When it comes to EVs, the cost savings really become noticeable with a highly efficient car. Efficient EVs not only reduce the overall cost of salary sacrifice but also offer longer ranges on a single charge. In this article, we present our favourite most efficient EVs based on their efficiency in watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi).
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Understanding Watt-Hours per Mile (Wh/mi) for Dummies
When you hear about electric vehicles (EVs), you might come across the term “Watt-hours per mile” (Wh/mi). This metric is crucial in understanding how efficient an EV is. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What is a Watt-Hour (Wh)?
First, let’s understand what a Watt-hour is:
- Watt (W): A unit of power. It measures the rate at which energy is used.
- Hour (h): A unit of time.
So, a Watt-hour (Wh) measures the amount of energy used over time. If you use 1 Watt of power for 1 hour, that’s 1 Watt-hour.
What is Wh/mi?
- Watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi): This tells you how many Watt-hours of energy an electric vehicle uses to travel one mile.
Think of it like miles per gallon (MPG) for gasoline cars. Instead of measuring fuel efficiency, Wh/mi measures energy efficiency.
Why is Wh/mi Important?
- Efficiency: Lower Wh/mi means the car is more efficient. It uses less energy to travel the same distance.
- Range: If you know the battery capacity (in Watt-hours) and the Wh/mi, you can estimate how far the car can go on a full charge.
The Top 20 Most Efficient EVs to Salary Sacrifice
1. Renault Zoe ZE50 R135
- Efficiency: 255 Wh/mi
- Range: 190 miles
- Price: £29,995
- Lease (BCH) from: £509 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £395
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £320
2. Mini Cooper Electric SE
- Efficiency: 261 Wh/mi
- Range: 140 miles
- Price: £30,000
- Lease (BCH) from: £325 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £252
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £204
3. Vauxhall Astra Electric
- Efficiency: 261 Wh/mi
- Range: 195 miles
- Price: £37,795
- Lease (BCH) from: £477 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £366
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £296
4. Volkswagen ID.3 Pro
- Efficiency: 268 Wh/mi
- Range: 220 miles
- Price: £35,700
- Lease (BCH) from: £475 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £368
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £297
5. Nissan Leaf
- Efficiency: 269 Wh/mi
- Range: 145 miles
- Price: £28,995
- Lease (BCH) from: £214 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £166
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £134
6. Peugeot e-208 51 kWh
- Efficiency: 271 Wh/mi
- Range: 190 miles
- Price: £32,400
- Lease (BCH) from: £475 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £368
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £297
7. MG MG4 EV Long Range
- Efficiency: 274 Wh/mi
- Range: 225 miles
- Price: £29,495
- Lease (BCH) from: £304 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £235
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £190
8. Hyundai IONIQ 6 Long Range 2WD
- Efficiency: 275 Wh/mi
- Range: 305 miles
- Price: £47,040
- Lease (BCH) from: £478 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £369
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £298
9. Kia Niro EV
- Efficiency: 276 Wh/mi
- Range: 240 miles
- Price: £37,295
- Lease (BCH) from: £376 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £290
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £234
10. Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+
- Efficiency: 278 Wh/mi
- Range: 345 miles
- Price: £68,360
- Lease (BCH) from: £900 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £692
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £560
11. Volkswagen ID.4 Pro
- Efficiency: 280 Wh/mi
- Range: 275 miles
- Price: £46,035
- Lease (BCH) from: £358 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £276
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £223
12. Ford Mustang Mach-E Select SR RWD
- Efficiency: 282 Wh/mi
- Range: 235 miles
- Price: £50,830
- Lease (BCH) from: £675 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £520
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £420
13. Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor
- Efficiency: 282 Wh/mi
- Range: 290 miles
- Price: £48,950
- Lease (BCH) from: £447 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £344
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £278
14. Volvo EX30 Single Motor ER
- Efficiency: 284 Wh/mi
- Range: 225 miles
- Price: £38,545
- Lease (BCH) from: £480 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £370
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £300
15. Renault Megane E-Tech EV60 220hp
- Efficiency: 285 Wh/mi
- Range: 235 miles
- Price: £36,995
- Lease (BCH) from: £471 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £362
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £293
16. Kia EV6 Long Range AWD
- Efficiency: 296 Wh/mi
- Range: 250 miles
- Price: £51,745
- Lease (BCH) from: £584 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £450
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £364
17. Smart #1 Pro
- Efficiency: 303 Wh/mi
- Range: 155 miles
- Price: £31,950
- Lease (BCH) from: £498 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £383
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £310
18. Lotus Emeya
- Efficiency: 308 Wh/mi
- Range: 325 miles
- Price: £96,255
- Lease (BCH) from: £1,089 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £837
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £678
19. Genesis GV70 Electrified Sport
- Efficiency: 344 Wh/mi
- Range: 215 miles
- Price: £65,105
- Lease (BCH) from: £607 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £468
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £379
20. Maxus MIFA 9
- Efficiency: 373 Wh/mi
- Range: 225 miles
- Price: £65,290
- Lease (BCH) from: £930 pcm
- Basic Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £716
- Higher Rate Taxpayer Monthly Salary Sacrifice Cost: £580
Further Resources
Salary Sacrifice for Beginners
Advice Hub
The Best Salary Sacrifice Schemes
Important information about our salary sacrifice calculations
Please note that the actual lease costs may vary based on your individual circumstances, including your location, and the specific provider you choose. The lease costs presented in this table are calculated based on an average of three leading providers and are intended to give a general indication of potential costs. Actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the terms and conditions of the lease agreement.
The salary sacrifice tax savings shown are estimates and are intended to provide a general idea of potential savings. These savings can vary significantly depending on your personal tax situation, including your tax rate, other benefits, and overall compensation package. It is recommended to consult with a financial advisor or tax professional to understand how salary sacrifice will impact your specific financial situation.
Additionally, the specifications and features of the vehicles listed are based on the latest available information and are subject to change by the manufacturer. For the most accurate and up-to-date details, please refer to the manufacturer’s official website or contact your chosen provider directly.
The information provided in this table is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice.