For those driving for London PCO, it is now a daily routine to charge an electric car. If you have the right charging strategy, you can save money on your car’s running expenses, save time, and make sure that your car is ready for the next booking.So, where will PCO drivers get free and cheap EV charging in London?This will vary depending on the car, distance, charging rate and working hours. Some London charge points are free, others have low cost charging at specific times. The network of public charging stations is also growing in the capital.As of January 2026, London had almost 28,000 public charge points. It eventually grew to almost 28,550 by May 2026, of which over 1,700 were rapid or ultra-rapid.This expanding network brings more opportunities to Uber drivers, Bolt drivers and other private hire drivers. But not all the cheapest chargers are a good fit. Also, you should take into account charging time, location, parking rules and if the charger is still working.Let’s look at how to discover less costly EV charging in London and how to get it to fit your PCO driving lifestyle.
Free EV charging in London for PCO Drivers.
There is still free charging, however it is not as prevalent.Open charging stations might be available on a business, residential development or other site arrangement for free. Currently for instance, Zapmap has individual London charging locations which have been recorded as free to use. Note, though, that availability and price may vary, so be sure to check the most up-to-date information before heading to a charger.
Charging for free can also have strings attached.
A site may be:
- Customers will get access to this option only if available.
- Open for a restricted period of time.
- Subject to parking fees
- The data is only accessible via a specific app.
- Available only for certain users.
- Temporarily unavailable
That is why it’s unfair on PCO drivers to have to schedule an entire working day around availability of a free charging station.Rather, use free charging as an opportunity if it’s a natural place to charge along the way.
How to Find Cheap EV Charging in London
The most convenient way to see the comparison of charge prices is on an EV charging map or app.
Tools like Zapmap can assist drivers to check:
- Charger location
- Charging speed
- Connector type
- Network
- Current availability
- Pricing
- Access restrictions
London City Hall also directs EV drivers to a charging search map for the capital (Zapmap) to identify charging points.Checking the charger before commencing shift will eliminate unnecessary detours for a busy PCO driver.
Find off-peak charging locations
Appropriate time charging can have an impact.For instance, ubitricity now has a variety of pay-as-you-go rates for various hours of the day. Tariffs are published, including a low price for use overnight (from midnight to 7am) and a peak price for daytime use. Tariff is subject to change depending on location and payment so it is advisable to check the current tariff before charging.This can be helpful for drivers that can charge while they are sleeping.
A basic activity might be:
1.Complete driving shift.
2.Find a suitable overnight charger.
3.Plug on before leaving the house.
4.Pick up the car the following morning, it can be either charged or not charged.
5.Reduce the number of daytime charging shifts for the next shift.
It’s easier than stopping during busy times.
Helpful for PCO Drivers?
There are extensive numbers of on-street charging points, with the chargers fitted in lamp columns.They are helpful for those drivers who don’t have private off-street parking.Ubitricity’s London footprint has been expanded too. By 2026, over 2,400 of the former SureCharge sites were becoming part of its Shell Recharge network. Many of these are found on the residential streets and for slower overnight charging.
But slower chargers are not always convenient when on duty.
A slower charger can be suitable if waiting for a passenger for several hours. A rapid charger might be more suitable if you need to get back to work quickly.
Using the rapid charging system, it can save your working time.
Time is one of the costs for PCO drivers.
Rapid charging can charge an EV much quicker than standard charging which will take about seven to eight hours, according to London City Hall. High mileage drivers like taxi and private hire men and women can benefit from rapid charging most of all. This leaves an important decision to be made. A low cost slow charger might be offering a lower cost/kWh, but it may also be taking several hours to charge. The faster the charger, the higher the price, but it could get you back on the road sooner. An Uber or Bolt driver won’t care about that because time spent charging is time that may not be spent on paid trips.
This is the best charging strategy for Uber and Bolt car owners.
There is no standard charging schedule for all private hire drivers.
The best strategy will vary based on your mileage, range and working hours.
New PCO Drivers
It is best for new drivers to know how they will drive on a daily basis. Don’t think that you have to charge multiple times throughout the day.
Track:
- Miles driven
- Capacity at beginning of cycle (in percentage)
- Battery percentage at the end of
- Charging time
- Charging cost
The time that is spent travelling to the charger.
After a week you will have a clearer idea of your true charging requirements.
Experienced PCO Drivers
Older drivers can take time to plan their charging around less busy times of the day.For instance, you can charge during a planned charging break, instead of traveling to a charging station.You might also consider identifying 2 or 3 reliable charging stations within your typical operating environment as well.It provides a rescheduling alternative in case your preferred one is scheduled.
Do Not Choose a Charger Based Only on Price
The lowest-priced charging station does not necessarily offer the lowest overall cost.Suppose there is a charger that has a lower charge cost per kWh but a longer journey from home to the charger before and after charging (20 mins). Another potential issue is waiting for an available connector which may take a while depending on the time of day.This can cut down your earning time. Rather, take into account the entire expense: Cost: $10 + travel time + waiting time + parking fee This is particularly important for drivers of high mileage PCOs.A higher price, but closer to your usual driving path, could be a better investment than a lower-cost charger, further away.
