As a London private hire driver, the selection of an appropriate car can greatly influence weekly income. Not necessarily is the least expensive PCO car the one with the least rental costs. The amount of fuel, charging expenses, reliability, insurance, maintenance costs, and the range of services accepted will influence your final net income. This guide for Uber drivers provides useful tips on how to find the cheapest PCO cars to use in London and what to consider prior to choosing the rental car or Rent to Own contract. Regardless of whether you work for Uber, Bolt or any other private hire service, keeping operating costs low is crucial. Also, new PCO license holders require some effective means of getting into business. Fortunately, there are many options available in modern electric and hybrid PCO cars. Unfortunately, it is still hard to say what is the most suitable solution depending on mileage and other requirements.
What Makes a Cheap PCO Car?
Many people think only about the weekly rental cost. And it is quite natural, but not always enough.
If the PCO car is cheap to run, it must have a combination of different elements:
- Weekly rental or Rent to Own cost
- Cost of petrol or electricity
- Maximum daily mileage
- Maintenance needs
- Reliability
- Cost of insurance
- Road tax
- Downtime due to breaks down
- Comfortable for passengers
- Suitable for private hire services
For instance, the PCO vehicle which has a little higher cost of weekly rent may cost you less if it saves a lot of money on fuel.What really matters for professional drivers is not just how much the car costs. It is how much you will have left after all driving costs.
Electric VS Hybrid: What Option Will Cost You Less Money As an Uber Driver?
This is one of the most frequent queries asked by London PCO drivers.
The cost largely depends on your driving schedule.
Electric PCO Cars
Electric cars might prove to be a great choice if you travel long distances and can charge at ease.
The following could be the key benefits associated with the choice:
- Energy cost is lower than that of petrol
- Silent and smooth driving
- Engine oil does not require regular changing
- Advanced technology
- Good performance in the city environment
- Nevertheless, charging convenience is critical.
The person who charges his car at ease may save much more on fuel expenses than a driver who needs to rely only on public charging facilities.Therefore, you need to take into consideration where you live, work, and what time is convenient for you to charge before deciding to drive an EV.At Primal Cars, we provide electric options in our PCO fleet, which includes such models as the Kia Niro EV, Toyota bZ4X, BYD Seal, Kia EV6 and Tesla Model Y on relevant fleet pages.
Plug-in Hybrid PCOs
Plug-in hybrid cars provide a viable solution that can fall in between.These cars make it possible for drivers to go through shorter distances using electricity but still have the engine when making longer distances.
It suits well for drivers who:
- Drive varying daily mileage
- Do not always have access to charge their cars
- Drive outside Central London
- Are flexible with long distance travel
- Prefer a gradual move into electric driving
However, for plug-in hybrids to be efficient, the car should be charged regularly.
Uncharged PHEVs become heavy and inefficient.This is one of the common errors made by newly recruited private hire drivers.
The Cheapest PCO Car Depends on Your Driving Routines
There is no ideal PCO car for all Uber drivers.A driver who works 60 hours per week in the cities has different needs than those who work during the weekend and airport shifts. Consider the following questions before deciding on your choice of a PCO car:
How many miles do I drive weekly?
For high mileage, energy efficiency and reliability are key aspects.
What type of areas do I drive through?
If it is central London with stop-and-go traffic, then electric cars would be a good choice.
Is it possible to charge the car at home or near where I work?
This will make your PCO electric car more economical to run.
Is it a full-time job or part-time?
The flexible PCO car hire agreement may suit part-time Uber drivers better than making a significant investment.
What types of rides am I eligible for?
Your earning capacity depends on the vehicle and platform categories that you can choose. The cheapest PCO car is the one that suits your routines and leaves you with a good amount of money to earn.
Popular Low-Cost PCO Car Types
Instead of looking for one exact model, drivers need to know what kinds of vehicles will be sensible in each particular case of employment.
Compact and Economic Electric Vehicles
This type of car might work for people who prioritize city work and reduced energy consumption.Electric vehicles will be a good choice if there is access to charge stations and weekly mileage can be easily accommodated by the driving range of the vehicle.
