Tesla is the most-searched electric car brand in the UK, and leasing is the most popular way to access one. The Model 3 and Model Y account for the overwhelming majority of Tesla leases. Both are available through Tesla’s own leasing arm, through third-party leasing brokers, and through salary sacrifice providers.
This guide covers how Tesla leasing works, what you get with each model, and the key decisions to make before you commit. Specific lease prices are not quoted here because they change frequently — use a live comparison tool to find current deals.
Key Takeaways
- The Tesla Model 3 is a saloon with a longer range and sporty handling. The Model Y is a larger SUV with more boot space and an optional seven-seat configuration.
- Tesla leases are available directly from Tesla or through independent leasing brokers. Brokers often offer more competitive pricing than the manufacturer’s own lease.
- A Tesla through a salary sacrifice scheme is typically cheaper than a personal lease for employees, because payments are made from pre-tax salary. Compare the options at our salary sacrifice electric car guide.
- Tesla’s Supercharger network covers more than 1,400 points across the UK, which is a meaningful practical advantage for long-distance driving.
- Check current monthly costs on a live comparison tool before committing — prices change and your upfront payment significantly affects the monthly figure.
Model 3 vs Model Y: which should you lease?
The right choice depends on what you need from the car day to day.
Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 is a compact executive saloon. It is lower to the ground than the Model Y, which gives it a sportier feel on the road. The interior is minimal, centred around a 15.4-inch touchscreen that controls almost every function.
The Model 3 Long Range RWD offers a WLTP-certified range of up to 436 miles on a single charge. The Standard Range variant offers less range but at a lower list price, which typically translates to a lower monthly rental. The Performance version adds a dual-motor setup with faster acceleration and a higher top speed but a shorter range.
Best for: Single occupants and couples who prioritise range, efficiency, and a dynamic drive. Those who do not need a large boot or extra seats.
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y shares a platform with the Model 3 but is built as a crossover SUV. It sits higher, has a larger boot (854 litres with the rear seats up), and is available with optional seven seats in some configurations. This makes it the more practical family option.
The Model Y Long Range AWD offers a WLTP-certified range of up to 387 miles. A Juniper update to the Model Y for 2024 brought a refreshed exterior and improved interior, increasing its lease appeal.
Best for: Families and drivers who need more space, a higher seating position, or the option to carry seven people occasionally.
How Tesla leasing works
Tesla leases are structured as Personal Contract Hire (PCH) agreements, just like any other leasing arrangement. You agree a contract length (typically 24, 36, or 48 months), an annual mileage allowance, and an initial rental. The monthly payment covers use of the car for that period. At the end, the car is returned.
Tesla’s own leasing products are set directly by Tesla and include a fixed monthly cost that encompasses the car and road tax. Insurance, charging costs, and servicing (if needed) are separate.
Independent leasing brokers source Tesla vehicles at volume and may offer lower monthly costs than Tesla’s own portal. The service and delivery experience should be broadly similar, but it is worth checking whether the broker is BVRLA-accredited before committing.
Leasing direct from Tesla vs using a broker
Leasing from Tesla directly: The process is straightforward. You configure your car on the Tesla website, choose your lease terms, and Tesla handles delivery. The advantage is simplicity and a direct relationship with the manufacturer. The disadvantage is that manufacturer-direct lease prices are often higher than what a volume broker can offer.
Leasing through a broker: Independent leasing companies negotiate fleet rates and pass some of the saving on in the form of lower monthly rentals. The car itself is still a new Tesla delivered in the same way. The contract is between you and the leasing company, not Tesla. Always check the leasing company is BVRLA-registered.
Tesla through salary sacrifice
If your employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme, leasing a Tesla through it is usually the most cost-effective option available. Salary sacrifice payments come out of your gross salary before income tax and National Insurance are applied.
For a basic-rate taxpayer (20% income tax, 8% NI in 2026/27), every £100 of salary sacrifice saves roughly £28 in tax and NI. For a higher-rate taxpayer (40% tax, 2% NI), the saving on every £100 is around £42.
The BIK tax on a Tesla leased through salary sacrifice is calculated using the car’s P11D value and the HMRC BIK rate for electric cars, which is 4% in 2026/27. This BIK tax is a separate payroll deduction and is paid in addition to the salary sacrifice amount.
Illustrative example (for comparison only, not actual market pricing): A Tesla Model Y with a P11D value of £46,990 in 2026/27:
- BIK value: £46,990 × 4% = £1,879.60 per year
- Higher-rate taxpayer BIK tax: £1,879.60 × 40% = £751.84 per year / £62.65 per month
This BIK tax is modest relative to the income tax and NI saving from the salary sacrifice itself, making salary sacrifice significantly more efficient than a personal lease for eligible employees. See our salary sacrifice electric car guide to run the numbers for your situation.
What is included in a Tesla lease?
A standard personal Tesla lease includes:
- Use of the vehicle for the agreed term
- Road tax for the full lease term
- The Tesla warranty (4 years / 50,000 miles for the car; 8 years / 100,000–150,000 miles for the battery, depending on variant)
Not included:
- Insurance — you arrange your own fully comprehensive cover
- Charging costs — you pay for electricity or Supercharging
- Servicing — Tesla vehicles require minimal servicing but any required work is your cost unless covered by a maintenance package
Tesla Supercharger network
One of the meaningful practical advantages of leasing a Tesla over some other EVs is access to the Supercharger network. The UK has more than 1,400 Supercharger points across more than 140 locations, according to Tesla’s published network data. Superchargers support DC fast charging, with peak speeds of up to 250kW on V3 units, meaning a Model 3 or Model Y can add significant range quickly during a long journey.
Supercharger costs are separate from your lease and are paid per kWh or per minute depending on the site. Non-Tesla EVs can now access Superchargers at many UK locations, but Tesla owners still benefit from seamless integration through the car’s navigation.
What to check before leasing a Tesla
- Which variant? Long Range and Performance models cost significantly more per month than Standard Range. Check whether you actually need the extra range for your typical driving.
- Current list prices — Tesla adjusts its prices periodically. The P11D value of the car affects BIK tax in a salary sacrifice arrangement, so check the current figure before agreeing.
- Delivery time — most new Tesla leases involve a wait of several weeks. Check estimated delivery before committing.
- Mileage — set this realistically. Excess mileage charges on premium EVs can be significant.
- Is salary sacrifice available to you? — if your employer offers it, run the comparison. The tax saving over a personal lease is substantial for most employed drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Tesla on salary sacrifice? Yes. Most established salary sacrifice providers, including Octopus EV, Loveelectric, and the Electric Car Scheme, offer Tesla models within their catalogues. The exact models and trim levels available vary. Your employer needs to have a salary sacrifice scheme in place.
Does leasing a Tesla affect my ability to charge at home? No. You can charge any leased Tesla at home using a standard domestic socket or a home wallbox charger. Home charger installation is not included in a standard personal lease, but many salary sacrifice schemes include a home charger as part of the package.
Will Tesla change the car during my lease? Tesla does not have a traditional dealer network that would arrange a mid-lease swap. Your lease is for the specific vehicle you ordered. Tesla does release software updates over the air that improve features and performance, but the physical car does not change.
What happens to my Tesla lease if Tesla changes the model? Your lease is unaffected by model changes announced after you sign. You drive the car you ordered for the duration of your term, then return it. If the model has been updated, your residual value is determined by the original car specification, not the updated model.