The vehicle is an important factor that can make a significant difference to London private hire drivers’ earnings per week. Your car impacts on fuel or charging expenses, comfort, passenger ability, the variety of Uber cars or services you are eligible for, reliability and the amount of money after costs.This is why driver income by having the cheapest weekly car rental is not enough. A suitable one should match with your working hours, usual travel, the demand of passengers and your budget. Whether you’re driving for Uber, Bolt or another private hire company, there’s only one thing you want to do: keep your running costs down, and drive a reliable, compliant car that can get you through the day.PCO car hire and Rent to Own are available in the UK from Primal Cars, which has electric and plug-in hybrid cars in its current fleet in London. The company’s web page says that it has been helping PCO drivers since 2013.
The reason for your PCO Car to have an impact on your income
Gross app earnings is just one of the pieces of the puzzle.The driver can do many trips, but if the car is expensive to run per week, not very efficient, or requires lots of maintenance then they will earn less. It can cost you a lot for your main vehicle, and these expenses may include:
- Costs of renting or owning a PC weekly
- Insurance
- Charging or fuel
- Servicing and maintenance
- Road charges
- Vehicle-related expenses, such as MOTs and vehicle licensing fees.
- Wear items, such as tyres.
- Went without a car for a while during the parting
The total cost of working the PCO car should therefore be evaluated by the total amount it costs to work per week and not just the advertised weekly rate.For instance, a driver with high mileage may have lower energy costs with an electric car than other models, even though it might be more expensive to rent. Similarly, someone who prefers electric driving for shorter trips and petrol driving for longer trips might find a plug-in hybrid to be the right choice.
Select a Car that fits Your True Driving Style
No one PCO car is the best one for every Uber driver.The way you work is important.
Full-time London driver
For those who drive 5 or 6 days per week and get on the road a lot, efficiency is especially critical. Energy costs can add up over hundreds of miles, and it can make a difference to save a little energy per mile.Comfort and reliability should also be taken into consideration. Working long hours is hard, but the right interior and reliable vehicle can help you get the job done.
Part-time Uber driver
Fixed weekly costs should be avoided by part-time drivers.If you only drive a few nights a week, a luxury car that has a high weekly payment can be a financially bad idea. Work out the distance you plan to travel on a weekly basis before you lock in on a purchase. Moving away from home into the airport and other extended trips.Airport and extended trips.For road users who make regular long-distance trips, it is important to consider range and charging infrastructure and space for passengers.For high mileage driving an electric PCO car could work well if you can plan charging around your shifts. A plug-in hybrid might be appropriate for those who wish to have electric power for some miles but need petrol power when needed.
Which is better, electric or hybrid powered PCO Cars, which can make more money?
This will depend on your driving habits.
As of now, Primal Cars offers a choice of electric and plug-in hybrid PCO cars. It has vehicles ranging from plug-in hybrids, like the Mercedes E300e, Kia Sorento PHEV, BYD Seal U DMI Boost, Hyundai Tucson and VW Multivan PHEV, through to the Mercedes EQE 300 AMG Line, Mercedes EQE 350+ AMG Line, BYD Seal Design and Kia EV6.
Electric PCO cars
For those who drive long distances and can easily find charging stations, an EV may be a compelling choice.
Potential advantages include:
- No petrol or diesel fuels
- Smooth and quiet operation of a vehicle on the road.
- Well suited for urban travel
- Reduced energy expenses (potential savings)
- Zero tailpipe emissions
But charging time and access is important. The driver who is unable to charge conveniently may lose productive time.London’s charging ecosystem should be taken into account. ULEZ is in use by TfL in all London boroughs and costs £10 per day for vehicles that aren’t compliant with the emission standards.
Plug-in hybrid PCO cars
Plug-in hybrid is another option.
Can run electric power for appropriate shorter distances and still retain an engine for longer trips. It might be helpful for drivers who work from central London on private hire trips.But a plug-in hybrid can only be as effective as the driver if they use it sensibly. Many of the advantages can be lost if it is charged infrequently. The most suitable option is the one which meets your actual working schedule.Take Uber Categories and Demand for Passengers into account.Take into account Uber Categories and the Demand for Passengers.Your vehicle can also determine who trips you can take and what categories you can take. Some of the models in Primal Cars’ current fleet are classified as Uber X, Comfort and Uber XL. For instance, its Ford Tourneo Custom PHEV is also available in Uber XL, Uber X and Comfort, and the VW Multivan PHEV is available in the same categories. This presents an interesting question of income:
Does a more flexible car offer you better work?
For those who need to use a car for carrying passengers on a frequent basis, a larger vehicle might be the better option. However, the cost of the week is still expected to be matched by real demand.While there may seem to be more categories, do not pick a bigger or more expensive car. See how much extra money can you expect to make compared to the extra weekly/monthly running expenses.Choose PCO Compliance as the centre of your decision, and you will be on the right track.
If your car can’t work, you’re not going to have any income
Private hire drivers must possess the relevant TfL driver licence and vehicles and operators are licensed separately in London. TfL says private hire vehicles should be licensed and the booking done by a private hire vehicle operator licensed by TfL.TfL is also responsible for standards for vehicles. The current inspection manual of its operation provides details of the legislation it has to meet and TfL requirements.That is why it’s helpful for a new driver to have a PCO-ready vehicle. Rather than setting up all the requirements on your own, you can begin with a car that is set up for private hire duties. Primal Cars states that its plans provide PCO-ready vehicles with items including PCO licensing, fully comprehensive insurance, servicing and maintenance, road tax, an MOT every six months and 24/7 breakdown cover. Be sure to read the existing agreement and inclusions before signing.
