Private hire drivers in London could make their work easier by choosing an appropriate vehicle for themselves. An electric PCO car will enable the reduction of everyday energy costs, a better quiet experience while driving and will match perfectly with London’s green mobility efforts. But not all electric vehicles are suitable for the job. Private hire drivers must consider the vehicle range, charging time, space for passengers, price of renting the vehicle for a week, requirements of the platform and vehicle licensing. Primal Cars offers its PCO car hire and Rent to Own services in London and provides electric and hybrid vehicles among others.The electric vehicle lineup currently available with Primal Cars includes: Kia Niro EV2, Toyota bZ4X, BYD Seal Design, Kia EV6, and Tesla Model Y.
What are electric cars to consider?
What Should Private Hire Drivers Consider When Looking for an EV?Prior to selecting an automobile, you need to consider more than just its price or cost per week of use. Your ideal private hire vehicle will be suitable for driving throughout long hours. It should possess the following features:
- Driving range
- Charging capability and availability
- Comfort level for passengers
- Boot space
- Cost per week
- Requirements for licensing by PCO
- Insurance cost
- Reliability of the vehicle
- Estimated mileage per day
- Platform compatibility
But not all private-hire electric cars with a huge battery pack may be good options. In the case of the driver who undertakes mostly short trips around the city, he may prefer an electric car that is cheap and convenient to charge.The driver making airport runs might prefer range and luggage space over other considerations.There are licensing requirements by TfL for London private hire vehicles. Vehicles and drivers are licensed separately; hence, drivers should always check the licensing of their chosen vehicle before driving.
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Kia Niro EV2
The Kia Niro EV2 is a good option for those looking for an electric PCO car without having to go up to a more expensive car brand.Primal Cars is listing the Kia Niro EV2 as an electric vehicle with a range of 285 miles per charge and a weekly rate of £179 without insurance costs for both Uber X and Comfort classes.Affordability could be just as important as performance for some drivers.The Niro EV2 can be a good option for the driver that works primarily in London and does not have long motorway trips to undertake daily.
What makes it worth considering?
- Electric Powertrain
- Feasible 5-seater
- Suited for city driving
- Less expensive entry-level cost per week among the EVs offered by Primal Cars
- Offered under Uber X & Comfort
A driver beginning a career in private hire may find such an electric vehicle more affordable compared to a bigger premium car.
2. Toyota bZ4X
The Toyota bZ4X provides yet another alternative for private hire drivers. Primal Cars have listed the electric bZ4X with a claimed range of 317 miles, at an asking price of £199 per week, excluding insurance. The car is offered for Uber X and Comfort. Range becomes an issue where your day’s work involves many hours behind the wheel. There is no point wasting too much time on planning where to charge up while you are busy. The bZ4X thus becomes a viable choice for those wanting the perfect mix of range, comfort, and weekly rent.
Who may be interested in this car?
This may be the right choice for drivers who:
- Have a full-time job
- Travel long distances
- Wish to drive an electric SUV-type of car
- Need comfort in the passenger cabin
- Try to manage their weekly expenses on the car
Check the existing specification and availability of the car always.
3. BYD Seal Design
BYD Seal Design is yet another electrical vehicle offered by Primal Cars.According to the Rent to Own fleet, the BYD Seal Design has a range of 354 miles with a price tag of £229 per week without insurance. It is available for Uber X and Comfort. Since the range of this car is longer, it may appeal to the driver who would like less frequent stops for charging.In the case of a PCO driver, it is important to compare the weekly cost of this car with the working mileage planned.
A helpful calculation
Let us say that there are two cars, which have different weekly rental charges.While the car that is cheaper might seem to be better at first glance, but it all depends on how often the car needs to be charged, and whether it suits your driving needs.Take into account the total cost of operation:Weekly rental charges + charging + insurance + other driver costs = weekly cost of the car.
4. Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is made for those drivers looking for something a bit more upmarket in their electric driving but fitting into private hire specifications at the same time.At Primal Cars, the Kia EV6 Horizon has a claimed range of 328 miles and weekly rental rates starting from £219 without insurance costs. It is available for Uber X and Comfort.There is another Kia EV6 AIR available in the fleet.When you spend a lot of time in your car, comfort counts. Your car becomes your workplace, so comfort must be one of the considerations.
5. Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y is a household name amongst electric car users and might serve as an interesting choice for private hire use. According to Primal Cars, Tesla Model Y has a driving range of 283 miles and is priced at £219 per week, without insurance. The car is advertised as suitable for Uber X and Comfort.Advantages of the Tesla Model Y include the combination of electric drive train and practical body type.It should be noted that just because the vehicle is popular does not mean that it would always be the most profitable choice.It depends on your charging schedule.In case you manage to charge the vehicle between shifts or during appropriate breaks, an electric vehicle will perfectly match your schedule.
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Mercedes EQE 350+
Another car suitable for drivers who want more of an executive ride is the Mercedes EQE 350+.According to Primal Cars, there is an electric version of the Mercedes EQE 350+ AMG Line, which has a range of 420 miles and costs £345 per week without insurance. In addition to that, there are other electric versions of the EQE and EQS among the fleet of Rent to Own cars.An upscale EV may give you a better experience for your passengers. At the same time, given the more expensive price, you should know your potential earnings first.It is more suited for experienced drivers who get constant bookings.
Electric PCO vs Hybrid PCO Cars – Which One Is The Best?
Electricity does not have to be the solution every time.
Plug-in hybrid PCO cars could be helpful for those who need their vehicles to be electric but also want the versatility of internal combustion engines.
Primal Cars is now offering a range of plug-in hybrids in addition to its line of electric cars, including Mercedes E300e, BMW 750e and BYD Seal U DMI.
EV could be right for you if:
- You have reliable access to charging
- You have predictable driving pattern
- You do high urban mileage
- You prefer zero emission driving
You might consider a plug-in hybrid if:
- You have changing routes
- You take long distance trips
- You don’t have much access to charging
- You need more flexibility
- It all comes down to how you do things.
TfL Licensing?
An electric car does not exempt you from having to conform to London private hire requirements.TfL is responsible for issuing private hire licenses for drivers, cars, and operators in London.The London PHV should comply with the necessary licensing, while drivers need the right private hire driver license.
London private hire vehicles according to TfL should not exceed 10 years, depending on the relevant licensing requirements.
Before using the vehicle, make sure of the following:
- The vehicle is fit for the London PHV.
- The vehicle is licensed appropriately.
- Your driver license is in order.
- You have the proper insurance for private hire services.
- The vehicle complies with your platform requirements.
Don’t solely depend on the vehicle advertisement that the car is fit for PCO services.
How Can Electric Vehicles Improve Private Hire Earnings?
While electric vehicles could help save on energy, earnings depend on many other factors.
The following items can influence your earnings:
- Hours worked
- Demands for journeys
- Commissions from the platform
- Mileage
- Vehicle rental costs
- Insurance
- Charging costs
- Vehicle maintenance
- Down time
- One helpful thing would be tracking your numbers weekly.
For instance, you can write down the following information: weekly earnings from driving, miles driven, cost of charging, and vehicle-related costs. This way you’ll have more understanding than just the advertised savings on fuel or electricity.
Moreover, charging time matters.Charging is not always time you drive, so a driver must find a way to charge during down time.
Rent to Own versus Traditional Vehicle Financing
Some motorists desire to be the owners of their cars without having to make a commitment when purchasing the car.Rent to Own can serve as an alternative.
Primal Cars Rent to Own PCOs include various electric and plug-in hybrid cars with weekly payments plans. The current Primal Cars Rent to Own PCOs include the following electric cars: Kia Niro EV2, Toyota bZ4X, BYD Seal Design, Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y.
Traditionally financed cars and Rent to Own are two different products, and therefore, drivers must read the contract carefully before signing.
