The Charge Scheme: World's First EV Charging Salary Sacrifice Solution
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Many drivers who switch to electric vehicles for environmental and tax benefits discover that charging costs can sometimes exceed their previous petrol expenses. The Charge Scheme represents the first EV charging salary sacrifice solution designed to address electric vehicle charging costs for employees and businesses. This approach aims to tackle one of the significant barriers to EV adoption while supporting companies in their net zero objectives.
The Problem with Current EV Charging Costs
Electric vehicle adoption in the UK has been growing steadily in recent years. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 11.6% of new vehicle registrations at the end of 2021, climbing to 19.6% by the end of 2024. The shift away from traditional petrol and diesel cars represents progress towards reducing transport emissions, which accounted for almost a fifth (19%) of the UK's total domestic greenhouse gas emissions in 2019.
However, electric vehicles are the future, but the cost of charging has become a growing barrier for many people. While home charging remains affordable, over 9 million households in the UK can't access it due to a lack of off-street parking. These drivers have no other option but to rely on the public charging network, which can cost more than petrol or diesel - particularly for rapid and ultra-rapid charging sessions.
The uncertainty around energy costs adds another layer of complexity to EV charging expenses. According to Ofgem's latest retail market indicators, wholesale energy prices have shown significant volatility, with gas and electricity prices fluctuating due to factors ranging from weather conditions to geopolitical tensions.
This situation is more than just frustrating for individual drivers - it's actively slowing down the transition to EVs. For the estimated 9 million UK households without access to off-street parking, home charging simply isn't an option. This disparity creates an unfair two-tier system where EV adoption becomes a privilege of postcode and property type rather than a genuine choice. If we want to reach our Net Zero targets, we need to make EV adoption easy, fair, and cost-effective for everyone.
Introducing the First EV Charging Salary Sacrifice Solution
The Charge Scheme represents a shift in how we think about electric car charging costs. As the first EV charging salary sacrifice solution in the UK, it can save employees 20-50% on their charging expenses - whether they charge at home, at work, or on the road.
The salary sacrifice charging process works by allowing employees to pay for their personal EV charging costs through salary sacrifice, meaning the expense is deducted from their gross salary before tax and National Insurance. This results in 20-50% EV charging savings that can amount to hundreds or even thousands of pounds per year for regular EV users.
Unlike traditional charging solutions that focus on infrastructure or tariffs, this electric car charging scheme addresses the fundamental issue of affordability through the tax system, making electric vehicle ownership more accessible for everyone. The solution integrates seamlessly with existing company car schemes and salary sacrifice providers, requiring no changes to current arrangements. This bolt-on approach means companies can improve their benefits package without disrupting established relationships or processes.
How The Charge Scheme Works: Four Simple Steps
The Charge Scheme follows four straightforward steps that minimise administrative burden whilst maximising employee savings. Understanding how this works helps employers and employees maximise the salary sacrifice charging benefits available.
Step 1: Employee Setup
Employees receive access to The Charge Scheme app and charging card, which connects them to over 69,000 public charging points across the UK. Setting this up only takes a couple of minutes, and it has a simple interface for managing charging sessions.
Step 2: Monthly Mileage Submission
Each month, employees will submit their mileage readings through the employee portal (taking as little as 10 seconds). This data will give an accurate calculation of personal and business charging within the salary sacrifice charging process.
Step 3: Intelligent Cost Calculation
The Charge Scheme automatically calculates all charging costs, whether from home, work, or public charging sessions. This removes the guesswork and administrative burden from HR teams and employees.
Step 4: Payroll Integration
Employers receive clear payroll instructions to implement the salary sacrifice deductions. The system handles all of the complex calculations, ensuring compliance while minimising the chances of an administrative headache.
Comprehensive Charging Coverage
One of the key differentiators of The Charge Scheme as a workplace charging benefit is its universal coverage. Unlike solutions that focus on specific charging types or locations, this system covers all charging scenarios that EV drivers encounter.
Home Charging Benefits
For employees with access to home charging, The Charge Scheme works with any tariff and any charger type. Whether using a standard 7kW home charger or a faster installation, employees can claim salary sacrifice benefits on their domestic charging costs.
Workplace Charging Integration
Office-based charging is seamlessly integrated into the system. Employees who pay for charging at work can plug in and benefit from salary sacrifice savings, maximising workplace EV charging savings.
Public Charging Network
The app provides access to an extensive public charging network, enabling employees to charge confidently knowing they'll benefit from tax savings regardless of location. This comprehensive coverage is essential for employees who rely primarily on public charging infrastructure.
Why choose The Charge Scheme
For Employees: Substantial Financial Savings
The main salary sacrifice charging benefit is significant annual savings, depending on their annual mileage, vehicle efficiency, tax band, and charging habits. High-mileage drivers who rely heavily on public charging may save up to £1,000 per year.
The scheme works particularly well for employees in company car schemes or those who have taken an electric vehicle through salary sacrifice. By adding charging costs to their existing arrangement, they can maximise the tax efficiency of their EV transition while reducing electric car charging costs substantially.
