Best Electric SUVs 2026: The Complete UK Buyer's Guide
Best Electric SUVs at a Glance
The electric SUV is now the dominant body style in the UK EV market - and for good reason. They offer the practicality families need, the range professionals demand, and the performance drivers want, all wrapped up in a package that qualifies for the most tax-efficient way to drive in the UK: electric car salary sacrifice.
This guide covers every major electric SUV available in the UK in 2026, ranked across ten key attributes. Whether you're a busy professional comparing total cost of ownership, an environmentally conscious driver weighing lifecycle emissions, or someone who simply wants the best driving experience available, you'll find your answer here.
All salary sacrifice costs referenced reflect 2026/27 BiK rates of 4% and typical savings of 20–50% versus a personal lease. Use our salary sacrifice calculator to get a personalised figure.
Master Comparison Table: Best Electric SUVs 2026
| Model | WLTP Range | 0–60 mph | Boot Space | 10–80% Charge | Euro NCAP | Est. Salary Sacrifice From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 310 miles | 5.0 sec | 854L | ~28 min | 5-star | ~£400/mo |
| Hyundai IONIQ 6 (crossover) | 321 miles | 5.1 sec | 401L | ~18 min | 5-star | ~£420/mo |
| Kia EV6 | 314 miles | 5.1 sec | 490L | ~18 min | 5-star | ~£430/mo |
| BMW iX | 380 miles | 4.6 sec | 500L | ~35 min | 5-star | ~£700/mo |
| Audi Q4 e-tron | 316 miles | 6.7 sec | 520L | ~28 min | 5-star | ~£480/mo |
| Volvo EX90 | 320 miles | 4.9 sec | 365L | ~30 min | 5-star | ~£750/mo |
| Mercedes EQB | 260 miles | 8.0 sec | 495L | ~32 min | 5-star | ~£520/mo |
| Polestar 3 | 350 miles | 4.7 sec | 484L | ~30 min | 5-star | ~£750/mo |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 320 miles | 6.2 sec | 543L | ~28 min | 5-star | ~£450/mo |
| Nissan Ariya | 329 miles | 5.9 sec | 468L | ~30 min | 5-star | ~£440/mo |
| Hyundai IONIQ 9 | 348 miles | 5.5 sec | 620L+ | ~24 min | TBC | ~£700/mo |
| Porsche Macan Electric | 380 miles | 3.3 sec | 540L | ~21 min | 5-star | ~£900/mo |
| Renault Scenic E-Tech | 298 miles | 8.4 sec | 545L | ~30 min | 5-star | ~£380/mo |
| BYD Atto 3 | 261 miles | 7.3 sec | 440L | ~35 min | 5-star | ~£320/mo |
| Jeep Avenger Electric | 248 miles | 8.5 sec | 355L | ~24 min | 5-star | ~£280/mo |
Salary sacrifice costs are estimates for a 40% taxpayer on a 36-month, 10,000 miles p.a. lease. Get your personalised quote here.
Best Electric SUVs by Range
Range remains the most-asked-about attribute for anyone considering an EV — and rightfully so. While the UK average daily commute is well under 40 miles, peace of mind for longer journeys matters. The good news: the best-ranged electric SUVs in 2026 comfortably surpass 300 miles on the WLTP cycle, and real-world figures are improving year on year as battery technology advances.
It's worth understanding the difference between WLTP range (the official testing standard used across the EU and UK) and real-world range, which is typically 15–25% lower depending on speed, temperature, and driving style. For tips on maximising your EV's range whatever the season, see our guides on electric cars in winter and optimising your electric car's range.
Top 5 Electric SUVs Ranked by Range
1. BMW iX xDrive50 — 380 miles WLTP The BMW iX remains one of the longest-range electric SUVs you can buy in the UK. Its 111.5kWh usable battery is among the largest in the segment, delivering a real-world range comfortably above 300 miles in temperate conditions. It's available through a salary sacrifice scheme from approximately £700/month for a 40% taxpayer, representing substantial savings versus a personal lease.
2. Porsche Macan Electric — 380 miles WLTP The all-electric Macan is a genuine revelation — matching the iX on range while vastly outperforming it on performance. Its 800V architecture also means ultra-rapid charging speeds that put many rivals to shame. Explore the Porsche Macan Electric in detail here.
