EEV Scheme Specifics

101. What is the Employee Electric Vehicle (EEV) Scheme? Answer: The EEV scheme, introduced in Q2 2024, allows LL6+ management employees of Ford Motor Company Ltd, Ford Technologies Ltd, or Ford Credit UK to access a fully electric vehicle through a salary sacrifice arrangement with a 3rd party, Car Benefit Solutions (CBS). International Service Employees (ISEs) are not eligible.

103. How does the EEV scheme differ from the MRC scheme? Answer: The EEV scheme is for electric vehicles only and operates on a salary sacrifice basis. The MRC scheme provides ICE and Hybrid units and is based on a loan agreement with Ford Credit. For scheme structure questions, contact help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk 

104. Can I choose an EEV and an MRC vehicle at the same time? Answer: Yes Your total vehicle entitlement can be any combination of MRC or EEV vehicles, subject to your grade level's specific rules.

105. What happens if I become an ISE while in the EEV scheme? Answer: Your eligibility ceases immediately. You must inform us as soon as possible to arrange for the return of your vehicle. 

106. Is participation in the EEV scheme a contractual right? Answer: No, the EEV Scheme is a non-contractual benefit. Ford reserves the right to amend, suspend, or withdraw the scheme at its discretion.

107. Who is the 3rd party partner for the EEV Scheme? Answer: The scheme is run in arrangement with Car Benefit Solutions. For CBS-specific questions, contact help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk. 

108. Can immediate family members drive the EEV? Answer: Yes, with your prior authorisation, immediate family members may use the vehicle for private purposes, provided they have completed the Driving Licence Validation and comply with the 'Who Can Drive' matrix.

109. What happens if I am on maternity leave during the EEV agreement? Answer: You will continue to have use of the vehicle. Salary sacrifice deductions will continue. Contact the CBS Helpdesk at help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk for further information. 

110. What is a Salary Sacrifice Agreement? Answer: It is a variation to your employment contract where you voluntarily agree to reduce your gross salary in exchange for the use of a company car (the EEV). This reduces your Income Tax and National Insurance contributions. For questions about the agreement, contact the CBS Helpdesk at help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk 

111. How does salary sacrifice affect my pension? Answer: It will have no impact. For company benefits, your 'notional salary' (your salary before the sacrifice) is used for pension contributions and benefits. For pension-related queries, contact the HR or Pensions department. 

112. What is Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax? Answer: This is a tax on employees who receive benefits from their employer on top of their salary. An EEV is considered a benefit, and you are liable for the BIK tax. For tax queries, contact the CBS Helpdesk at help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk or consult a tax advisor.

113. How is BIK tax collected? Answer: Typically through payroll deductions via an adjustment to your tax code by HMRC. The benefit is reported annually on a P11D form.  For payroll queries, contact Ford HR 

114. What if I get a courtesy car? Does that affect my BIK? Answer: Yes. If you have a courtesy car for more than 30 consecutive days, you may be liable for BIK tax based on that specific vehicle. You must inform us immediately if you require a courtesy vehicle. 

115. What is the Electric Vehicle Assistance Allowance (EVAA)? Answer: For employees entitled to the Car Purchase Assistance Allowance (CPAA), an EVAA is provided. Its value is built into the salary sacrifice agreement to reduce your gross pay reduction.

116. Can the salary sacrifice take my pay below the National Minimum Wage (NMW)? Answer: No. If the combination of all salary sacrifices drops your earnings below the NMW rate, you will be deemed ineligible for the EEV scheme.

117. When does the salary sacrifice deduction start? Answer: The deduction commences at the end of the month following the month of vehicle collection. For example, a vehicle collected on June 2nd will have its first deduction at the end of July. For payroll queries contact Ford HR

118. Where can I see the indicative BIK tax amount? Answer: Indicative BIK tax amounts are shown in the Salary Sacrifice Scheme Vehicle Quotation provided by CBS. Contact the CBS Helpdesk at help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk. 

