Category Archives: EVs

Driving, Employee Benefits, Employee Engagement, EVs, HR, HR News, News

Tax and NI savings fuel EV salary sacrifice surge as more employees choose electric, according to Tusker survey of over 6k people

  • 38% of EV drivers cite tax and NI savings as their main reason for choosing electric
  • 28% highlight fuel savings as the biggest motivation for switching
  • Dramatic reduction in employee worries – charge point availability, range anxiety, and how long charging takes
  • 63% of non-EV drivers still see upfront cost as the biggest barrier, making salary sacrifice crucial to affordability
  • Uptake is also fuelled by rapidly dropping concerns around infrastructure, range and charging time

London, UK, 9 September 2025 – Tax and National Insurance (NI) savings are the top reason employees choose an electric vehicle (EV) through a salary sacrifice scheme, according to Tusker’s latest EV Driver Survey Report 2025.

The research1 of over 6,600 people found that 38% of employees with an EV cited the tax and NI savings as their main motivation for going electric, up from 31% last year. Fuel savings were the next biggest driver at 28%, while just 20% named environmental benefits as their primary reason for switching.

Moreover, price, tax benefits or affordability on a salary sacrifice scheme were the top reason for 69% of non-EV drivers to choose an EV as their next car, followed by 62% citing cheaper running costs. Environmental benefits only concerned 38% of employees – almost half of those wanting it for the savings.

This change highlights how salary sacrifice has evolved from being seen mainly as a “green perk” to becoming a financial wellbeing benefit, offering tangible cost-of-living support. With the high upfront price of EVs still a deterrent for 63% of drivers, salary sacrifice schemes are enabling more people to make the switch without an initial outlay, while cutting their monthly driving costs.

Concerns around charging infrastructure, which has often been seen as a barrier to adoption, are also easing. Worries over charge point availability have dropped sharply from 73% in 2024 to 52% this year. Fewer drivers are concerned about the range of vehicles – down from 70% to 47% – and anxiety about how long EVs take to charge has fallen from 60% to 36%. These findings suggest that while cost remains the central barrier, the practicalities of EV ownership are becoming less daunting to drivers.

Kit Wisdom, Managing Director at Tusker, said: “Much of the EV market’s growth is being driven by salary sacrifice car schemes, where people are making excellent use of the tax and National Insurance (NI) savings available. Research by the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) suggests the use of salary sacrifice grew by 51% in the 12 months to January 2025, partly as a result of smaller and cheaper EVs and new leasing models, including for second-hand EVs.

“Employers also gain from NI savings; plus, as employees are more likely to join an organisation – and stay, employers see improvements in recruitment and retention figures.”

The survey also shows the wider impact of EV benefits on employee satisfaction. Among Tusker drivers, 96% report they are satisfied or very satisfied with their EV, up from 93% last year, and only 3% plan to go back to drive a petrol or diesel car.

Demand for electric cars through salary sacrifice is expected to grow further. More than seven in ten (71%) non-EV drivers believe they will be driving electric in the next four years, up from 69% in 2024, with over a third (35%) saying they would choose an EV if they were changing their car tomorrow.

“Our survey shows that once drivers make the switch, they don’t look back. The vast majority are satisfied with their EVs, enjoy lower costs and plan to stay electric for the long term. That’s why salary sacrifice is so important: it helps overcome affordability barriers while boosting employee engagement, retention and sustainability commitments,” concluded Wisdom.

Tusker, part of Lloyds Banking Group, has more than 135,000 drivers on the UK’s roads and offers schemes to over 2 million eligible employees.

—

References

1. The annual Tusker EV Driver Survey paints a picture of the current landscape when it comes to the adoption of EVs in the UK, looking at what people like and what concerns they may have around making the transition.

To make the report as insightful as possible, Tusker surveyed 6698 people across three core groups, asking them tailored questions to help gain as much useful information as possible.

These are:

  • The general population of drivers who are eligible for, but not currently participating in, a Tusker salary sacrifice car scheme (15% of these already drive an EV) (survey 1)
  • Drivers who currently take an EV through the Tusker salary sacrifice car scheme (survey 2)
  • Drivers who take a petrol or diesel car through the Tusker salary sacrifice car scheme
    (survey 3)

Tusker hopes to provide useful insight, as well as outline how employers can help encourage the move to EVs and, ultimately, net-zero.

 

About Tusker

Tusker is the UK’s leader in salary sacrifice cars. Part of Lloyds Banking Group, it has more than 15 years’ experience in offering an affordable way for employees to drive a new, fully insured, and maintained car. Its scheme, which is available to over 1.8 million UK employees, offers a range of options, from pure electric cars to hybrids and even traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. It provides a tailored scheme for organisations’ individual needs.