3. Polestar 3 — 350 miles WLTP The Polestar 3 combines Scandinavian minimalism with a 111kWh battery that delivers serious real-world range. With 250kW peak charging capability, stops are quick too. Available via Polestar salary sacrifice from approximately £750/month.
4. Hyundai IONIQ 9 — 348 miles WLTP The IONIQ 9 is Hyundai's flagship seven-seat electric SUV, and its 110.3kWh battery delivers impressive range for a vehicle of its size. The 800V platform enables 24-minute 10–80% charging — remarkable for an SUV this large. See the full Hyundai IONIQ 9 overview here.
5. Nissan Ariya — 329 miles WLTP The Nissan Ariya punches above its weight on range, particularly in its rear-wheel-drive variant. It's one of the most compelling mid-range electric SUVs for range-conscious drivers, available via Nissan EV salary sacrifice from approximately £440/month.
Also consider: The Kia EV6 (314 miles), Volkswagen ID.4 (320 miles), and Tesla Model Y (310 miles) all deliver strong real-world range in a competitive price bracket. For the longest-range EVs across all body styles, see our guide to top longest-range electric cars.
Best Electric SUVs by Price and Value
Top 5 Most Affordable Electric SUVs (With Salary Sacrifice Costs)
Price is where electric car salary sacrifice transforms the picture. An EV that looks expensive on a personal lease becomes dramatically more accessible when you factor in income tax savings, National Insurance savings, and the low 4% BiK rate for 2026/27. Employees can save 20–50% versus a personal lease — and that's before accounting for cheaper running costs.
Here are the five most accessible electric SUVs available through a company electric car scheme in 2026:
1. Jeep Avenger Electric — from ~£280/month via salary sacrifice The Jeep Avenger is the most affordable electric SUV in the UK market, and through The Electric Car Scheme it becomes even more attainable. Its compact footprint suits urban driving, while the distinctive Jeep styling sets it apart. WLTP range sits at 248 miles — adequate for most UK drivers given the average daily commute is around 20 miles.
2. BYD Atto 3 — from ~£320/month via salary sacrifice Chinese manufacturer BYD has made serious inroads in the UK, and the Atto 3 represents strong value. A 261-mile WLTP range and a well-equipped interior make it a credible alternative to more established European nameplates. For more on best Chinese electric cars available in the UK, see our dedicated guide.
3. Renault Scenic E-Tech — from ~£380/month via salary sacrifice The reborn Renault Scenic as a pure electric SUV is one of 2025/26's standout value propositions. Nearly 300 miles of range, a spacious cabin, and a competitive lease price make it a top pick for families. The related Renault 5 and the Scenic share Renault's excellent E-Tech electric platform, and both are available through Renault salary sacrifice.
4. Tesla Model Y — from ~£400/month via salary sacrifice The Tesla Model Y remains the world's best-selling electric vehicle for good reason. Its combination of real-world range, over-the-air updates, and the Supercharger network make it uniquely compelling. For those weighing alternatives, see our Tesla Model Y alternatives guide — or explore Tesla salary sacrifice directly.
5. Nissan Ariya — from ~£440/month via salary sacrifice At this price point, the Ariya offers exceptional range and a premium interior. Combined with Nissan's strong warranty and dealer network, it's one of the most rounded mid-market electric SUV propositions in 2026.
Best Value-for-Money Electric SUVs
Value means different things to different drivers. If you're measuring by total cost of ownership — including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and tax — the calculation shifts further in favour of EVs. Electric cars cost approximately half as much to service and maintain as petrol equivalents, and home charging costs a fraction of petrol. On the electric cars vs petrol cars cost comparison, EVs win comprehensively over a three-to-four-year lease period for most drivers.
For the sharpest overall value proposition in 2026, the Volkswagen ID.4, Kia EV6, and Hyundai IONIQ 9 stand out. The ID.4 offers 543 litres of boot space, 320 miles of range, and a refined driving experience through Volkswagen salary sacrifice. The Kia EV6 brings 800V ultra-rapid charging to a mid-market price. And the IONIQ 9's seven-seat layout at its price point is virtually unmatched.