119. What happens if I cease to be eligible for a company car or my employment terminates? Answer: The provision of the car under the EEV scheme will end automatically, and you are required to return the vehicle within 7 working days and any outstanding payments will be deducted from your final net pay

121. Can I be removed from the EEV scheme for bad driving? Answer: Yes. A conviction for a serious traffic offence or an adverse accident record can lead to the termination of the agreement and removal from the scheme.

122. Do I get a refund if the vehicle is written off? Answer: If the vehicle is written off, the Salary Sacrifice Agreement may terminate. However, we will work with you to source an alternative EEV in order to continue the contract. You will not get a refund, but deductions will stop once the process is complete.

123. What is the minimum term for the salary sacrifice agreement? Answer: The agreement must be for a minimum of 12 months for the income tax and NIC reliefs to apply this cannot be opted out of early, except for specific lifestyle changes. Contact the CBS Helpdesk at help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk.

124. How do I start the ordering process for an EEV? Answer: First, access the Ford Company Vehicles portal to select the vehicle you are replacing, then click the "Switch Allocation" button to move that slot to the EEV scheme. A notification is sent to CVMT for approval. You should receive an email within 48 hours confirming you can proceed to the CBS portal.

126. What is the CBS Portal address? Answer: mycbscar.co.uk/ford.

127. How do I register on the CBS Portal? Answer: Complete your personal details and select "Ford Motor Company Ltd" for both 'Group' and 'Employing Site'. You will receive a confirmation email to verify your account.

128. What if I have an MRC car on order and want an EEV instead? Answer: You are permitted to cancel the MRC order and then order on the EEV scheme, but the online "Switch Allocation" button will not be available.

129. Who provides the vehicle quotation? Answer: You must set up a profile on the CBS online portal, where you can compare quotations for different vehicles before submitting a request. Contact the CBS Helpdesk at help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk or call 0161 826 0000.

130. What documents do I need to sign? Answer: You will receive an email from CBS when your documentation is ready. You must sign the Salary Sacrifice Agreement and Payroll Instruction Form online. Contact the CBS Helpdesk at help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk.

131. When does the 12-month vehicle term begin? Answer: The 12-month Company Car period commences when the vehicle is collected.

132. What happens if I fail to collect my vehicle? Answer: Ford Motor Company have requested that the CVM Team reduce the length of time that vehicles are awaiting collection. As such, please note that if an appointment is not booked within 30 days of the date you were first notified your vehicle is ready to collect, the vehicle may be removed from your account and made available for other MRC participants. If you are unable to collect the vehicle within 30 days please notify us at your earliest convenience so we can update the notes on your account with the reason for the delayed collection. 

 135. What if I am due to leave the company soon? Can I still order an EEV? Answer: No. Employees who are due to leave the Company before the end of the 12-month Company Car period are not eligible to participate.

136. Can I change the vehicle spec after I've signed the documents on the CBS portal? Answer: No. Once the documentation is signed, the order is placed and cannot be amended. Contact the CBS Helpdesk at help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk.

139. How long does it take to get overseas travel documents? Answer: You must leave sufficient time. The RAC can take around 5 working days to process the VOH form once you submit it.

140. Who pays for Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) on the EEV? Answer: The Company shall pay the VED on the electric vehicle.

 141. Do I need to provide mileage records? Answer: Yes, you must make the vehicle available for inspection and provide documentation, including maintenance and mileage records, when reasonably requested.

 142. How do I claim for business travel electricity costs? Answer: This should be claimed through the normal Concur process. You must use the category "Employee Electric Vehicle (EEV) Scheme" and provide mileage evidence from the FordPass App Trip Planner.

