Charging provider Pod has linked with Knowles Fleet to launch a salary sacrifice home EV charging solution.

Drivers who pay for an EV through Knowles Fleet’s salary sacrifice scheme can now get a home EV charger integrated into the offer, removing the need for any upfront cost.

The partnership reduces the effective cost by up to 45%, depending on tax band, and addresses a key barrier to EV usage. While home charging is fundamental to an easy and affordable EV experience, the typical upfront installation costs can act as a barrier for some drivers. By incorporating the charger into a salary sacrifice arrangement, customers can now spread the cost across the lease term agreement.

This means that costs are paid from gross salary so drivers benefit from income tax and National Insurance savings, slashing the cost of a home charger.

Dan Howard, procurement director at Knowles Fleet, commented: “Cost and convenience are the key factors for our drivers in the switch to electric. Working with Pod to include home charging within the salary sacrifice arrangement removes upfront cost concerns and offers our customers a simple, affordable, end-to-end solution.”

Drivers who get a home EV charger through Knowles Fleet’s scheme will also be eligible to sign up for Pod Rewards, Pod’s new programme that pays customers for smart charging their EVs at home. Through the Pod Home app, Pod automatically schedules charging when demand on the grid is lower, and drivers earn cash rewards of up to £100 per year – making home charging even more rewarding and cost effective.

A charging industry veteran with 250k+ installs across the UK, Pod has partnerships with brand such as Uber, Tesco and Nissan and also delivers a Which?-approved installation service, five-year warranty and ongoing 24/7 support, giving customers total peace of mind.

For fleet and leasing partners, the collaboration simplifies the driver’s experience, aligns with the zero-upfront principle of salary sacrifice, and engenders greater trust in the EV transition through hassle-free, reliable home charging.

Ash Boaden, senior director, business development – fleet & lease at Pod, said: “Salary sacrifice has already made a huge impact in accelerating EV adoption, but charging has often remained separate from the funding journey and considered an afterthought. Our partnership with Knowles Fleet flips that on its head; ensuring how you run an EV is integrated with how you buy one. Simple, embedded home charging with no upfront costs, this is how the switch to an EV becomes an easy decision.”