Car News, EVs, EVs and Automotive News, News, RPA, Surrey, Sustainability, Tech, Technology

New robot drills will accelerate EV installation for millions of homes.

A pioneering underground drilling robot could help transform the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by unlocking access to millions of homes.

Synthotech’s new drill is a compact, high-speed gyratory tool capable of boring narrow, guided pathways under pavements and driveways without the need for disruptive and costly excavations.

The original concept for the system came from the University of Surrey, which had designed a zero-gravity drill system for use on the Moon and Mars with support from the European Space Agency. A partnership between BT and Synthotech has seen the system already connecting properties to high-speed fibre internet. It could also help utility companies connect underserved UK households to EV charging points more efficiently and at a lower cost.

According to research by Lloyds Bank, 56% of UK homes, approximately 16 million, are suitable for EV charger installation due to the availability of off-street parking and supporting electrical infrastructure. If infrastructure challenges are addressed, experts project that 8 to 10 million UK homes could be fitted with EV chargers by 2035, up from about 350,000 in 2025.

With the UK government mandating EV chargers in all new-build homes and targeting 300,000 public charge points by 2030, home charging remains the cornerstone of the UK’s EV transition. Yet widespread adoption has been hindered by the cost and logistics of retrofit installations.

If deployed at scale, Synthotech’s technology could help connect a significant portion of the remaining 13 million homes deemed unsuitable.

One key barrier is the need for extensive civil engineering work to connect properties lacking direct access to the road. Traditional trenching methods are expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive to pavements, gardens, and roads. Synthotech’s microBORE changes that equation.

Simon Langdale, engineering director at Synthotech, said: “The new drilling technology will significantly reduce the cost and accelerate the execution of key civil engineering tasks, speeding up the delivery of connectivity to homes and driving down installation prices. This improvement could accelerate the entire programme significantly, making the robotics solution attractive to infrastructure providers across the UK and internationally.”

The microBORE’s ability to create small, precise channels beneath pavements with minimal surface disruption could be critical in enabling these retrofits.

“This is a very exciting application of advanced robot technology that will completely transform the way underground infrastructure is managed and delivered,” Langdale added. “By rethinking how we connect homes to modern utility networks, Synthotech’s futuristic drill could become a ground-breaking solution for the EV revolution, helping millions more drivers plug in from the comfort of their homes.”

Deployed initially to lay fibre-optic cables as part of BT’s £15 billion Fibre-to-the-Premise (FTTP) rollout, and supported by the Surrey Lane Rental Scheme, the microBORE’s use case is expanding. Its deployment has already demonstrated faster installation times, reduced carbon emissions, fewer traffic disruptions, and a lower environmental footprint, benefits that extend directly to EV charging infrastructure projects.

 

Image: Freepik

Business Advice, EVs, EVs and Automotive News

Enhancing Operational Efficiency with Smart Charging Systems 

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought about a shift in the transportation industry, requiring businesses to rethink how they manage energy demands and infrastructure. Enter smart charging systems – a revolutionary solution poised to enhance energy efficiency, optimise costs, and ensure sustainability for both large-scale operations and private users. 

This blog explores how smart charging functions, its key benefits, and why it’s a game-changer for operational efficiency in EV management. 

What Are Smart Charging Systems? 

Smart charging systems go beyond traditional EV chargers by incorporating advanced software and communication technologies. Unlike standard charging, smart chargers connect to the grid, your EV, and dedicated software platforms to intelligently monitor and control how energy is distributed during charging. 

The system factors in variables like energy demand, the state of the power grid, electricity rates, and the battery requirements of each connected EV. This intelligent coordination ensures optimal energy efficiency without placing undue stress on the electrical infrastructure. 

Key Benefits of Smart Charging Systems 

Load Management for Scaling Operations 

One major challenge in establishing an electric vehicle charging hub is managing the strain on local electrical infrastructure. Excessive energy demand during peak hours can lead to grid instability or costly upgrades. Smart charging facilitates load balancing by ensuring energy is distributed efficiently among active chargers. This not only prevents overloading but also reduces operational costs. 

Lower Energy Costs Through Dynamic Pricing 

Electricity rates fluctuate throughout the day, with peak hours often incurring higher costs. Smart chargers are designed to monitor real-time electricity rates and schedule charging sessions during off-peak hours when rates are lowest. Businesses and fleet operators can enjoy significant cost savings with minimal manual intervention. 

Enhanced Collaboration with Grid Operators 

Smart charging systems often integrate with grid operator frameworks to encourage sustainable energy use. By adjusting charge timings based on grid conditions, companies can participate in demand response programs, alleviating pressure on the grid while potentially earning financial incentives. 

