Your car will make a big difference to a private hire driver’s working day. It’s even more important for executive drivers. Comfort is key, along with smart interiors, performance, and a professional experience.The best PCO Cars for Executive Private Hire Drivers ought to provide more than a top badge. They should also be economical and comply with the requirements of the private hire regulations in London, as well as be appropriate to a driver’s daily workload.An executive car can be used to capture higher value journeys where it is possible for the driver to work on Uber and other licensed platforms. However, there are insurance factors, running costs, and price of renting a luxury car that comes with a luxury car.This guide will tell you what to keep in mind, what are the luxury choices and how PCO hire or Rent to Own can meet various driving goals.
How to choose the best Executive PCO Car?
When selecting a luxury PCO car, you need to find one that is comfortable, meets the requirements, reliable, and cost-effective.
An effective Executive Vehicle should possess:
- The longer journeys are not as comfortable as they could be with comfortable seating.
- A high-quality cabin
- Good passenger space
- Strong reliability
- Automatic transmission
- Suitable emissions performance
- Cost of energy or fuel is reasonable
- A professional appearance
Chosen from the following list of platform categories:Selected from the following list of platform categories:
An appropriate PCO license.
Not all the most expensive cars are automatically the most profitable. The first step in a realistic evaluation of the weekly vehicle cost versus realistic earnings should be taken by an executive driver. Any time you pay more for a car than the base price, you only make the financial sense if you can get more value from the car than the amount you paid.
The primal cars are a source of luxury cars including PCO cars
Primal Cars has a variety of PCO vehicles such as executive and luxury models, electric and plug-in hybrids. It now has EVs like the Mercedes EQE four-door, the Mercedes S-Class S450e 4Matic L, the BMW G70 750e xDrive and the BMW G60 530e xDrive.
BMW G70 750e xDrive
The BMW 750e xDrive is definitely targeted at an executive private hire luxury market.With its spacious interior and high-quality materials, it is ideal for those who appreciate comfort and sophistication.But the weekly price is more expensive than a number of regular PCO vehicles, too. At the time of writing this article, Primal Cars offers it for £635 per week (excluding insurance!).It can be worthwhile if you have a well-established executive driver who has appropriate bookings. The financial commitment is relevant and needs to be considered for someone new to private hire.
Mercedes S-Class S450e 4Matic L
The Mercedes S-Class is still considered a solid executive option.Primal Cars now describes the S450e 4Matic L as a luxury plug-in hybrid, available from £699 per week (net), excluding insurance.The plug-in hybrid system could offer some good flexibility for those who wish to use the electric motor for appropriate journeys, but need a petrol engine for longer distances.Whether the car looks impressive isn’t the only thing that matters. It is whether the driver’s work patterns are able to cover the weekly cost.
BMW G60 530e xDrive
Instead the BMW 530e has another combination.It features executive styling and plug-in hybrid technology but doesn’t cost as much as the bigger 7 Series for a weekly.Primal Cars quotes the G60 530e xDrive for £339 per week (excluding insurance) and the electric range is stated as approximately 54-62 miles.If drivers want executive PCO cars but also want to keep the weekly costs under control, this type of car might be a good option.
Mercedes EQE 300 AMG Line
Another Car Pco option mentioned by Primal Cars for those drivers looking at a fully electric executive car is the Mercedes EQE 300 AMG Line.It’s priced from £325 per week (excl. insurance) and has a range of 385 miles.The EQE is ideal for drivers working in London regularly, with a reliable charging schedule.
Mercedes EQE 350+ AMG Line
There’s also an electric executive model in the form of the EQE 350+ AMG Line.At present, Primal Cars is offering it at £345 per week (excluding insurance) and has a range of 420 miles.For high mileage drivers, access to charging is even more crucial. A good quoted range is no excuse for not charging planning based on working hours, traffic and passenger demand.
Electric vs Hybrid: Which is the better choice for Executive Drivers?
There is no right or wrong answer.
The powertrain is to be determined by your driving style.
Electric PCO Cars
An electric vehicle can be a good choice for drivers who:
- Traffic is heavy within London (250-500)
- Be able to access charging in a reliable way
- Runners are preferred if they are predictable and consistent with their electric running.
- Take a modern executive-passenger journey!
- Can schedule around work time
For those who appreciate quiet, smooth driving, electric PCO cars are also a stylish option for their rides.But charging time must be incorporated into the working plan.If the driver has completed a long shift with a low battery, he or she shouldn’t look at charging as something that can be postponed until the end.
HYBRID & Plug-in Hybrid PCO Cars.
These hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles can provide more flexibility.A plug-in hybrid can power up in an electric mode on appropriate trips but still have an engine available for longer ones.This can work for drivers with different work shifts.An example of this could be an executive driver who predominantly drives during weekdays around central London, but is prepared to travel longer distances to airports or out of London.Useful flexibility might be a PHEV.
Avoid selecting a Luxury PCO car based on its looks
It’s easy to get caught out by a new private hire driver’s initial error, which is selecting a car with just looks in mind.Looks good but isn’t right for the budget.Before entering into an agreement, make the calculations:Realistic weekly vehicle budget = weekly vehicle cost + insurance + vehicle charging/fuel + other working costs.Next compare that with realistic income, not your best ever week!In addition, you will want to think about the number of hours you will be traveling.If the driver is experienced and working full-time, he/she can distribute a higher weekly rate over more bookings and hours.If you’re a part-time driver, the cheaper PCO car may be more sensible.
Before Making Your Selection Ensure That It Meets TfL Specifications
Luxury does not supersede legal licensing regulations.