For drivers on tighter budgets, our guide to new EV salary sacrifice under £250 a month covers the most affordable options across all body styles.
Best Electric SUVs for Performance
The electric motor has fundamentally changed what "performance" means in the SUV segment. Where a fast petrol SUV once required a large-capacity turbocharged engine and a significant fuel penalty, electric SUVs deliver instant torque, near-silent acceleration, and consistent performance in all conditions. Many of the best-performing electric SUVs in 2026 would embarrass dedicated sports cars from a decade ago.
Top 5 Electric SUVs by Performance
1. Porsche Macan Electric (Turbo) — 0–60 mph in 3.3 seconds The Porsche Macan Electric Turbo is the performance benchmark for electric SUVs in 2026. Its dual-motor, 639hp setup combined with Porsche's chassis tuning delivers a driving experience that's genuinely thrilling. For a full breakdown of the Porsche Macan Electric, see our detailed review. Available via Porsche salary sacrifice from approximately £900/month.
2. Polestar 3 — 0–60 mph in 4.7 seconds The Polestar 3 is designed to compete with performance SUVs from BMW and Porsche. Its dual-motor Long Range Performance variant produces 517hp and handles with the precision you'd expect from a brand rooted in Volvo's performance division. The Polestar 3 review covers this in detail.
3. BMW iX M60 — 0–60 mph in 3.8 seconds The M60 variant of the BMW iX is the closest thing to an M car in the iX range — 619hp, adaptive air suspension, and a chassis tuned for driver engagement. BMW salary sacrifice options cover the full iX range.
4. Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance — 0–60 mph in 4.9 seconds The Volvo EX90's performance variant doesn't shout about its speed, but its 517hp dual-motor setup is devastatingly effective. Combined with Volvo's renowned safety credentials and a class-leading seven-seat interior, it's a genuinely complete package. Available via Volvo salary sacrifice.
5. Kia EV6 GT — 0–60 mph in 3.5 seconds The EV6 GT is perhaps the most surprising performance electric SUV in this list. At a price point significantly below Porsche and BMW, it delivers sports car acceleration courtesy of its 577hp dual-motor setup — yet remains practical enough for daily family life. Explore Kia salary sacrifice options here.
For drivers who prioritise driving excitement alongside practicality, the fastest electric cars available through salary sacrifice are covered in a dedicated guide.
Best Electric SUVs for Design
Design has become a key battleground in the electric SUV segment. As EVs shed the need for traditional front grilles and exhaust pipes, manufacturers have embraced radical new forms — and some of 2026's most striking car design happens to be electric.
Top 5 Electric SUVs for Exterior Design
1. Polestar 3 — Polestar's design language is among the most distinctive in the industry. The long bonnet, flush door handles, and dramatic rear light bar give the Polestar 3 an elegance that few rivals match. It won multiple design awards upon launch and continues to turn heads in 2026.
2. Porsche Macan Electric — Porsche managed to make the Macan Electric look more purposeful than its petrol predecessor. The sculpted flanks, wide stance, and characteristic Porsche front end translate beautifully to the electric era. See our best-looking electric cars guide for a wider breakdown.
3. Kia EV6 — The EV6's fast-back roofline and bold surfacing divide opinion — but it remains one of the most photographed EVs of the decade. Its "Opposites United" design philosophy produces something genuinely unlike anything else in the segment.
4. Tesla Model Y (2024 refresh) — Tesla's subtle refresh of the Model Y tightened up the proportions and added a cleaner front end, making it one of the most cohesive-looking vehicles in the brand's history. Its clean, restrained surfacing has influenced an entire generation of EV design.
5. Volvo EX90 — The EX90 is Volvo's masterpiece: Scandinavian restraint at its finest, with a sweeping roofline, flush surfaces, and the brand's signature Thor's Hammer lighting signature running the full width of the car. It's the electric SUV you'd choose if design is your primary consideration — and it happens to seat seven.
