Fleet Evolution implemented the UK’s first-ever electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme back in 2011, this was the first and best salary sacrifice scheme available to UK businesses for a long time. They pride themselves on having one of the slickest, low-admin schemes in the industry and still have the best and fairest early termination protection of all UK salary sacrifice schemes.
With a dedicated Driverline Team for employees and an Engagement Team for employers, they provide a reliable range of expert assistance. They provide free-charge points to businesses where five or more employees take on electric cars via salary sacrifice and a straightforward leaver protection policy, ensuring peace of mind, starting from day one of the contract.
- Free Ohme home charger
- 4,000 free miles of charging
- Intelligent Octopus EV tariff
- Public charging via Octopus Electroverse
- All EV's on the market
- Built-in early termination protection
You can set up and get going with Fleet Evolution in as little as one day and use their free online quote engine to choose an EV. The ‘Electric Flex’ option lets employees swap to a diesel or petrol car for specific occasions, such as a longer drive where the EV range is not sufficient or convenient.
Am I eligible for a Fleet Evolution Salary Sacrifice?
Considering the Fleet Evolution Salary Sacrifice Scheme for your business? Here’s what you need to know about eligibility:
For a business to be typically considered, Fleet Evolution looks for a track record of three years of trading along with a robust balance sheet. This gives them confidence in the company’s stability before entering into the agreement.
However, Fleet Evolution’s approach is not strictly rigid. They have also extended support to start-ups who can demonstrate a compelling business plan. Additionally, overseas-owned companies that might be new entrants to the UK market but bring with them a solid business reputation are also considered.
This flexible eligibility means that Fleet Evolution offer solutions across a diverse range of businesses, whether they’re established entities or promising new ventures.
Fleet Evolution Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive leaver protection
- 10 years of salary sacrifice experience
- Low administration for businesses
- Dedicated support teams for employees and employers
- Free charge point
Cons
- Selective business eligibility
- Initial uptake requirement for a free charger
We selected these pros and cons based on the criteria that Electric Car Guide customers identified as the most important to them in our survey of EV owners. We also researched real-world customer reviews on Trustpilot (both positive and negative) and compared Fleet Evolution’s features with its nearest competitors.
Fleet Evolution features at a glance
| Contract | Salary Sacrifice Lease |
| Minimum term | 12 Months |
| Early terminiation details | Fleet Evolution offers a clear and straightforward early termination policy: employees can return the car without penalty, even if it's on the first day of the contract. |
| Deposit required | No deposit required |
| Charging add-ons | When five employees choose electric cars through Fleet Evolution's salary sacrifice scheme, the company provides a complimentary two-port 22kWh charger for the workplace. |
| Number of models available | Fleet Evolution offers an extensive range, they can access every new EV on the market, as well as used vehicles and cancelled orders. |
| Whats included? | The Fleet Evolution Salary Sacrifice Scheme covers all aspects of vehicle usage except for electricity and any incurred fines/damage. Customers also enjoy the flexibility of being able to choose between Fleet Evolution's insurance or their own. |
| Trust Pilot Rating | 2.9 (November 2023) |
| Pros | Comprehensive leaver protection A decade of EV experience Low administration for businesses Dedicated support teams Free charge point |
| Cons | Selective eligibility Initial uptake requirement for a free charger |
| Car purchase option? | Fleet Evolution allows customers to purchase their leased vehicle at the end of the agreement, priced at its current market value. |
| Eligibility | Typically seeks businesses with: - Three years of trading history - A strong balance sheet However, there is flexibility in the approach: - Supports start-ups with a compelling business plan - Welcomes overseas-owned companies new to the UK with a strong business reputation |
| Customer support | Fleet Evolution offers direct phone support at 0300 302 0626 (Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5.30pm) and a responsive chat box with real representatives, like Jordan, ensuring quick and effective answers. |
Fleet Evolution full review
Early termination policy
When it comes to early termination, Fleet Evolution sets the benchmark.
Their early termination policy is, arguably, the most straightforward in the UK market. Typically early vehicle return will incur a fee, but Fleet Evolution have a really simple policy: Should an employee need to leave their job, regardless of the reason or timing – even if it’s on the very first day of the contract – the company will take back the car without any penalties.
This is a transparent and user-friendly policy that will protect businesses and employees from unforeseen costs.
Fleet Evolution charging benefits
Fleet Evolution provides a workplace charging perk to its customers. As soon as five team members opt for a salary sacrifice electric car via the scheme, Fleet Evolution rewards your business by offering a two-port 22kWh charger at no cost.