Extended Battery Lifespan 

Overcharging and rapid charging, while convenient, can reduce the lifespan of EV batteries over time. Smart charging addresses this by monitoring the battery’s state and controlling the flow of energy to avoid unnecessary wear. For organisations managing large fleets, this translates to reduced maintenance costs and better ROI on EV investments. 

Seamless User Experience 

For businesses catering to EV drivers, such as charging hubs, retail outlets, or hospitality venues, smart charging improves convenience. Drivers can monitor session progress, find available chargers, or reserve slots through smartphone apps, boosting traffic and customer satisfaction. 

Applications Across Industries 

Smart charging systems are not limited to a single industry. Their versatility makes them essential for a range of businesses and organisations, including the following sectors:

  • Fleet Management: Companies operating EV fleets use smart charging systems to automate charging schedules, monitor energy costs, and ensure fleet readiness.
  • Retail and Hospitality: By offering smart charging as an amenity, businesses can attract eco-conscious customers and encourage longer visits.
  • Urban Planning: Local governments use smart chargers integrated into public parking spaces to promote EV adoption while managing city-wide power demands efficiently.
  • Logistics Hubs: Warehouses and logistical centres require operationally efficient systems to ensure continuous mobility for delivery vehicles. 

The Future of Smart Charging Technology 

The adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power will further amplify the benefits of smart charging. Future advancements may also see the rise of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) solutions, enabling EVs to return unused energy back into the grid. This symbiotic relationship will redefine how energy is consumed and managed. 

Additionally, as EV adoption grows globally, the demand for robust, scalable smart charging networks will only increase. Businesses armed with these systems will be better prepared to face the rapidly evolving landscape. 

Taking the Next Step 

Smart charging systems are paving the way for a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable approach to EV charging. Whether you’re managing a business fleet or catering to EV drivers, adopting smart charging solutions ensures long-term operational excellence. 

Stay ahead of the curve. Start exploring smart charging solutions to make energy optimisation a core strength of your operations today.

 

Aerospace, EVs, International News, Logistics, Midlands News, News, Technology, Transport Tech, Travel

Aurrigo International plc’s revenues take off with demand for its autonomous vehicles rising

One of the UK’s leading providers of transport technology solutions has reported a 34% increase in revenue, with ten of its autonomous vehicles now operating across the world.

 

Aurrigo International plc, which employs more than 110 people at its Advanced Engineering Centre in Coventry and across technical offices in Canada, the US and Singapore, has seen sales for its last financial year hit £8.9m,

 

This has been boosted by several commercial agreements with airports to deploy its digital simulation platform Auto-Sim® and its Auto-DollyTug® electric vehicle for moving luggage and cargo around terminals.

Auto-DollyTug® electric vehicle

Growth in its autonomous division (up 433%) was the real highlight of 2024 and this was supported by another strong performance in automotive, where the company continues to supply precision components and wiring harnesses to a host of car makers and tier 1s.

 

The encouraging results provide the perfect platform for the firm to drive ongoing technology development, with a focus on expanding its footprint in aviation and to help airlines, airport and ground handling operators achieve improved efficiencies, better environmental performance and, importantly, an enhanced customer experience.

 

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, commented: “2024 was another year of real progress, supported by significant revenue growth in our autonomous division. Awareness around the benefits of autonomous technology across airside operations is growing rapidly, helping to support our progress and the long-term outlook for the business.

 

“Both our product and commercial teams have worked tirelessly this year to expand our customer base and improve and broaden our product range. With first mover advantage, a growing range of proof points and industry support, our go-to-market capability is stronger than ever.”

 

Aurrigo International has continued to make good progress in the new financial year, with Aviation Solutions B.V the latest deal to be announced. This has seen Auto-DollyTug® and Auto-Sim® formally approved to be marketed across its network of 60+ airports.

 

Testing and validation are already underway at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the focus now moves towards commercialising this proven technology to airports worldwide.

Auto-Cargo®

April also saw the global unveiling of Auto-Cargo® in Coventry. This is the company’s largest ever autonomous vehicle and can carry a total payload of 16,500kg, using precision automation, advanced obstacle detection, and real-time fleet coordination to optimise on-the-ground performance.

 

Backed by funding from Innovate UK and CCAV, the new vehicle’s next stop is to move heavy cargo loads to and from aircraft at UPS’ hub at East Midlands Airport, the UK’s second largest cargo terminal.

 

David concluded: “Aurrigo has first-mover advantage in intelligent Ground Support Equipment (iGSE) and, when you combine this with our expansive technology offering and proof point delivery at seven airports globally, we are in an ideal position to capitalise on this emerging market opportunity.”