Best Electric SUVs for Interior Space and Comfort
One of the underappreciated advantages of purpose-built electric SUVs is their interior packaging. Without a transmission tunnel, a large engine bay, or a fuel tank eating into underbody space, EV platforms free up significantly more room for passengers and luggage than comparably-sized petrol SUVs. The result: electric SUVs consistently offer class-leading interior space.
Top 5 Electric SUVs by Interior Volume and Boot Space
1. Hyundai IONIQ 9 — 620L+ boot, genuine 7 seats The IONIQ 9 is the benchmark for interior space in the electric SUV segment in 2026. Its flat-floor EV platform and long wheelbase create a genuinely roomy three-row layout — and with all seats folded, load capacity is exceptional. For families who need seven genuine adult seats, nothing else in the electric SUV segment comes close at this price. See the full IONIQ 9 details here. Available viaHyundai salary sacrifice.
2. Volvo EX90 — 365L (seven seats up) / 1,920L (all folded) The EX90's clever packaging means that even with all seven seats occupied, there's usable boot space. With the rear seats folded, it becomes a genuinely cavernous load-lugger. The interior itself is among the most premium in any electric vehicle: sustainably sourced materials, a 14.5-inch portrait screen, and one of the best Bose audio systems in the segment.
3. Volkswagen ID.4 — 543L boot For families who need five seats and a big boot, the ID.4 is hard to beat. Its MEB platform was engineered from the ground up for electric powertrains, and the result is a boot that eclipses many larger-looking SUVs.VW ID.4 salary sacrifice options start from approximately £450/month.
4. Renault Scenic E-Tech — 545L boot The Scenic surprised many reviewers with its interior practicality. A wide tailgate opening, a flat boot floor, and thoughtful storage throughout the cabin make it one of the most family-friendly electric SUVs available at its price point.
5. Audi Q4 e-tron — 520L boot The Q4 e-tron leverages the same MEB platform as the ID.4 but wraps it in Audi's more premium cabin treatment. The result is a spacious, well-finished interior with typical Audi build quality, and enough boot space for a busy family. Available via Audi salary sacrifice from approximately £480/month.
For families specifically considering which electric SUV is best for car seats and children, our dedicated guide on best EVs for car seats is essential reading. And for those who need seven seats specifically, our best electric seven-seater guide covers the full range of options.
Best Electric SUVs for Charging Speed
Charging speed is increasingly the differentiator that separates good electric SUVs from great ones. The introduction of 800V electrical architecture — pioneered by Hyundai-Kia and Porsche — has fundamentally shifted expectations. An 800V vehicle can replenish 100 miles of range in under 10 minutes at an appropriate ultra-rapid charger. For anyone who regularly drives beyond their car's range, this is the single most important specification to check.
For a full explainer on what charging speeds mean in practice, see our beginner's guide to EV charging and our detailed guide to fast charging at home.
Top 5 Electric SUVs by Charging Speed (10–80%)
1. Kia EV6 — approximately 18 minutes (10–80%) at 350kW The EV6's 800V architecture and 240kW peak charging rate make it the fastest-charging mid-market electric SUV in the UK. When connected to an appropriately powerful ultra-rapid charger, the 10–80% charge takes approximately 18 minutes — less time than a motorway services lunch. Its Hyundai sibling, the IONIQ 5, achieves similar figures.
2. Porsche Macan Electric — approximately 21 minutes (10–80%) at 270kW Porsche's 800V platform in the Macan Electric delivers up to 270kW peak DC charging. In practice, this means adding around 100 miles in under 10 minutes at a high-power charger — making long-distance travel feel genuinely effortless.
3. Hyundai IONIQ 9 — approximately 24 minutes (10–80%) at 350kW Remarkable for a seven-seat SUV: the IONIQ 9's 800V system means charging times that rival much smaller vehicles. Hyundai's E-GMP platform continues to lead the segment on charging technology.
4. Tesla Model Y — approximately 28 minutes (10–80%) at 250kW The Tesla Model Y may charge at a lower peak rate than the 800V competitors above, but Tesla's Supercharger network remains the most reliable and widely available rapid charging network in the UK. For long-distance drivers, network coverage often matters more than peak charging speed.
