Drivers’ “hunger to go green” saw electric and hybrid cars account for 70% of Tusker’s new car orders in 2020 for its car benefit schemes.

Paul Gilshan, CEO, Tusker

Thanks to growing awareness of the benefits of opting for low-emission cars on salary sacrifice schemes, a total of 50% of Tusker’s new car orders in 2020 were for fully electric cars while 20% were for hybrids. This contributed to a rise in the share of EVs on Tusker’s almost 20,000-strong fleet from 3% in 2019 to 20% in 2020, significantly outperforming the industry.

Environmental benefits (58%), being able to charge their car at home (53%) and reduced tax on their salary or income (51%) were the main reasons for choosing an EV, according to drivers.

Tusker said its ongoing policy of dispelling myths and education about EVs and hybrids has helped contribute to drivers’ knowledge of salary sacrifice.

Its annual research into the car benefits sector saw 1,752 drivers questioned, of which over a half (51%) of survey respondents said they knew what a salary sacrifice car scheme is and 45% of those (888 drivers) associated salary sacrifice as the cheapest way to drive a new electric vehicle without spending a large amount upfront.

The research also shows that more drivers than ever are considering an electric vehicle.

When questioned on what they’d do if they were to change their car tomorrow, nearly two-thirds of respondents (63%/1,107 drivers) said they would consider choosing an electric vehicle.

A total of 75% of people were also aware of EVs being available in their budget, although 25% felt EVs were just for the wealthy. Yet, a £42k Tesla Model 3 is available on Tusker’s salary sacrifice scheme from as little as £399 per month, and the £26k Corsa-e from just £249 per month, both inclusive of maintenance and insurance on a four-year agreement.

“This year’s research has brought drivers’ attitudes towards electric vehicles to life. The signs are that knowledge is improving thanks to constant education from Tusker and the wider industry on how electric cars can fit into a driver’s daily life right down to the location of local charging stations,” said Paul Gilshan, CEO, Tusker.

“Our salary sacrifice car benefits scheme aims to put the majority of EVs into the reach of everyday drivers at the same time as helping reduce tax for user choosers and improve safety for grey fleet drivers. Its ability to reduce car provision costs for employers is another area which shouldn’t be overlooked,” he added.

To download Tusker’s full research, click here.