7 Ways EV Cars Make the Most Sense for PCO Drivers 2024

Anyone paying attention to cars on the streets will notice that there’s an abundance of EV options on the road. EV cars in the UK are flying out of the showrooms and many ride-sharing app (Uber, Bolt, Freenow) drivers are also onboard with them. Is there something about them that PCO drivers aren’t aware of? Are they that much better of an investment than your average fossil fuel-consuming vehicle?

In most cases, the answer is yes and with time, there are more reasons for your PCO car for rent in London to be an EV.

Also whatch this video.

Here are 7 reasons to use EV cars in London:

No congestion charge: 

Switching to electric cars not only benefits the environment but also your wallet, especially for PCO drivers navigating the congested streets of Central London. With the congestion charge exemption for electric vehicles, drivers stand to save a significant sum. In fact, by opting for an electric vehicle, drivers can wave goodbye to the hefty £15 daily charge, amounting to £75 per week and a staggering £3900 per year in savings. For PCO drivers operating predominantly within the congestion charge zone, this exemption translates to substantial financial relief, potentially saving them close to £4000 annually. Making the switch to electric isn’t just a step towards sustainability; it’s a smart financial move that can significantly lighten the burden of operating costs for PCO drivers.

It’s no secret congestion charges can cost you a lot, often being a major detriment to both the customer and the PCO driver. Many PCO drivers will claim that they avoid Congestion Charge zones. It’s a large area with a huge customer base that’s not getting the right attention. Currently, EV cars are exempt from paying ULEZ and congestion charges until 2025.

Lower your running cost by EVs:

For anyone who’s not already convinced that EVs are the optimal choice for PCO drivers, a quick comparison of the fuel costs will change minds. Switching to electric vehicles (EVs) presents a compelling opportunity for PCO drivers to significantly reduce their running costs, especially in a bustling city like London. Consider this: A PCO driver covering 900–1000 miles per week typically spends £120 to £150 on petrol, needing to refuel 2-3 times weekly. However, by transitioning to an electric car, the financial landscape changes dramatically. Charging an EV at home can cost as little as £0.07 per kilowatt-hour, depending on the provider. For instance, if a driver’s EV requires 64 kWh for a full charge, the total cost would be a mere £4.48, providing a range of 280 miles. To cover the same 900–1000 miles per week, the driver would only need to fully charge their EV 3–4 times, totaling just £17.92 weekly. This drastic reduction in fuel expenses underscores the immense potential for PCO drivers to achieve substantial savings by embracing electric mobility.

The Abundance of EV Options in the UK

While the number of EV charging stations in the UK might not outright rival the number of fuel stations, they’re putting up quite a fight. The infrastructure is improving regularly. Anyone hopping into an EV and going for a drive in PCO car rental London will be surprised at how frequently and conveniently they can find a station nearby to help them stay mobile.

Currently, there are 42,000 charge point connectors across the UK in over 15,500 locations. PCO drivers can come up with charging strategies to fit their use case and stay charged and mobile throughout the day.

EV Incentives

Various authorities in the UK are pushing people to opt for EV cars. For example, if you opt for a home electric vehicle charger installation, electric bills can be reduced dramatically, as some big electric providers offer £0.07 per KW. For most PCO car rentals in London, this should be enough of a reason to switch to EV.

But there’s more. Uber is on board with its Uber Clean Air Plan and Uber Green features to incentivize home charging and give an exclusive tier to EV drivers, making it a smart move to have an EV as you hire a PCO car in London. Many people in the country prefer EV cars for their sustainability features, which is why you’re likely to have some customers specifically looking for Uber Green rides.

A Drive to Remember

Many people are sold on EVs once they get behind the steering wheel. While petrolheads might miss the roar of the engine, it’s replaced with a serene quietness. But make no mistake, as most EVs pack a lot more acceleration than the average petrol car thanks to the instant torque in EV engines. While you won’t be fast and furious on London roads, it’s still great to have that power for when you need it.

All of the upgrades aren’t under the hood either, as most EV cars are focused on futuristic interiors with attention to detail and all the features you’d expect from the latest cars.

Increasing Number of Options

Anyone on the market for an EV car will be pleasantly surprised with the number of options available to them. More companies are getting their feet into the EV game, with big names like Volkswagen, Kia, and even Ford stepping up with options. It’s great for the consumer as it prevents anyone from developing a monopoly, providing users with more choices and keeping veterans like Toyota and Tesla on their toes.

Improving Technology

Over the years, EVs have come a long way. Many of the initial complaints that early adopters of the technology had have been resolved. Every iteration of EVs from various manufacturers has regularly made under-the-hood changes. Regardless of public opinion, EVs are here to stay and present a sustainable future. With improving charging rates and better battery units that provide increased mileage, there’s a lot to appreciate about EVs.

They’ve taken notes out of normal vehicles to incorporate tech like touchscreens, heated seats, lane assist, cruise control, and a myriad of parking sensors into the mix.

If you’re looking for a modern EV that has all the features you’d want for a great experience on London streets, opt for a PCO car for rent G&M Direct Hire is a PCO car rental business that’s offering PCO cars for hires like the Kia e-Niro and more. They have PCO cars to rent in both petrol/diesel and EV variants. They’re operational in areas across London, including Chelsea, Hounslow, West Drayton, Harrow, Tottenham, and surrounding areas.

The business heavily emphasizes offering quality services, ensuring that you receive a well-maintained car each time with all the support you need.