5. Volkswagen ID.4 / Audi Q4 e-tron — approximately 28 minutes (10–80%) at 135kW The MEB-platform vehicles from the Volkswagen Group cap out at 135kW peak charging — slower than the 800V competition but still fast enough for a meaningful top-up during a 30-minute motorway stop. The ID.4 alternatives guide covers options if faster charging is a priority.
For managing charging costs alongside speed, our guide to saving money on EV charging covers seven proven strategies — including how The Charge Scheme lets employees salary sacrifice their charging costs to save a further 20–50%.
Best Electric SUVs for Safety
Every electric SUV in this guide has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating — a testament to how seriously the segment takes occupant protection. However, there are meaningful differences in the breadth of driver assistance technology, the performance in individual test categories, and the availability of advanced safety systems as standard equipment rather than expensive options.
Top 5 Electric SUVs by Safety Features and NCAP Performance
1. Volvo EX90 — industry-leading active safety Volvo has built its entire brand identity around safety, and the EX90 is the culmination of decades of research. It features a LiDAR sensor as standard — a technology previously reserved for autonomous vehicle development — combined with radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors for a 360-degree sensing package that Volvo claims is capable of detecting hazards the driver cannot see. It also includes driver monitoring that detects signs of distraction or drowsiness. For families prioritising safety above all else, no other electric SUV in 2026 matches the EX90's specification.
2. BMW iX — top-tier Euro NCAP scores The BMW iX achieved exceptional scores across Euro NCAP's categories, particularly in adult occupant protection and safety assist systems. Its standard specification includes front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a suite of parking sensors and cameras.
3. Hyundai IONIQ 9 — advanced safety as standard The IONIQ 9 brings Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist 2 as standard equipment — a system capable of lane centring, adaptive cruise, and automatic lane changes on motorways. For a seven-seat family SUV, its safety credentials are outstanding.
4. Kia EV6 — five-star NCAP with strong child occupant scores The EV6 performed particularly well in Euro NCAP's child occupant protection category — relevant for families with young children. Its standard safety suite includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver attention warning.
5. Tesla Model Y — AutoPilot and active safety systems Tesla's standard AutoPilot system provides one of the most capable driver assistance packages available as standard on any electric SUV, including automatic emergency braking, side collision warning, and the ability to navigate motorway junctions autonomously on Navigate on AutoPilot.
Best Electric SUVs for Environmental Impact
The environmental case for electric SUVs is clear - but it's worth understanding the nuance. While EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, their overall lifecycle carbon footprint depends on battery manufacturing and the electricity mix used for charging. In the UK, where the grid is rapidly decarbonising, the lifecycle advantage of EVs over petrol vehicles is growing year on year. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on are electric cars really better for the environment?
Top 5 Electric SUVs by Efficiency and Environmental Credentials
1. Kia EV6 — 3.8 miles/kWh (most efficient SUV in segment) The EV6's aerodynamic body and efficient powertrain make it one of the most energy-efficient electric SUVs available. Higher efficiency directly translates to lower carbon per mile, regardless of your charging source.
2. Tesla Model Y — 3.9 miles/kWh (RWD variant) The rear-wheel-drive Model Y's efficiency is exceptional for a vehicle of its size and performance. Tesla's focus on aerodynamic optimisation — from the low drag coefficient to the sealed front end — pays dividends in real-world consumption.
3. Volkswagen ID.4 — 3.7 miles/kWh The ID.4's MEB platform was optimised for efficiency as a core design goal, and it shows. Combined with Volkswagen's corporate sustainability commitments, the ID.4 is one of the more environmentally considered choices in the segment.
4. Hyundai IONIQ 9 — strong efficiency for a seven-seater Given its size — three rows, over 5 metres long — the IONIQ 9's efficiency figures are impressive. Its 800V architecture reduces energy waste during both driving and charging compared to 400V rivals.
5. Renault Scenic E-Tech — low embodied carbon ambition Renault has made significant commitments to reducing the embodied carbon in the Scenic's manufacturing process, using recycled materials in the interior and optimising the supply chain for its battery. For environmentally motivated buyers, these credentials beyond the tailpipe matter.
It's also worth noting that for businesses, offering an electric car salary sacrifice scheme directly supports ESG goals and corporate sustainability reporting — a meaningful benefit for employers beyond the immediate financial savings.