Mid-Size Electric Vehicles
People who value comfortable seating and longer driving range might prefer mid-size electric vehicles.Weekly expenses might be somewhat higher, but comfort and fewer disruptions will add to the overall efficiency of the vehicle.
Plug-In Hybrid Cars
This kind of car might be suitable for people who do mixed trips both within and outside London.Plug-in hybrids might be particularly efficient for those who want to use electricity as fuel without being dependent on charging infrastructure.
Larger PCO Cars
Larger vehicles will involve additional costs, but they might work for drivers who need to perform group travel services.In any case, the cheapest PCO car is not necessarily the most inexpensive one.
Rental Expenses and Their Impact on Weekly Income
One easy calculation makes for easy comparison.
Consider the case of two cars.
Car A: Cheaper weekly rent, expensive fuel costs.
Car B: More expensive weekly rent, cheaper charging costs.
What needs to be compared is not the weekly cost alone.
Rather,
Weekly cost of vehicle + fuel cost + other operational costs = Total weekly cost of operation Compare this value against your realistic weekly income.In such a way you can avoid the most common mistake new PCO drivers make – selecting a car based only on its advertised weekly rent amount.Everything depends on the cost of the operation per week.
Comparing PCO Car Hire with Rent to Own
The comparison of PCO car hire and Rent to Own can be viewed as another significant financial decision.
Both solutions can fit different drivers.
When to Choose PCO Car Hire
PCO car hire can be convenient for flexible drivers.
You may need it when you are:
- Recently qualified
- Trying out private hire career
- Uncertain about future driving plans
- Considering changing the vehicle type
- Don’t want to buy a car right away
Renting gives drivers an opportunity to use a ready-to-use vehicle without the commitment of ownership that comes with buying.Primal Cars provides flexible PCO car hire services, as well as electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles fleet for London private hire drivers.
Where Rent to Own Should be Better
Rent to Own will have appeal among those drivers who want to stay in the private hire sector for good.Rather than merely renting the use of the vehicle, it can give a way of getting ownership eventually through the contract terms.
Before you sign on the dotted line with any Rent to Own deal, here is what you need to know about it:
- Total payment obligation
- Contract length
- Ownership requirements
- What it covers
- Maintenance obligations
- Insurance
- Termination clause
Do not ever presume that all Rent to Own deals are alike.
A Practical Driving Situation
Think about an Uber driver who works five days a week for the first time.They may decide on the least expensive rental car available initially.To save money, but later, after a few weeks, they find out the car consumes more fuel than initially expected.As a result, their weekly expenditure on fuel diminishes the advantage of opting for a cheap rental.Another driver rents out an electric PCO car which has a slightly different weekly expense but is charged easily at night.They have a more predictable energy bill.Either way, is neither better than the other.What really matters is that the driving pattern you follow will determine what suits you best.
When selecting a PCO car, first consider the following aspects:
- Weekly mileage
- Working hours
- Chargeable points
- Common journey locations
- Potential earnings
- Commitments unrelated to driving
A realistic prediction carries much more weight than a simple price tag.
Compliance with TfL Should Always Come First
Cost is important, but compliance is equally important.Taxis used for private hire by London private hire drivers need to have the appropriate licensing for use on that job.The driver needs to ensure he or she is aware of the licensing and vehicle requirements before using the car.Drivers should also be mindful of any changes in TfL requirements and vehicle requirements.An inexpensive car that causes licensing issues is never an inexpensive option.Primal Cars refers to its PCO cars as PCO ready and fully compliant under its rental information with services including servicing, maintenance, road tax, MOT and breakdown cover.
Typical Errors Made by New PCO Drivers
Becoming a private hire driver goes beyond getting a license and downloading an application.These are a few errors that new PCO drivers can do without.
Deciding on Price Per Week Alone
You must make sure to add up the running costs.A vehicle that offers great value initially may be pricey when fuel efficiency is low.
Failing to Check Charging Options
While owning an electric vehicle may seem like a good idea, you must make sure that charging does not interfere with your schedule.
Overestimating Money Made Per Week
New drivers should be careful and make realistic income forecasts.The demand differs throughout the week, season and location.