143. What is the Advisory Electricity Rate (AER)? Answer: This is the HMRC-approved rate for reimbursing employees for electricity used for business mileage. Claims at or below this rate are not subject to tax. For rate information, refer to HMRC guidelines or contact Ford HR

144. I am an LL4+ employee. How do I claim for charging? Answer: LL4+ employees eligible for Free Fuel can request reimbursement for both public and home charging. Use the specific categories in Concur: 'EV Home Charging' or 'EV Public Charging'.

145. Is home charging reimbursement taxable? Answer: No. Current HMRC guidelines state that home charging is exempt from taxation.

146. Is public charging reimbursement taxable? Answer: It depends. If paid for personally (cash/private card), it is subject to BIK and NIC taxation. If paid via a Company Card, it is not.

147. What is the correct Concur category for personally paid public charging? Answer: 'EV Public Charg-Empl Paid (taxable)'. This will go through Payroll and be taxed.

148. What happens if I use the wrong mileage category in Concur? Answer: If you are reimbursed above the HMRC AER rate, the excess could be subject to tax and NIC in your payroll.

150. What happens if I have repeat insurance claims? Answer: The Company may require you to pay for certain insurance excesses, especially where there have been repeat claims.

151. When do I need to re-order my next EEV vehicle? Answer: You will receive a notification when it is time to order a replacement. This is usually around the 8 month mark of the vehicle being in service.  To make sure you keep the current vehicle for the minimum 12 months, we do not allocate a registration mark or request PDI completion until the current vehicle has been in service for 12 months. You will then remain in the current vehicle until the replacement is ready to collect. In order to ensure a smooth transition you must place the order promptly in order to end your salary sacrifice period on time.

152. What if I don't want to order another EEV? Answer: You must return the vehicle after the 12-month period.

153. What happens if my replacement EEV is not ready after 12 months? Answer: If you ordered promptly, the Company will request an extension from CBS for up to a maximum of 3 months. Your salary sacrifice will continue during this time.

 154. What is the maximum extension I can have on my EEV? Answer: The maximum the vehicle term will be extended is 3 months. For term queries, email Help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk

155. What happens if I don't place a re-order by the 12-month mark? Answer: You may be moved back to the MRC scheme and given an appropriate vehicle from the Pre-Ordered stock list.

156. What is the returns process for an EEV? Answer: You must contact CVMT ahead of the return date to arrange a handover appointment. The vehicle will be subject to a photographic inspection for unfair wear and tear.

157. What if I fail to return the car when the agreement terminates? Answer: The Company will make arrangements to collect the vehicle, and any costs incurred in doing so will be repayable by you, likely via a payroll deduction.

159. Where can I find the EEV Handback Standards? Answer: The standards are detailed in Appendix 3 of the EEV Scheme Programme document. For a copy of the guide, email help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk

160. What happens to the car at the end of the 12-month period? Answer: FMCL will buy back the vehicle from CBS, and it will be re-marketed in the usual manner.

161. Can I buy my EEV at the end of the 12-month term? Answer: The policy states the car is bought back by FMCL for re-marketing. Purchase options are not  available on the EEV scheme, unlike the MRC loan scheme.

162. What happens if I am suspended from the EEV scheme? Answer: You may receive a warning or be temporarily or permanently removed from the scheme. You will have the right of appeal.

163. Can I be removed from the scheme without warning? Answer: Yes, in serious cases, an Eligible Employee may be temporarily or permanently removed from the Scheme without prior warnings.

164. What is classed as a "serious breach of this Policy"? Answer: This can include failing to report accidents, unauthorised modifications, consistent failure to pay fines, or driving without a valid licence.

165. Can I get a copy of the Salary Sacrifice Agreement to review? Answer: Yes, an example is provided in Appendix 4 of the EEV Scheme document. The final version will be on the CBS portal for you to sign. Contact the CBS Helpdesk at help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk.

