Question 1

What is Cleandrive?

Accepted Answer

CleanDrive is a salary sacrifice programme that allows employees to access a brand-new or used electric car through their employer. The monthly cost is taken from their salary before tax and National Insurance, which makes the car significantly cheaper than a normal lease. For employers, it’s a cost-neutral way to improve retention, punctuality and ESG performance.

Question 2

Who can join the scheme?

Accepted Answer

y employee who meets your company’s eligibility requirements can take part. Typical criteria include being a permanent employee, having passed probation, and earning enough to remain above the National Minimum Wage after the salary sacrifice deduction. Most cleaning and FM team members will be eligible.

Question 3

Are only electric cars allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes — CleanDrive is exclusively for electric vehicles (EVs). This provides maximum tax efficiency for employees, helps employers reduce emissions and supports ESG and Net Zero targets. In many cases, an EV through CleanDrive is cheaper than a petrol or diesel car privately.

Question 4

How long are the contracts?

Accepted Answer

Most salary sacrifice EV contracts are 2, 3 or 4 years. Employees choose the term that suits them best. A longer contract usually means a lower monthly cost.

Question 5

What happens if an employee leaves?

Accepted Answer

CleanDrive includes protection for employers if an employee resigns, is dismissed, or leaves due to circumstances such as long-term illness. Depending on the scheme setup, early termination insurance or alternative options ensure the employer is not left carrying the cost. This removes the financial risk normally associated with vehicle contracts.

Question 6

What happens if an employee’s circumstances change?

Accepted Answer

If an employee goes on maternity leave, long-term sick leave, or their salary drops temporarily, options are available to pause or adjust the agreement (subject to scheme rules). CleanDrive helps employers apply a fair, compliant process so the employee is protected and the employer isn’t exposed.

Question 7

How do we make sure employees don’t drop below minimum wage?

Accepted Answer

CleanDrive supports employers by modelling wages before and after salary sacrifice. If a deduction would take an employee below the National Minimum Wage, they simply cannot participate until their pay allows it. This ensures full compliance with HMRC rules and protects both employer and employee.

Question 8

How much admin is involved for us as an employer?

Accepted Answer

Very little. CleanDrive provides ready-made launch materials, employee communications, guides, and policy templates. Payroll simply applies a monthly salary sacrifice deduction. Almost everything else — vehicle ordering, insurance, servicing and support — is handled for you.

Question 9

Is a credit check required?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, employees are not required to pass a personal credit check because the agreement is between the employer and the provider. This makes CleanDrive accessible to employees who may struggle to obtain car finance independently.

Question 10

What’s included in the monthly amount?

Accepted Answer

The monthly salary sacrifice amount typically includes:

The electric vehicle
Fully comprehensive insurance
Servicing and maintenance
Breakdown cover
Tyres
Road tax (if applicable)

This means employees don’t face unexpected repair bills or separate insurance costs.

Question 11

How does CleanDrive improve punctuality and reliability?

Accepted Answer

Many employees currently rely on older, less reliable vehicles or public transport. Providing a modern, dependable EV means fewer breakdowns, fewer late arrivals and a more consistent service across all sites. Cleaning and FM companies often see noticeable improvements in shift attendance.

Question 12

How does CleanDrive support ESG and tender performance?

Accepted Answer

Every EV taken through CleanDrive removes tailpipe emissions from staff travel. This contributes directly to your CO₂ reduction targets and strengthens your environmental scoring in NHS, Council and corporate FM tenders. CleanDrive helps you demonstrate progress on Net Zero in a clear, measurable way.

Frequently asked questions