Best Electric SUVs for Technology
Electric vehicles are computing platforms as much as they are cars. The shift to electric has accelerated the integration of over-the-air software updates, large touchscreen interfaces, advanced driver assistance, and connected services — and the best electric SUVs in 2026 feel genuinely different to drive and interact with compared to their petrol predecessors.
Top 5 Electric SUVs by In-Car Technology
1. Tesla Model Y — the benchmark for OTA software and connectivity Tesla's over-the-air update capability means the Model Y you buy today will be functionally better in two years than it is on delivery day. Tesla's software ecosystem — from the navigation system's real-time Supercharger integration to the continuously evolving AutoPilot — remains the gold standard for connected EV ownership.
2. BMW iX — iDrive 8 and curved display The BMW iX's iDrive 8 system, displayed across a sweeping curved dual-screen setup, sets the benchmark for usability in a traditional German premium brand. Voice control, natural language processing, and BMW's excellent navigation all come standard.
3. Volvo EX90 — Android Automotive with Google integration The EX90 runs Android Automotive natively, meaning Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store are built in — not mirrored from your phone. Combined with the LiDAR-based safety system and Pilot Assist driver assistance, it's one of the most technologically sophisticated electric SUVs in the segment.
4. Hyundai IONIQ 9 — ccNC with over-the-air updates Hyundai's Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) in the IONIQ 9 is a significant step forward for the brand. A large panoramic curved display, remote software updates, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability — meaning you can use your car as a mobile power source — make it genuinely innovative.
5. Porsche Macan Electric — Porsche Communication Management 6.0 Porsche's PCM 6.0 system is not the flashiest interface on this list, but it is arguably the most intuitive. Physical controls for key functions survive alongside the touchscreen, and the system integrates seamlessly with Porsche's extensive charging network partnerships for effortless long-distance travel planning.
Choosing an Electric SUV: Which Matters Most to You?
Busy Professional: Prioritise Range, Charging Speed, and Tax Efficiency
If you're a high-mileage professional looking to reduce the tax burden of your car benefit, the electric car scheme UK is your most powerful tool. The 4% BiK rate for 2026/27 means a company electric car scheme saves most higher-rate taxpayers thousands of pounds per year versus a traditional company car or personal lease. The models that best serve this profile are the BMW iX, Porsche Macan Electric, and Polestar 3 — combining long real-world range with rapid charging and premium driving environments suited to business travel.
For professionals already receiving a car allowance, it's worth reading our car allowance versus salary sacrifice guide — in most cases, salary sacrifice delivers superior net savings.
Conscious Driver: Prioritise Efficiency, Environmental Credentials, and Whole-Life Cost
For drivers motivated primarily by environmental impact, the Kia EV6, Renault Scenic E-Tech, and Volkswagen ID.4 represent the strongest combination of low running emissions, strong efficiency figures, and responsible manufacturing credentials. Combining any of these with a home charging setup — ideally via The Charge Scheme, which lets you salary sacrifice your charging costs — minimises your environmental footprint further. Read more about why switching to an electric car makes sense for drivers with sustainability at the top of their agenda.
Experience Seeker: Prioritise Performance, Design, and Technology
If you want the most rewarding electric SUV to drive and own, the Porsche Macan Electric, Polestar 3, and Kia EV6 GT are the clear leaders. Each delivers supercar-rivalling acceleration, a distinct visual identity, and a driving experience that makes the switch from petrol feel like an upgrade rather than a compromise. See our guide to the best electric cars to salary sacrifice for a broader selection across all body styles.
How Salary Sacrifice Makes Premium Electric SUVs Affordable
The single most important thing to understand about electric SUV pricing in 2026 is this: the list price is not the price you pay through an electric car salary sacrifice scheme.
Here's how it works. Through a company electric car scheme, your employer leases the car on your behalf and deducts the monthly cost from your gross salary — before tax and National Insurance are calculated. This means you're effectively buying your car in pre-tax pounds, not post-tax pounds. For a 40% taxpayer, that alone represents a 40% saving on the salary sacrifice portion.