168. Is the process for tyre replacement different for an EEV? Answer: No, the process is the same. Contact a Ford Dealer or Kwik Fit (Account N5157B)

169. Is the process for booking a service different for an EEV? Answer: No, you must book into a Ford Dealer who will seek authority via the 1link platform

170. Is the process for handling fines different for an EEV? Answer: No. CBS will receive the notice first, but the liability and payment process for the employee remains the same

173. Can I terminate my EEV agreement at any time like with MRC? Answer: No. The EEV salary sacrifice agreement is for a minimum of 12 months and cannot be opted out of early, except for specific lifestyle changes, if there is a reason you wish to terminate please let us know and we will seek approval. If this is granted please let us know as we will have to manually book in your return appointment, please provide us with a suitable date and time. 

174. Is the helpdesk support different for EEV? Answer: Yes. For ordering and general EEV scheme questions, you contact the CBS Helpdesk help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk. For in-service issues (accidents, maintenance), you contact FCLG, which is the same as MRC. claims@fclg.co.uk

175. What is a "Payroll Instruction Form" (PIF)? Answer: It is a form you sign that authorises your employer to deduct costs related to the EEV scheme (e.g., for fines, damage, or early termination) from your net pay. It is a mandatory part of the agreement to participate in the EEV scheme.

177. What is the "Adjusted Monthly Pay"? Answer: This is your gross monthly salary after the Salary Sacrifice Amount has been deducted.

178. Can the Salary Sacrifice Amount change during the term? Answer: Yes, it may be increased or decreased as a result of changes in the rate of VAT.

180. What is an "adverse accident record"? Answer: This typically refers to having multiple at-fault accidents in a short period, which may lead to your removal from the scheme.

182. Can I appeal a decision to remove me from the scheme? Answer: Yes, Eligible Employees will have the right of appeal from any decision to temporarily or permanently exclude them.

183. Does the EEV scheme have different insurance excess levels? Answer: No, the Insurance Excess Matrix is the same as the one used for the MRC scheme.

184. Does the "Driving Other Vehicles" extension apply to EEV participants? Answer: Yes, in exceptional circumstances, third-party only cover extends to you while driving a non-scheme vehicle, under the same emergency-use rules.

185. Can I get a courtesy car if my EEV is in for a service? Answer: Yes, if required. You must notify FCLG, who will try to arrange a comparable EV to avoid BIK tax implications.

188. What is the "Ford Pass App Trip Planner"? Answer: It is a feature in the FordPass app that records your journeys.

191. Does the 31-day rule for "Other Eligible Users" reset each year? Answer: Yes, it is 31 days per calendar year.

192. If I have a crash, do I contact CBS or FCLG? Answer: You contact FCLG on claims@fclg.co.uk for all in-service events, including accidents, breakdowns, and maintenance.

193. Who legally owns the EEV? Answer: The vehicle is purchased from Ford by Car Benefit Solutions (CBS) and then leased to your employer (Ford). You are the user under a salary sacrifice agreement. For legal structure queries, contact the CBS Helpdesk at help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk.

195. Are charging cables covered if lost? Answer: No, you will be charged for replacement cables.

196. Can I order an EV if I don't have a driveway? Answer: Yes, but you are responsible for charging. Wallboxes are not provided.

196a. I want to get a wall charger installed. How does this process work for an MRC (retiree) Answer: Unfortunately there are no Grants for installation. There are no restriction as such for a wall charger, however the preferred partner for Ford is Octopus. 
Are there any grants or does the MRC qualify for any offers going.

197. Does the ALLIANZ cover running out of charge? Answer: Yes, they will recover you to the nearest charger or dealer.

198. Is the battery covered by warranty? Answer: Yes, standard Ford HV battery warranty applies (usually 8 years/100k miles).

199. Can I fast charge the vehicle regularly? Answer: Yes, but follow the owner's manual recommendations for battery health.