This ensures that your workplace is well-equipped to support staff’s salary sacrifice charging needs.
What cars can I get with Fleet Evolution?
Fleet Evolution provide access to every electric vehicle currently available on the market. They also can also access used EVs and even take on cancelled orders. So customers have a wide range of choices, accommodating a variety of preferences and budgets.
What’s included with Fleet Evolutions Salary Sacrifice?
The Fleet Evolution Salary Sacrifice Scheme is a holistic all-inclusive EV package designed with the driver’s convenience in mind. They offer EV Breakdown cover, EV maintenance, servicing and tyre replacements.
Almost everything is covered in the scheme, excluding the electricity required for EVs, fines or damage. Customers can either opt for Fleet Evolution’s EV insurance package or choose to continue with their own cover.
Can I buy the car at the end of a Fleet Evolution agreement?
If you want to keep your car at the end of your agreement, there’s good news. Fleet Evolution does provide an option for customers to purchase the car once the lease term concludes. The price will be at the current market value.
Fleet Evolution customer service
You can reach Fleet Evolution via phone at 0300 302 0626 during their business hours, which run from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Fleet Evolution’s chat box is available during the same hours. We tested it and spoke to, Jordan, a real-life person (not a bot) who responded promptly, addressing my questions well and helping me out without making me feel like just another ‘query’.
What Fleet Evolution does well
Comprehensive leaver protection
No penalties for early contract termination, effective from day one.
A decade of EV experience
Established in 2011, they implemented the UK’s first electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
Low administration for businesses
Fleet Evolution handles contract variations and ensures recharges go directly to the employee, reducing administrative hassle for companies.
Dedicated support teams
Separate teams for employees (Driverline Team) and employers (Engagement Team) ensure specialised assistance.
Free charge point
Businesses with five or more employees opting for electric cars receive a free two-port 22kWh charger.
Where Fleet Evolution falls short
Selective eligibility
Despite the flexibility, the ideal criteria lean toward businesses with a longer trading history.
Initial uptake requirement for a free charger
The free charger is most definitely a positive, but the prerequisite of five employees might be a hurdle for smaller businesses.
The final word on Fleet Evolution salary sacrifice
Fleet Evolution is a forward-thinking salary sacrifice provider, they pioneered the sector by introducing the UK’s first electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme in 2011.
By minimising company admin and offering a range of supportive tools and perks, you can see they have a genuine understanding of both employer and employee needs. However, as with any provider, there are pros and cons to their salary sacrifice scheme. Some businesses might find the eligibility criteria limiting. Nevertheless, Fleet Evolution offers a strong overall salary sacrifice package.
Their generous early termination protection, combined with their all-inclusive package and free workplace charger offer, makes Fleet Evolution stand out in the salary sacrifice landscape.
- Free Ohme home charger
- 4,000 free miles of charging
- Intelligent Octopus EV tariff
- Public charging via Octopus Electroverse
- All EV's on the market
- Built-in early termination protection
Help if you’re struggling with debt from car subscriptions or leases
Late payments on car subscriptions or leases can lead to financial difficulties. If you find yourself struggling with debt from car subscriptions or leases, it is essential to seek professional guidance. Several debt advice services can help:
- StepChange: StepChange offers debt management plans tailored to your situation
- Citizens Advice: Offering free and confidential advice on managing debts.
- National Debtline: National Debtline is a helpline specifically designed to assist with personal debt, including car subscription or lease obligations.
- MoneyHelper (formerly The Money Advice Service): Providing tools and support to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Remember, the terms of car subscriptions and leases can vary significantly, so it’s really important to read and understand your specific agreements and obligations.
Fleet Evolution review methodology
At Electric Car Guide, our review of Fleet Evolution was conducted with impartiality and an in-depth understanding of what electric car users value. Here’s how we worked through our evaluation:
- Customer Feedback from Electric Car Guide: We surveyed users from our own EV focus group. These insights offered us a firsthand view of real-world experiences and car subscription expectations, allowing us to frame our review around actual user needs and preferences.
- Trustpilot Reviews: We took into account both positive and negative reviews from Trustpilot. This provided a balanced perspective, acknowledging the praises and criticisms Fleet Evolution has received from a diverse range of customers.
- Comparison with Competitors: We compared Fleet Evolution’s features, offerings, and customer experience against their nearest competitors in the electric car subscription market. This enabled us to gauge Fleet Evolution’s standing in the industry, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement.
John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.
With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.
John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.