Add in the 4% BiK rate for 2026/27 (versus up to 37% for high-emission petrol cars), and National Insurance savings for both you and your employer, and the total saving versus a personal lease reaches 20–50% for most employees.
To illustrate: an electric SUV with a personal lease cost of £700 per month could cost a 40% taxpayer as little as £420–£500 per month through salary sacrifice — while including maintenance, insurance, and breakdown cover in many cases.
The Charge Scheme extends these savings to your charging costs. Employees can salary sacrifice the cost of charging at home, at work, or in public — saving a further 20–50% on their electricity costs. Together, The Electric Car Scheme and The Charge Scheme represent the most comprehensive electric car salary sacrifice solution available in the UK.
Employers benefit too. There is no net cost to businesses to run the scheme — employer National Insurance savings typically offset administrative costs — and Complete Employer Protection means businesses are safeguarded from day one if an employee leaves mid-contract.
Use our salary sacrifice calculator to see your exact savings on any of the SUVs listed in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electric SUV in the UK in 2026? There is no single "best" electric SUV — it depends on your priorities. For range, the BMW iX and Porsche Macan Electric lead the field at 380 miles WLTP. For value, the Renault Scenic E-Tech and BYD Atto 3 offer the most affordable entry points. For performance, the Porsche Macan Electric Turbo and Kia EV6 GT are exceptional. For families, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and Volvo EX90 offer seven genuine seats with class-leading space.
How much does an electric SUV cost through salary sacrifice? Through The Electric Car Scheme, electric SUV salary sacrifice costs range from approximately £280/month (Jeep Avenger) to over £900/month (Porsche Macan Electric Turbo) for a 40% taxpayer on a 36-month, 10,000 miles p.a. lease. These figures reflect 2026/27 BiK rates of 4% and represent savings of 20–50% versus a personal lease. Use our salary sacrifice calculator for a personalised quote.
What is the BiK rate for electric cars in 2026/27? The Benefit-in-Kind rate for fully electric vehicles is 4% for the 2026/27 tax year — rising from 3% in 2025/26 as part of HMRC's planned incremental increases. This compares to a maximum of 37% for high-emission petrol and diesel vehicles, making electric car salary sacrifice schemes exceptionally tax-efficient. For the full picture, see our BiK guide.
Which electric SUV has the longest range in 2026? The BMW iX xDrive50 and Porsche Macan Electric both claim approximately 380 miles on the WLTP cycle, making them the longest-range electric SUVs available in the UK in 2026. Real-world range will be lower — typically 15–25% less depending on conditions, speed, and temperature.
Can I get a seven-seat electric SUV through salary sacrifice? Yes. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 and Volvo EX90 both offer genuine seven-seat layouts and are available through The Electric Car Scheme's electric car salary sacrifice scheme. See our best electric seven-seater guide for a full comparison.
Is an electric SUV right for me if I don't have a driveway? Yes — increasingly so. While home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective option, the UK's public charging network now exceeds 75,000 charge points. The Charge Scheme makes public charging more affordable through salary sacrifice. For drivers without off-street parking, our guide on how to charge an electric car without a driveway covers all available options.
How does salary sacrifice affect my mortgage application? Salary sacrifice reduces your gross salary, which can affect mortgage affordability calculations. For a detailed breakdown of this consideration, see our guide on salary sacrifice and mortgage impact.
What happens if I leave my job during the lease? The Electric Car Scheme's Complete Employer Protection covers employers from day one against the financial risk of an employee leaving mid-contract — with no excess to pay and no exclusion periods. This is one of the key differentiators that led to The Electric Car Scheme being named Best Salary Sacrifice Provider 2025 by Car Sloth.
Ready to Get Your Electric SUV Through Salary Sacrifice?
Whether you've identified your ideal electric SUV from this guide or you'd like help narrowing down the options, The Electric Car Scheme makes it simple. Our team can walk you through every step — from selecting your vehicle to understanding your exact monthly cost after tax savings.
Are you an employer? Book a demo to see how The Electric Car Scheme can be set up for your business at no net cost.
Are you an employee? Get an instant quote to see exactly how much you could save on your chosen electric SUV through salary sacrifice.
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Last updated: 25/03/2026
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. 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 above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your 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 or insurance provider.
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