200. What if the charging flap is damaged? Answer: This counts as bodywork damage and must be reported/repaired.

202. Are public charging costs covered? Answer: No, you pay for electricity.

204. Why do I have to sign a variation to my employment contract for an EEV? Answer: This is the legal mechanism for a salary sacrifice. It formally documents your agreement to reduce your gross salary in exchange for the non-cash benefit of the car.

205. Can I choose any electric vehicle on the Ford price list? Answer: No. The Company and CBS determine which models and options are available on the scheme, based on demand and remarketing capability. For vehicle availability, check the CBS portal or contact help@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk.

208. If I terminate early for a lifestyle change, are there penalties? Answer: This depends on the specific terms in your agreement with CBS. Generally, valid lifestyle changes do not incur the same penalties as voluntary termination.

210. What happens if HMRC changes the BIK tax rates for EVs? Answer: The BIK tax you pay could change. You are responsible for any changes to your personal tax liability. The quotation provides an indicative amount based on current rates.

211. Why do I have to contact HMRC myself to update my tax code? Answer: While the P11D form informs HMRC, there can be a delay. Contacting them directly ensures your tax code is updated sooner, preventing a large back-dated tax collection later.

215. If CBS pays a fine on my behalf, how do I pay them back? Answer: The cost will be your responsibility. It will likely be recovered via a payroll deduction as authorised by your Payroll Instruction Form.

216. What happens if I don't sign the Delivery Receipt at collection? Answer: You cannot take the vehicle. Signing the receipt is mandatory to confirm collection and trigger the salary sacrifice agreement.

220. Can I get my old salary back if I return the car? Answer: Yes. Once the Salary Sacrifice Agreement terminates, your terms and conditions of employment revert, and your gross salary returns to its original level.

221. What does "fair wear and tear is expected" mean for an EEV? Answer: It means minor imperfections commensurate with the vehicle's age and mileage are acceptable. Anything outside the Handback Standards (e.g., large dents, deep scratches) is considered 'unfair' wear and tear and is chargeable.

223. I am an LL3 employee with 2 vehicle entitlements. Can I have two EEVs? Answer: The policy states LL5 to LL3 have 2 entitlements, with a maximum of 1 being a Senior Management vehicle. As the EEV scheme is separate, you should check the portal for your specific combination eligibility.

224. I'm an LL2 employee. How many EEVs can I have? Answer: You have 3 vehicle entitlements which can be combinations of MRC or EEV, with a maximum of 2 being Senior Management vehicles.

225. Does the salary sacrifice impact my mortgage application? Answer: Some lenders look at your 'notional' (pre-sacrifice) salary, while others look at your post-sacrifice salary. CBS can provide a letter explaining the arrangement for your lender.

226. The price of my EEV on the CBS portal went up after I got my quote. Do I have to pay the new price? Answer: Your quotation is valid for a set period. If you do not sign the documents within that time, you will need a new quote at the current price. CBS and Ford reserve the right to change pricing at any time.

227. Is my EV's battery performance guaranteed? Answer: The battery is covered by a separate, longer warranty against significant degradation (e.g., falling below 70% capacity within 8 years/100,000 miles).

228. Can I use my EEV to jump-start another car? Answer: No. Most electric vehicles cannot be used to jump-start another car and doing so could damage the high-voltage system.

229. What if the public charging station damages my car's charging port? Answer: This should be reported to FCLG as an accident/damage claim claims@fclg.co.uk. You should also report the faulty station to its network operator.

230. My new EEV has a smaller range than advertised. Is it faulty? Answer: Official range figures (WLTP) are for comparison. Real-world range is affected by driving style, temperature, and topography. This is normal.

230a. I ordered my car but have never received the email to order a wallbox. Can you review this please? Answer: You will need to contact CBS regarding the wallbox information. They have all the information required for the installation of the wallbox.  Please contact:fordeevscheme@carbenefitsolutions.co.uk

230B. Typically how many miles of range will the vehicle have remaining upon collection please? Answer: The EVs are charged to at least 90% of full capacity.