileage rather than provider fees alone. However, business models significantly impact pricing:
Broker vs leasing company models: loveelectric and The Electric Car Scheme operate as brokers with multiple funders, creating market competition that typically delivers lower monthly costs than single-supplier providers like Octopus EV.
Owned-fleet limitations: Octopus EV owns the vehicles they lease, meaning no competition on pricing and potential stock limitations. Brokers accessing multiple funders benefit from leasing companies competing for business.
Hidden costs in bundles: Octopus EV bundles "free" home chargers and charging perks into lease costs. Check whether these bundles inflate base pricing compared to providers offering charging as separate salary sacrifice (like loveelectric's Charge Card).
Used vs new EVs: loveelectric's reloved® marketplace and The Electric Car Scheme's used selection provide significantly lower monthly price points than new-only schemes, making them effectively the cheapest option for budget-conscious employees.
Use online calculators from multiple providers to compare identical vehicles on the same terms. The cheapest option combines competitive base pricing, genuine market comparison, and access to both new and used vehicles.
How long does it take to switch from Octopus EV to another provider?
Switching providers involves two separate timelines—ending current leases and launching new schemes:
For vehicles currently on Octopus EV leases: Employees need to complete existing lease terms unless Octopus EV's early termination protection allows breaking contracts. After the six-month protection period starts, early termination options become available under specific circumstances.
For launching alternative provider schemes: loveelectric can launch new schemes within 7 days. Fleet Evolution offers one-day setup. The Electric Car Scheme and DriveElectric typically complete within two weeks.
Practical switching approach:
- Launch your new scheme with chosen alternative provider (7-14 days)
- New employees immediately access the new scheme
- Existing Octopus EV lease holders transition as their leases naturally expire
- Run both schemes in parallel during transition period
For employees urgently needing to switch: Check whether Octopus EV's early termination protection covers changing schemes after six months, though this is rare. Most businesses let leases naturally expire rather than incurring early termination costs.
Planning ahead and launching your alternative provider before current leases expire ensures zero disruption to your employee benefit offering and avoids early termination penalties.
Do all providers include insurance and servicing?
Most EV salary sacrifice providers include comprehensive packages, but specific inclusions vary:
Standard across most providers:
- Maintenance and servicing
- MOT tests
- Tyre replacement
- Breakdown cover and roadside assistance
- Road tax
Insurance variations:
loveelectric includes comprehensive insurance as optional add-on during checkout with pricing adjusted accordingly. Octopus EV bundles insurance as standard. Tusker offers insurance with option to add partners.
Charging extras:
Octopus EV bundles either free home charger OR 4,000 free miles via Electroverse (valued ~£600). loveelectric offers Charge Card as standalone HMRC-compliant salary sacrifice providing up to 60% savings. DriveElectric provides Pod Point chargers for £14/month that become yours to keep.
What's typically NOT included:
- Charging costs (though some providers offer discounted tariffs or salary sacrifice charging)
- Parking and congestion charges
- Speeding fines and parking tickets
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
Always review specific package details with your chosen provider. loveelectric includes everything in one monthly payment with clear breakdowns provided before commitment, eliminating surprises and ensuring true cost neutrality for employers.
Learn more: Is EV salary sacrifice worth it for your business?
Note: This article was last updated November 2025. Provider offerings, pricing, and terms may change. Always verify current details directly with providers before making decisions.
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