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Drive a Dacia Spring for £112/month via salary sacrifice*
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TfL Zone 1-2 travelcard priced at £171.70
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More affordable than top-tier gym plans and premium TV deals
New figures from The Electric Car Scheme have revealed just how affordable driving electric can be—making EV ownership cheaper than many London essentials, including public transport.
Through salary sacrifice, the Dacia Spring—an electric car with a range of approximately 140 miles—is available for just £112 a month. This rate includes all the essentials: servicing, MOT, maintenance, and tyres, with a 5,000-mile yearly driving limit on a four-year term. That monthly cost is a full £59.70 less than a TfL travelcard covering Zones 1 and 2.
Beyond transport, it undercuts some popular subscription services and gym memberships. A Sky package with sports, films, Netflix and more could cost up to £125 per month, and membership at premium gyms like Virgin Active in Bromley is nearly £120.
According to The Electric Car Scheme, affordability remains the most significant deterrent for would-be EV drivers. 54% of respondents highlighted it as their top concern, outranking issues like range or reliability.
Pre-Owned EVs Provide Even More Options
Used electric vehicles are proving to be a big draw, now making up nearly half of the scheme’s total leases. Some of the most affordable second-hand options include the FIAT 500E at £193 per month, and the MINI ELECTRIC from £198 per month.
Thom Groot, CEO and Co-Founder of The Electric Car Scheme, said:
“Electric Vehicles are getting more affordable and therefore accessible every day and this effect is only set to gather pace as more people make the leap to an EV and as more models become available on the second-hand market. We expect March to be a record month for EV uptake, potentially topping 35% of all new car sales for the very first time, and at prices such as this it is hardly a surprise, especially considering the upcoming increases in Road Tax for petrol and diesel models.
We know that the main concern for drivers is, affordability, which was the biggest barrier for 54% of Brits, way out in front of any concerns around range, reliability or resale value. This is why we started The Electric Car Scheme, to make EVs more affordable and help increase uptake ahead of the coming phase-out of traditional cars.”
