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
| Feature | Octopus EV | TECS |
|---|---|---|
| Min Employer Size | 1 | 1 |
| Free Miles | 4,000/year | 8,000/year |
| Insurance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Maintenance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Home Charger | ✅ | ✅ |
| Charging Scheme | ❌ | ✅ (The Charge Scheme) |
| Delivery Time | 3-6 months | 3-5 months |
| Pricing | Transparent | Quote required |
| Trustpilot | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Best For | Price-conscious | Comprehensive |
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
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
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!
Other Providers
- Love Electric - Independent broker
- SalSac - Platform solution
- Tusker - 20+ years experience
Next Steps
Last Updated: November 2025
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