Know the Parking Regulations Before Plugging In
Free charging does not necessarily equate to free parking.There are places with different fees for parking.There may be other regulations that you must follow. This is important since even if the person saves money on the electricity, he can end up losing money due to parking fees or fines.Never assume that an EV charging spot comes for free.
What About Congestion Charge Costs in London?
An electric vehicle could still be beneficial for London private hire drivers, but drivers need to know about road charging policy. Private hire vehicles do not have any exemptions in regard to Congestion Charge. Since 2 January 2026, there will be a 25% Cleaner Vehicle Discount for electric cars registered under Auto Pay that meet the criteria. As per the TfL, this will mean that an eligible electric car will pay £13.50 instead of £18 daily Congestion Charge.
That is a separate matter from EV charging costs.
Therefore, you need to account for road user charges as well while calculating your actual expenses.
Electric Vehicle Charging Against a Plug-In Hybrid for PCO Driving
Not every private hire driver should get an electric vehicle.There are some aspects you need to consider.
An electric car is suitable if:
- You are able to charge the vehicle.
- The distance you drive daily fits the range of the car.
- You can charge overnight.
- You usually drive in London.
- You can plan your charging stops.
In case you drive long distances and cannot rely on charging infrastructure, it is better to choose a plug-in hybrid. Primal Cars currently provides both types of vehicles on its website.The key thing is to evaluate the vehicle with regard to your driving habits.
Where Primal Cars Fits into the EV PCO Scenario
Selecting a suitable vehicle is just one aspect of keeping your private hire costs down.Primal Cars offers its services in the form of PCO Car Hire and Rent to Own for London PCO drivers. It offers electric and plug-in hybrid cars in various vehicle classes with the appropriate features and facilities in its existing car range.Its website also mentions that its PCO cars come with PCO license, comprehensive insurance, servicing and maintenance, road tax, MOT every six months and 24/7 breakdown cover according to their packages. It is advised to drivers to make sure of the specifics of the chosen plan.Drivers can use such facilities when they want to concentrate on their job without bothering about all other aspects of car owning themselves.Drivers looking for Rent to Own PCO Cars should not worry about the only weekly payment.
Consider:
- Weekly rental payment
- Insurance arrangements
- Down Payment
- Ownership
- Maintenance
- Mileage
- Duration of Contract
- Consequences of any changes in circumstances
Rent to Own can help you get your own car, but the best thing to do is to compare the total cost involved in both situations.
Ways to Further Lower Costs of Charging EVs
Below are effective methods for spending less money while charging.
1. Home Charging Whenever Possible
This is possible only if you have proper access to a charger at home.
It also eliminates the necessity to travel specifically to a public charging station.
2. Off-Peak Charging
Check if your charging provider allows off-peak or nighttime lower rates.
Never forget to look into the current rates since they may vary.
3. Utilize Charging Apps
Don’t count on your memory.
Use live maps of chargers when traveling.
4. Charging During Break Times
Charge when taking a meal break, resting, or having an intended break.
It will save you time.
5. Have a Spare Charger
The charger that you love to use may be unavailable.
Have another ready.
6. Plan Your Way to the Charger
A charger far from your location may be expensive.
Plan the total cost of the journey.
Charging EVs – Common PCO Drivers Mistakes
The first mistake is charging your vehicle only when the battery is close to zero. This can result in you trying to find a charger at a busy time period.A second mistake is that drivers use one network only. Drivers need to have alternatives since each charging station could be occupied, out of service, or under maintenance. The third mistake is not thinking about the charging rate. While an inexpensive 7kW charger could be perfect for overnight charging, it might be inappropriate to use if there is another trip to make soon.
London Charging Routine Made Easy
One possible routine may be:
Prior to your shift:
Check the charge of your vehicle and determine your key charging points.
During your shift:
Keep an eye on your battery, rather than running it down too much.
During an intended break:
Charge using an appropriate fast charger/destination charger if needed.
Prior to leaving work for the day:
Determine whether an overnight charge is better and cheaper.
In a couple of weeks’ time:
Analyze your charging expenses in comparison to how many miles you drove. This will give you accurate figures rather than making assumptions.
Final Thoughts
Free and affordable EV charging exists in London, but there is much more to it than a low-cost charging rate. The ideal strategy is one which optimally combines the cost of electricity, the speed of charging, location, and the time required for charging. While some will find overnight charging more convenient, others may prefer to charge quickly during their breaks.
London’s charging network
FAQs
How do PCO drivers access free EV charging in London?
Free EV charging is available, but it may be restricted in some cases. They are restricted to particular business, place, or certain users.
What would be the most economical means of charging an EV in London?
The most economical solution will depend on the location of the charger, tariff structure, and time of the day. Off-peak charging might help save costs in some cases.
Is rapid charging a good option for Uber drivers?
Rapid charging becomes relevant in case of time constraints. Even though the price per kilowatt-hour is relatively high, the faster process saves time. In the case of an active Uber driver, it can be more important to get back to driving.
Are there public EV charging stations available for private hire drivers?
Yes, there is no restriction on using any public charging station for private hire drivers, based on the regulations set at the individual charging stations. There are increasing numbers of public charging stations in London, with rapid and ultra-rapid charging capabilities.
Electric Car vs Hybrid Car for Driving in PCOs?
The answer would depend on the usage by the driver. The electric vehicle could cut down on petrol consumption, whereas the plug-in hybrid would offer more flexibility.
