Checklist: How to Choose an EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme Provider for Employers

By John Ellmore

1. Research and Shortlist Potential Providers

  • Market Research: Conduct thorough EV scheme market research to identify potential EV salary sacrifice scheme providers. We can do that for you – give us a call and we will discuss the best EV scheme to meet your business’s unique needs.

  • Provider Experience: Assess the provider’s experience in managing EV salary sacrifice schemes. You may prefer providers with a proven track record and established client base, but remember this does not always mean they are going to provide you with the same level of service.

2. Evaluate Service Offerings

  • Vehicle Range: Ensure the provider offers a wide range of electric cars.

  • Maintenance and Support: Does the scheme include comprehensive maintenance and support services, such as regular servicing, breakdown cover, and car repairs.

  • Insurance: Confirm that the provider offers inclusive insurance packages that cover various risks and liabilities associated with the cars.

  • Charging Solutions: Assess whether the provider offers solutions for vehicle charging, such as home charging installations or access to a network of public charging stations.

3. Check Compliance and Regulatory Adherence

4. Assess Financial Stability and Transparency

  • Financial Health: Evaluate the financial stability of the provider, for example, the Onto EV scheme went into administration last year – which no doubt caused concern for any business running a scheme with them.

  • Cost Structure: Review the provider’s cost structure to ensure transparency and competitiveness. Understand all fees, including setup costs, ongoing charges, and any hidden fees. Some schemes charge for return or delivery of the vehicle, others have massive early termination fees – you need to find this out in advance of signing up!

5. Review Customer Support and Service Quality

  • Customer Service: Assess the quality of customer service provided by the scheme provider. Look for providers with dedicated support teams and positive customer feedback.

  • Response Times: Evaluate the provider’s response times for inquiries and support requests.

  • Training and Resources: Check if the provider offers training sessions, informational materials, and resources to educate employees about the scheme.

6. Analyse Technology and User Experience

  • User-Friendly Platforms: Ensure the provider offers user-friendly platforms for managing the scheme. This includes online portals or mobile apps for easy enrollment, car selection, and tracking.

  • Data Security: Verify the provider’s data security measures to protect sensitive employee information. Ensure they comply with data protection regulations and have robust cybersecurity practices.

7. Request References and Case Studies

  • Client References: Ask the provider for references from other employers who have implemented their EV salary sacrifice schemes. Contact these references to gain insights into their experiences.

  • Case Studies: Review case studies or success stories provided by the scheme provider. These can highlight the provider’s strengths and showcase successful implementations.

8. Conduct a Trial or Pilot Program

  • Pilot Scheme: Consider running a pilot program with the shortlisted provider to evaluate their services in a real-world scenario. This can help identify any potential issues and ensure the provider meets your expectations.

  • Feedback Collection: Gather feedback from participants in the pilot program to assess their satisfaction with the provider’s services and support.

9. Finalise the Agreement

  • Contract Review: Carefully review the contract terms and conditions with the chosen provider. Ensure all agreed-upon services, costs, and support levels are clearly outlined.

  • Legal Advice: Seek legal advice to ensure the contract is fair and compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

MORE> 15 Questions Employees Should Ask Before Joining an EV Scheme