Neglecting Time Off During the Driving Period
A car that is making money cannot have any downtime.Maintenance and reliable vehicles are necessary for a working driver.
Failing to Understand an Agreement
Make sure to find out all details related to the agreement.Obtain information about maintenance, vehicle breakdowns and the end of the agreement.
Maximising Your Earnings Through Proper PCO Car Selection
It is important to select an efficient vehicle; there are also other ways to make sure that you earn better.
Calculate Your True Weekly Cost
Make sure to keep track of:
- Car rental payments
- Fuel or charging
- Insurance cost, if any
- Cleaning
- Parking
Toll roads, if necessary
Any other expenses relating to your job
This way, you will be able to calculate your real earnings.
Reduce Unpaid Miles
The unpaid miles could end up adding costs to your operations.
Plan the areas in which you will be driving, and also see the demand in these areas.
Look After Your Car
Drive smoothly and efficiently in order to save wear-and-tear.
Select a Car According to the Hours You Work
For a part-time driver, efficiency is not a top priority.
For a full-time driver, efficiency and comfort become priorities.
Where Primal Cars Fits In For London PCO Drivers
For any driver evaluating his/her next car choice, Primal Cars offers both PCO Car Hire and Rent to Own choices. It has been in business since 2013 and is mainly involved in offering flexible options to London-based drivers. The company currently offers a combination of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with choices including small cars that would be fit for private hire to larger and executive vehicles.The company also highlights flexible rentals, good pricing and driver support services. Its vehicle plans offer key operational support like servicing and maintenance, road tax, MOT arrangement and 24/7 breakdown cover on applicable plans.The biggest benefit for a driver here is the freedom of choice. A novice license holder can choose flexible hire.A seasoned driver thinking of a career in this field can evaluate Rent to Own options.It all depends on an individual’s financial and mileage considerations.
Recommendation from Expert: How to Select Your Next PCO Car
While selecting the next car, consider a minimum of the following five aspects:
Weekly cost – not just the rent alone.
- Fuel economy – fuel or hybrid or electrical cost.
- Charging ease – specially if you are using an electric vehicle.
- Reliability and maintenance services – any time loss due to issues impacts earnings.
- Agreement flexibility – the deal should suit your career path.
- For most drivers in London using Uber or Private Hire, a new-age electric or hybrid vehicle should be considered seriously.
- But there is no one-size-fits-all.
The right PCO car is the one which helps you have stable cost, compliance needs and comfortable earning.
Conclusion
The best value PCO car to operate in London is not just about the lowest rate per week. The best solution will depend on the miles you drive, how many hours you work, how easy you have access to charging, and your future plans. In some cases, electric cars will be perfect, but in other situations, hybrid cars will be better alternatives. New drivers need to be careful about signing up to the first deal they see. Make sure that you look into the total cost of running and find out exactly what is involved in the agreement. For those London private hire drivers considering flexible PCO Car Hire or Rent to Own, Primal Cars offers both electric and hybrid vehicles designed to meet the needs of professionals.
FAQs
What is the most economical PCO car to use in London?
It will depend upon how many miles you drive per week, the cost of renting the vehicle and the ease with which you are able to charge the car. Electric vehicles may have cheaper energy costs where there are lots of miles driven in cities.
Will an electric PCO car be cheaper than a hybrid one?
Electric PCO cars can be cheaper if there is easy access to cheap charging opportunities. But, those who rely much on costly public charging facilities need to analyze thoroughly.
Which One is Better – Rent to Own or PCO Car Hire?
Rent to Own works well for people who wish to take a longer route towards owning their car. PCO car hire suits drivers who are flexible or those who wish to test the industry.
What does a PCO vehicle need to excel for a new Uber driver?
For new Uber drivers, a PCO vehicle must be reliable, cost-effective, efficient, and legal.
Are Primal Cars a good choice for new PCO drivers?
Primal Cars provides PCO Car Hire and Rent to Own solutions that target PCO drivers, which include electric and plug-in hybrids.
What expenditures must I consider before opting for a PCO car?
Consider the cost of hiring per week, fuel or charge, insurance, parking fees, cleaning and other job-related expenditure.