Consider the Following:
- Amount payable
- How often do you pay
- Conditions of ownership
- Insurance policy
- Maintenance agreement
- Terms of mileage
- Procedure for terminating the contract early
- What if you are not driving anymore
Never consider a car financing deal just based on its weekly fee.
What Do Primal Cars Offer?
Since 2013, Primal Cars has been helping out PCO drivers in London and offers both PCO Car Hire and Rent to Own services. According to its website, its cars are PCO-ready and its packages cover PCO license, full insurance, servicing, road tax, MOT every six months, and 24/7 breakdown coverage. It also offers flexible rentals and a variety of electric and plug-in hybrid cars.Such assistance is valuable for those who do not want to deal with all aspects of being a car owner.This can save time for a new driver who wants to get his driving career started. At the same time, flexible cars can be helpful for an experienced driver wishing to change his vehicle according to his work-related demands.
Common Mistakes Made By New PCO Drivers
Selecting based on weekly cost alone
Weekly cost alone doesn’t always indicate lower cost.Also consider charging, insurance, mileage, and downtime.
Overlooking charging accessibility
The EV makes sense when you have good charging options.Look at your home, office, and nearby charging stations while selecting your electric PCO car.
Thinking that more range always equals better value
The larger battery pack is good, but you could pay for the range that you don’t use frequently.
Neglecting passenger comfort
Your passengers spend time inside the vehicle. A comfortable interior can enhance their journey experience.
Failing to read the contract
Know all the costs, terms, and conditions before signing any contract.
Final Thoughts
The ideal electric vehicle for PCO drivers in London will depend upon the work schedule, budget, and priorities of the individual.While the Kia Niro EV2 would be suitable for cost-conscious drivers, the Toyota bZ4X and BYD Seal Design have better official range capabilities. The Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y are two cars that combine utility and luxury differently. Then there is the Mercedes EQE 350+ that will be ideal for the executive drivers.
What matters is the overall comparison.
Consider all aspects like the rental charges per week, charge time, insurance, licensing, passenger comfort, and estimated mileage before making the decision. If buying the vehicle is in your plans, do make an informed choice comparing Rent to Own and all other financial options available.For the drivers who are considering an electric or plug-in hybrid PCO, Primal Cars’ existing fleet offers many choices to consider other than the vehicle itself.
FAQs
1.Which electric car is the best for private hire vehicle drivers to use in London?
This depends on the individual.Some of the good options include the Kia Niro EV2 for those who are conscious of their spending, whereas the Toyota bZ4X, BYD Seal Design, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, and Mercedes EQE 350+ could be some alternatives.
2.Can electric cars be used by Uber drivers in London?
Yes, the right kind of electric cars can be used for private hire driving if they comply with the appropriate TfL and platform regulations. The drivers need to make sure that their vehicle complies with all these regulations before working.
3.Is an electric PCO car more cost-effective in running? Electric
PCO cars could lead to lower energy costs as compared to other fuel-based cars, although the level of savings would depend on various factors, such as electricity prices, mileage, and costs associated with renting the car.
4.Which one is better, Rent to Own or renting the PCO car?
Renting is flexible whereas Rent to Own would be more suitable for those drivers who would like to aim for ownership. Neither of these choices can be considered better. Compare everything mentioned above and make your choice.
5.Is there any requirement for electric PCOs to be licensed by TfL?
Yes. Even though these are electric cars, the vehicles and drivers used as private hire vehicles in London must meet the licensing requirements of TfL. The licensing of the vehicle and the driver takes place separately.
6.What is the distance that a PCO electric vehicle can travel?
This depends on different factors and will vary from one model to another. According to Primal Cars, the current electric vehicles have varying distances ranging from 283 miles for the Tesla Model Y to 485 miles for some EQS models.
7.EV or Hybrid for New PCO Drivers?
New drivers should decide on the basis of their mileage, availability of charging points, financial resources, and routes preferred. An electric car is ideal if there is assured charging points, but a plug-in hybrid gives more flexibility.