—

Notice of Investor Presentation

David Keene, Chief Executive Officer, will host a presentation and Q&A relating to the Company’s results at 11:00am on Wednesday 21 May 2025.

 

The presentation will enable existing and prospective investors the opportunity to listen to management discuss the Group’s full year results. Questions can be submitted pre-event via the Investor Meet Company dashboard up until 9:00am the day before the meeting or at any time during the live presentation.

 

To sign up to the presentation via Investor Meet Company please register using the following link:https://www.investormeetcompany.com/aurrigo-international-plc/register-investor

 

Driving at Work, Employee Benefits, Employee Experience, EVs, News, Sustainability

Improving employee experience is top HR priority for 2025, with salary sacrifice car schemes playing major role

  • 31% of HR and benefits professionals say improving employee experience and engagement is their top priority for 2025
  • 43% of employers rate salary sacrifice car schemes as high or very important to their benefits strategy
  • 38% cite National Insurance (NI) contribution savings as a major reason for implementing a scheme
  • 63% of employers offering salary sacrifice car schemes do so to make electric vehicles more affordable for employees

London, UK, 28 April 2025 – As the UK braces for a tighter labour market, cost-of-living pressures and rising employer costs, improving employee experience and engagement ranks as the leading employee benefit priority for 2025, according to the new ‘Driving Loyalty Through Electric Cars’ report from salary sacrifice car scheme provider, Tusker.

The study explores the benefits that employers believe employees value most. Company-contributed pensions, paid sick leave, and flexible and hybrid working all feature prominently, while mental health and wellbeing support and private medical insurance are also appreciated.

The study reveals that 43% of employers now rate salary sacrifice car schemes as either high or very important, placing them firmly in the spotlight as a compelling, tax-efficient way to support staff wellbeing, sustainability goals and retention strategies.

This sentiment was also chosen as the most important focus area by 31% of HR and benefits professionals, with 20% identifying that supporting recruitment and becoming an employer of choice is also a major focus.

Cheryl Clements, Head of Business Development at Tusker, said: “With only 14% of employers expecting to offer pay rises above 4% in 2025, the pressure is on to provide benefits that make a real impact. Salary sacrifice car schemes, particularly those that offer electric vehicles (EVs), are increasingly being seen as a cost-effective way to deliver value to both employers and employees. They help employees manage their budgets more easily while offering a benefit that genuinely improves their lives.”

Another key finding from the report is that 63% of employers who offer salary sacrifice car schemes do so with the aim of making electric EVs more affordable for their employees. With rising living costs and a growing appetite for sustainable transport, EV salary sacrifice schemes rapidly become a highly valued and cost-effective benefit, helping employees drive new, fully insured and maintained electric cars for a fixed monthly amount – often at significantly reduced costs thanks to tax efficiencies.

From the employer’s perspective, 38% of organisations cite National Insurance (NI) contribution savings as a major reason for implementing a scheme, while 37% view it as a cost-neutral benefit, requiring no additional budget to deliver meaningful value to staff. These savings create a win-win scenario: employees access a desirable benefit, while employers make financial gains without added strain on resources.

Organisations are also choosing to reinvest the NI savings they receive in strategic ways. Nearly half (47%) of employers channel these savings back into the business or other employee benefits, helping broaden their overall reward offering. Meanwhile, 23% choose to share the savings directly with employees, subsidising the cost of vehicles further and making the benefit even more accessible, especially for those on lower salaries.

Employers like Landsec have seen significant engagement from staff following the introduction of EV schemes. After launching the scheme in 2024 in response to employee demand, the company reported a 26-point increase in staff saying their benefits package met their needs. With around 30% of eligible employees engaging in the scheme within six months, Landsec’s experience highlights how the right benefit can enhance both employee satisfaction and sustainability efforts.

Clements concludes: “As employers look for smarter ways to engage and retain their people, benefits need to be both meaningful and sustainable. Salary sacrifice car schemes tick both boxes, offering employees greater financial security while supporting greener choices. It’s a benefit that truly reflects the changing priorities of today’s workforce. We are proud to offer flexibility with fixed-cost motoring, lifestyle protections, and the ability to hand cars back during life events such as resignation or redundancy, removing barriers for both employers and employees.”

—

About Tusker

Tusker is the UK’s leader in salary sacrifice cars. Part of Lloyds Banking Group, it has more than 16 years’ experience in offering an affordable way for employees to drive a new, fully insured, and maintained car. Its scheme, which is available to over 2 million UK employees, offers a range of options, from pure electric cars to hybrids and even traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. It provides a tailored scheme for organisations’ individual needs.

Tusker’s survey was completed in January 2025 and had 100 respondents.

 

Source