For Employers: Zero-Cost Implementation
As a salary sacrifice charging provider, The Charge Scheme means employers can offer better benefits with no direct cost to the business. The scheme integrates with existing payroll systems without any changes to the current car scheme providers or leasing arrangements.
This employee benefit also supports Net Zero and ESG objectives while improving employee satisfaction and retention. For companies looking to encourage EV adoption among their workforce, removing the charging cost barrier represents a step forward in the right direction!
Easy-to-Use Platform
The Charge Scheme provides an easy-to-use interface for managing charging sessions. The charging card technology means users can easily make payments across multiple networks, giving employees access to over 69,000 public charging points across the UK. The monthly mileage submission process takes just 10 seconds, while the system automatically calculates all charging costs and provides clear monthly summaries for both employees and employers.
The Charge Scheme in Action
Companies across different sectors are already seeing the benefits of implementing The Charge Scheme for their employees and sustainability goals.
Shaw Education Trust: Removing Barriers to EV Adoption
Shaw Education Trust, a multi-academy trust serving over 11,000 students across 32 academies, implemented The Charge Scheme as a zero-cost addition to their benefits package. Stephen Watson, Chief People Officer, noticed the enthusiasm from their team and how the EV charging cost savings removed a barrier for educators considering the switch to an EV.
The scheme covers home, workplace, and public charging, aligned perfectly with their diverse workforce's needs while supporting their environmental sustainability commitments.
Real-World Impact: John Godfrey's Experience
John Godfrey from Red Badger represents the typical employee who benefits most from The Charge Scheme. Having leased an MG4 through EV salary sacrifice, he faced higher costs from public charging because he didn’t have access to a home charger. The scheme provided relief by enabling him to recover savings through salary sacrifice, with expected annual savings exceeding £600.
John’s experience shows how an electric car charging scheme particularly benefits employees in urban areas where home charging isn't always the easier option.
The Future of EV Charging
Market Leadership and Category Creation
As the UK’s first EV charging salary sacrifice solution, The Charge Scheme is establishing a new category in the employee benefits market. This gives companies that adopt the scheme the opportunity to shape industry standards and expectations around charging cost support.
Our vision extends beyond individual savings to include systemic change in how businesses and employees approach EV adoption. By making charging costs more predictable and affordable through workplace EV charging, The Charge Scheme removes uncertainty that has historically hindered fleet electrification decisions.
Integration with Emerging Technologies
The Charge Scheme platform is designed to evolve with advancing charging technology and infrastructure. As vehicle-to-grid technology develops and smart charging becomes more sophisticated, The Charge Scheme's flexible architecture will adapt to be compatible with future developments.
Scaling Impact Across Sectors
Different industries face unique challenges in EV adoption. The logistics sector, represented by Europa Worldwide Group, has specific requirements around charging availability and cost management. Educational institutions like Shaw Education Trust need solutions that align with public sector values and budget constraints.
The Charge Scheme's adaptability means different sectors can have tailored approaches while maintaining the core benefit of salary sacrifice savings. This flexibility is important for achieving widespread adoption across diverse employment contexts.
Getting Started with The Charge Scheme
Interested in setting up The Charge Scheme? Here’s how you can get started.
Implementation Process
Businesses interested in offering this workplace charging solution can implement The Charge Scheme alongside existing benefits packages - no need to worry! The process involves little disruption to your current arrangements, with comprehensive support provided throughout setup and ongoing operation.
The implementation team provides detailed guidance for payroll departments and clear communication materials for employees. Training sessions help achieve smooth adoption, while ongoing support ensures the system works correctly.
Integration Flexibility
Companies with existing car schemes can bolt The Charge Scheme directly onto their current arrangements without changing providers or disrupting employee experiences. For businesses without existing schemes, The Electric Car Scheme can provide a complete solution covering both vehicle and charging benefits.
The Charge Scheme creates a win-win scenario: employees save money on charging costs while employers improve their benefits package at zero direct cost. With comprehensive coverage across home, workplace, and public charging, no employee is left behind in the transition to electric mobility.
For businesses looking to support their workforce's transition to electric vehicles while advancing their sustainability goals, The Charge Scheme offers a practical path forward. Addressing the affordability gap that has prevented many employees from making the switch helps create a fairer, more accessible approach to electric mobility.
The technology exists, the benefits are proven, and early adopters are already seeing results. The question now is how quickly this approach can scale to support the UK's broader transition to sustainable transport.
To learn more about implementing The Charge Scheme at your business, book a demo with one of our friendly team members! If you’re an employee interested in how much you could save, use our charging costs calculator.
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Last updated: 04/09/2025
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Charge Scheme Calculator. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The Charge Scheme is a product of The Electric Car Scheme™ – a trusted, trademarked brand dedicated to making electric driving more affordable. All rights reserved. The Electric Car Scheme is the trading style of The Electric Car Scheme Limited (company number 12646157, ICO number ZB030706, VAT number 439430195) and The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited (company number 13295877, ICO number ZB252629). Head office & registered address: The Shipping Building, 254 Blyth Road, Hayes, UB3 1HA. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608) is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender.
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