The smart way to save on EV public charging: Salary sacrifice explained

Image shows Octopus Electric Universe mascot, Zapman, using the public charging network to charge EV

Switching to an EV already comes with plenty of perks - we’re talking lower running costs, zero emissions and a smoother drive. And salary sacrifice for electric cars is one of the fastest growing sustainable benefits in the workplace, showing that people are bought into the idea of sacrificing their pre-tax salary to save up to 40% on the cost of leasing an EV. This is great news for businesses as they can help make switching to an EV more affordable and accessible.

And there’s more good news - businesses can take their EV employee benefits up a gear to help their team save on EV public charging too. Enter salary sacrifice public charging, where employees can bundle their charging costs in with their monthly car payments and save up to 40%.

Ready to speak to the team? Enquire now.

So, what is salary sacrifice?

Salary sacrifice isn’t a new concept, but in its simplest form, employees exchange part of their salary for a non-cash benefit. A very common example is pensions, but employees can also exchange their salary for benefits like bikes, electric cars (check out Octopus Electric Vehicles), and even public EV charging.

With EV public charging, rather than paying for charging out of your taxed income, the cost is taken from your gross salary, meaning you save on income tax and national insurance. The result? A simple, tax-efficient way to pay for EV charging on the go.

How does it work?

It’s refreshingly simple. You’ll need to be salary sacrificing an EV already, then:

You opt in to the EV charging scheme through your employer
We'll provide a personalised monthly quote to cover all your charging needs
Charging costs are then included in your salary sacrifice deductions
You’re good to go - use the award winning Electroverse app to find chargers, navigate to them and charge up!

Example: Let’s say you spend £100 on public charging per month. With salary sacrifice, you could save anywhere from £20-40 per month depending on your tax band.

What are the benefits?

Why it’s great for drivers

If you regularly use public chargers, whether for commuting, business travel, or weekend trips, the savings can really add up.

Up to 40% cheaper charging
No upfront costs
Easy monthly deductions from your payslip
More predictable EV running costs
Great option for drivers who don’t have access to home charging

Why it's great for businesses

It’s not just a benefit for your team, it’s a smart move for your business too. A no-brainer to boost your employee benefits.

Attract and retain talent
Boost your sustainability credentials with green perks for staff
A fuss-free set up and no hidden fees
Low-effort way to support employees switching to electric

Sound good? Speak to the team and start saving on your public charging!

FAQs

Can I use salary sacrifice for public EV charging?

We’re so glad you asked! Yes, if you’re already using an EV salary sacrifice scheme, Octopus can set you up on our salary sacrifice EV public charging scheme. Get in touch with us.

How much can I save on EV charging through salary sacrifice?

The short answer is, a lot! It depends on your tax band but the savings can be up to 40%.

Is EV charging via salary sacrifice available to everyone?

You’ll need to be a PAYE employee and your employer needs to be signed up to a provider that offers this benefit. Plus you’re already salary sacrificing an EV. Given this is the case, you’re good to go!

What charging networks are supported?

Luckily for you, Octopus Electroverse is the UK and Europe’s largest public charging network. We’re partnered with too many to list here (as it will be out of date by the time you finish reading this), but have a nosey around on our map to see just how far you could go!

Do I need to be an existing Octopus customer?

No, you don't need to be an Octopus Energy customer but if you’re on a Octopus Go tariff or Intelligent Octopus Go tariff, you can get extra discounts across the whole of the Electroverse.

Feeling enlightened or do you think something was missing? Let us know by sharing your feedback.

Interested in learning more? Head over to our Electroverse Community area for more electrifying content!