Octopus EV vs TECS: Which Provider is Best in 2025?

Detailed comparison of the UK's two leading EV salary sacrifice providers. Compare pricing, features, vehicles, and customer service.

Octopus EV vs TECS: Which Provider is Best in 2025?

Choosing between Octopus Electric Vehicles and The Electric Car Scheme (TECS)? Both are excellent, but have different strengths.

Quick Comparison Table

FeatureOctopus EVTECS
Min Employer Size11
Free Miles4,000/year8,000/year
Insurance
Maintenance
Home Charger
Charging Scheme✅ (The Charge Scheme)
Delivery Time3-6 months3-5 months
PricingTransparentQuote required
Trustpilot4.9/54.8/5
Best ForPrice-consciousComprehensive

Octopus EV - Detailed Review

Strengths

Transparent Pricing

  • See exact costs online
  • No hidden fees
  • Clear breakdowns

Customer Service

  • Award-winning support
  • 4.9/5 Trustpilot (2,500+ reviews)
  • Fast responses

Simple Setup

  • Quick onboarding (2-3 weeks)
  • User-friendly portal
  • Clear documentation

Flexibility

  • Flexible early termination
  • Fair wear and tear
  • Options for used EVs (coming)

What's Included

  • Vehicle lease (3-4 years)
  • Comprehensive insurance
  • Maintenance & servicing
  • Breakdown cover
  • Replacement tyres
  • Home charger + installation
  • 4,000 free miles/year
  • Road tax

Example Pricing

Tesla Model 3 Long Range (£48,990)

  • Monthly pre-tax: £599
  • Basic rate: ~£420/month effective
  • Higher rate: ~£330/month effective

Best For:

  • Companies wanting transparency
  • SMEs (1-50 employees)
  • Price-conscious employers
  • Fast setup needed

Learn more →


TECS - Detailed Review

Strengths

Market Leader

  • Established 2020
  • Thousands of customers
  • Strong brand recognition

Comprehensive Offering

  • The Charge Scheme included
  • 8,000 free miles/year (highest)
  • Employer protection

Wide Vehicle Choice

  • Large selection
  • More stock cars
  • All price ranges

Additional Benefits

  • Free employee education
  • Comprehensive onboarding
  • Dedicated account managers

What's Included

  • Vehicle lease (3-4 years)
  • Comprehensive insurance
  • Maintenance & servicing
  • Breakdown cover
  • Replacement tyres
  • Home charger + installation
  • 8,000 free miles/year
  • The Charge Scheme
  • Road tax

The Charge Scheme

Unique workplace charging:

  • Install EV chargers at workplace
  • Free charging for employees
  • Employer gets tax benefits
  • Fully managed by TECS

Best For:

  • Companies wanting complete package
  • Businesses with on-site parking
  • Maximum employee benefits
  • All company sizes

Learn more →


Head-to-Head Winners

Pricing: Octopus EV (slight edge)

  • More transparent
  • Slightly lower costs
  • But TECS offers more miles

Customer Service: Tie

  • Both 4.8-4.9/5 stars
  • Both responsive
  • Both dedicated support

Vehicle Choice: TECS (slight edge)

  • Larger selection
  • More stock cars
  • Faster delivery

Setup Speed: Octopus EV

  • 2-3 weeks vs 3-4 weeks
  • Simpler process
  • Less paperwork

Benefits: TECS

  • 8,000 miles vs 4,000
  • Charging scheme included
  • More comprehensive

Flexibility: Octopus EV

  • Better early termination
  • Clearer policies
  • Better for small businesses

Recommendations

Choose Octopus EV if:

  • ✅ Want transparent pricing
  • ✅ Prefer fast, simple setup
  • ✅ Small business (1-20 employees)
  • ✅ Don't need workplace charging
  • ✅ Value flexibility

Choose TECS if:

  • ✅ Want most comprehensive package
  • ✅ Have on-site parking
  • ✅ Employees drive high mileage
  • ✅ Want market leader brand
  • ✅ Medium-large business

Real Testimonials

Octopus EV:

"Setup was incredibly simple. We're a 5-person startup and Octopus made it easy. Pricing was clear from day one." - Tech Startup, London

TECS:

"The Charge Scheme was a game-changer. We installed 10 chargers and employees love free workplace charging." - Manufacturing, Birmingham


The Verdict

For most SMEs: Octopus EV (transparent pricing + simplicity)

For companies with parking: TECS (Charge Scheme included)

Can't decide? Get quotes from both!


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Next Steps

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Last Updated: November 2025

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