Calculate Net Driver Income and Not Just Gross Earnings
One of the most common mistakes done by Uber drivers when they first start out is the concentration on the app earnings.
- Let us take two drivers who earn £1,000 in a week.
- Driver A will have the following
- Higher weekly vehicle costs
- Higher energy costs
- Higher maintenance costs
- Driver B will have the following
- Lower overall vehicle cost
- Higher efficiency
- Lower unanticipated costs
Gross earnings are the same but net earnings differ.
With a simple equation Net driver income = Gross earnings – all business and vehicle costs Calculate the expenses for several weeks. Charging costs or fuel costs, rental costs, insurance costs and other job-related costs. It makes you better able to determine whether your PCO vehicle is adding anything to your income.
Rent to Own vs Conventional Vehicle Finance
For drivers intending on pursuing a career in the field, Rent to Own could prove beneficial. Conventional vehicle finance generally means a finance arrangement, credit check and certain ownership criteria. However, Rent to Own is a different method. According to Primal Cars’ own description of their Rent to Own scheme, it is a weekly payment system intended to assist drivers in becoming owners. The company’s website also notes that no credit checks are necessary for the Primal Cars Rent to Own program, but this should always be verified.
When Rent to Own would suit your needs
Rent to Own would suit drivers who:
- Intend to stay with private hire
- Are looking for an opportunity to become an owner
- Seek weekly payments
- Wish for a PCO vehicle
- Do not wish for conventional vehicle finance options
But don’t compare Rent to Own to conventional finance based on weekly payments alone.Check the total cost payable, contract length, extra features, insurance options, ownership criteria and other costs before choosing.Weekly payment options which are the most expensive are not necessarily the most expensive overall.
Common Errors for First-Time PCO Drivers
Opting for the cheapest car without considering other factors While cheaper cars offer a lower weekly cost, there are other costs like energy, insurance, and downtime which may affect your decision.
Failing to check the car’s charging needs
For an electric car, you will not be able to earn money if it cannot be charged at convenient times.
Selecting a car whose weekly costs are too high
If your car costs more, it might force you to push yourself into meeting the higher cost through your earnings. You should choose a car which is affordable.
Overlooking road charges
Before commencing work, you must be familiar with the charges. The Transport for London says that PHVs are not automatically exempted from the Congestion Charge.
Neglecting maintenance planning
Any vehicle which does not go out due to maintenance issues cannot earn for you.
Maintenance is, thus, important for income protection.
A Smart Way To Select The Next PCO Car
Answer six questions before selecting your car:
- How many miles would I travel per week?
- What will be the destination for most of my travel?
- Will I be able to easily recharge an EV?
- What kind of cars will I go for on Uber?
- What weekly cost am I ready to bear for a vehicle?
- What does the rental or RTO contract include?
Evaluate all possibilities by taking into account your net weekly earnings, not just the rental cost.A new driver may find it more practical to go for flexibility rather than the car itself. For an experienced driver, a long way towards owning the car might fit better.
Where Primal Cars Comes in
Primal Cars specializes in PCO car hire and Rent to Own services aimed at London private hire drivers. The company currently offers electric and plug-in hybrid cars, along with flexible rentals and car advertising for various Uber categories.According to the company, they have been providing PCO car solutions since 2013, and provide round-the-clock customer support. This makes it suitable for new and existing drivers looking for a provider of PCO services, as opposed to acquiring an ordinary car themselves.However, the crucial thing to remember here is the need to select the right solution for your budget.
Closing Thoughts
Increasing a driver’s earnings with a suitable PCO car is not about finding a single ideal car.It is about matching your working style with the right PCO car.Consider weekly expenses, fuel efficiency, carrying capacity, app classification, reliability, licensing and your mileage expectations. See what the net effect would be. Whether you are thinking of PCO car hire or Rent to Own, Primal Cars provides electric, plug-in hybrids as well as PCO oriented rental options. Check out what Primal Cars has on offer directly from their website before making a decision.The right PCO car will not necessarily increase your earnings. But the right PCO car can definitely help you keep costs down, work effectively and earn more.
FAQs
1.
Which is the best PCO vehicle to boost Uber drivers’ earnings?
The best PCO vehicle will depend on the driver’s mileage, passenger demand, costs, and hours of work. A good electric vehicle would be appropriate for a London driver with high mileage who can easily charge the car.
2.Can an electric PCO car save money on Uber driving?
An electric PCO car can save on energy expenses for some Uber drivers who travel lots of miles and charge the battery well. But charging may be expensive.
3.Is “Rent to Own” superior to conventional car hire through PCOs?
“Rent to Own” is ideal for drivers intending to stick with private hire and earn their cars. Conventional rental may be more flexible.
4.Must PCO drivers be driving a TfL licensed car?
Yes, private hire cars in London have to be properly licensed by TfL. Private hire drivers should be licensed too.
5.Uber Drivers, Should You Go for Electric or Hybrid Cars?
Consider your working pattern before opting for either EV or hybrid PCO car. The EV can be considered by those who have reliable access to charge their car and work more in the city area.
6.What can be done to ensure new PCO drivers make the most money in a week?
It begins with managing the fixed expenses. Get the right PCO car for yourself, know the road charges, record the cost of fuel/charging, and drive during times favorable to you.