For one to be driving as a London private hire driver, it is important that they adhere to the required TfL licensing specifications. According to TfL, it is a must for a London PHV driver to have a license in order to undertake bookings for a TfL-licensed private hire operator.
Also, vehicle specifications count.
As per the recent vehicle inspection guidance from TfL, it is important for a PHV to satisfy the Zero Emission Capable requirement where the age of first registration should not exceed 10 years from first registration.
PCO Hire versus Rent to Own for Executive Drivers
Either choice would suit a driver at different stages of their driving career.
PCO Car Hire
Traditional PCO hire allows you flexibility. You rent the car rather than owning the car. It suits the individual who wishes to try the executive private hire before committing. It suits an individual whose circumstances can change. Primal Cars offers flexible PCO car hire services that have PCO ready vehicles and programs suited for private hire drivers.
Rent to Own
Rent to Own is different.
Unlike traditional PCO hire where you rent a car, the payment program is aimed at ownership within the agreed terms. It would suit the individual who intends to drive the same type of vehicles for longer periods. Primal Cars describes its Rent to Own as a way to own a vehicle via planned payments. It has PCO ready vehicles and includes hybrid and electric models among others. The key here is to understand the entire agreement rather than looking at weekly payments only. What is your total payment obligation, the terms of ownership, the cost involved, and what if your situation changes?
Maintenance and Unforeseen Expenses?
There are many things that may cause a luxury car to incur additional costs.According to Primal Cars, it has made servicing and maintenance part of its PCO packages. This service also includes the MOT test every six months, as well as road tax and 24/7 breakdown assistance.There is always a need to go through the agreement details to see what is included for a chosen car.This will make the management of the private hire car easier.It will also make it easy to calculate how much the car earns.
Example: Selecting from two drivers
Let us look at two different drivers.
Driver 1 is a new PCO driver. The driver wants to drive for five days a week but has not made his regular client base yet.A high cost and expensive luxury car would put him under unnecessary pressure.He might want to start with a suitable executive PCO car that suits him and does not put much cost pressure on him every week. Driver 2 is a seasoned driver and regularly works towards driving for executive customers.He is well aware of his income for the week. He knows his working hours. An expensive S Class or BMW series 7 car would suit him better.
Common Mistakes in Selecting an Executive PCO Car
These include:
Choosing the Most Priced Vehicle
Being luxurious doesn’t necessarily mean more profits.
Make sure you calculate extra costs against realistic earning potentials.
Failing to Factor in Insurance Costs
Some car prices quoted weekly do not include insurance. In one case, the Primal Cars vehicle prices have insurance excluded in their PCO Hire pages.Ensure insurance is calculated before comparison of the cars.
Overlooking the Charging Needs
It may sound great using an electric vehicle for your job in London, but you must consider charging needs first.Find out where and when you will charge your vehicle.
Skipping to Read the Contract
You should never make a decision based on the weekly price quote alone.Read the whole contract before making any commitments.
Assuming All Luxury Cars Are Eligible for a Certain Platform
This eligibility may vary based on the vehicle models, age and even the current platform requirements.You must find out if the vehicle you intend to choose is eligible for the service platform.
Where Do Primal Cars Fit In?
Primal Cars has concentrated on PCO vehicle solutions in London since 2013 and offers PCO cars rental services together with the Rent to Own service.Primal Cars’ fleet consists of electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and executive-luxury vehicles.In terms of drivers, the important point is choice.While a new private hire driver can opt for flexibility,an experienced one can choose an executive car with better passenger comfort,Another one can aim at owning a vehicle via Rent to Own.Primal Cars claims that its PCO vehicles are suitable for Uber and other licensed ride-hailing applications provided that all the necessary requirements are met.The best option is to make a comparison between the vehicle, weekly cost and preferred working mode.
Final Thoughts
Best PCO Cars for Executive Private Hire Drivers include passenger comfort with good business economics.Cars like the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series give an executive experience whereas cars like the BMW 530e and Mercedes EQE can be considered as a good compromise between executive experience and cost issues. Primal Cars provides both the options of PCO hire and Rent to Own services to drivers according to their future planning.Don’t just go for the badge.Consider TfL eligibility, platform requirements, weekly expenses, insurance and maintenance costs and fuel or charge requirements as well as how many hours you plan on driving.Before taking any decision regarding executive PCO cars or PCO hiring or Rent to Own option, contact Primal Cars. FAQs
Which are the best PCO vehicles for executive private hire chauffeurs?
It all depends on the budget, eligibility of the car in the chosen platform and the working pattern. Currently available executive choices by Primal Cars are BMW 750e, BMW 530e, Mercedes S450e, Mercedes EQE.
Is it worth having luxury PCO cars as an Uber driver?
If the driver is constantly receiving suitable bookings, luxury PCO cars will be worth it. But increased vehicle expenses do not necessarily mean increased profits.
Is an electric PCO car suitable for London?
Electric PCO cars could be suitable for Londoners who have access to charging points and undertake their trips within a reasonable range.
Which is Better? Rent to Own or PCO Hire?
There is no better one here. PCO hire might be more flexible, while Rent to Own is for those wishing to own the vehicle.
Are luxury PCOs required to adhere to TfL criteria?
Yes. Even when it is a luxury car, it has to satisfy the PHV licensing criteria in London. These criteria include age and emission standards for vehicles being submitted for licensing for the first time.
What am I supposed to confirm before hiring an executive PCO car?
Weekly rate, insurance, licensing, maintenance, MOT, breakdown cover, suitability of the car, and other details of the contract must be confirmed.
Is it possible for PCO drivers who have just joined to use executive cars?
It is possible, but cost should be the priority. The PCO driver might not even be aware of their weekly earnings at this point.
