Why EV Cars Are the Right Choice for PCO 2024

Electric vehicles are becoming a viable mode of transport for everyone, including PCO drivers. Did you know that the sales of electric cars skyrocketed by 140% in 2020 in the UK, and currently, there are over 520,000 EVs on the roads of this country? It’s because of the many benefits EVs offer to individuals and businesses.

Besides being environmentally friendly, electric cars are stylish, spacious, and technologically savvy. Whether you work for Uber or any other ride-sharing platform, an EV can be integral for boosting your business.  

We offer electric cars in North East London for rent to help PCO drivers get ahead in the market. If you’re also thinking of making the switch, here are all the benefits you’ll enjoy:

Combat Increasing Fuel Prices

Fuel prices have increased significantly this year and will keep rising due to the scarcity of the planet’s natural resources. Electric vehicles are a viable solution to combat increasing prices and resource depletion.

Charging a car is more cost-effective than paying for fuel. Research shows that EV drivers spend 60% less on fuel costs as compared to drivers of gas/fuel-powered cars. Typically you’d spend over £5 with a home charger and £6–7 with a public charger for a 188-mile charge with an EV. But you’d spend over £25 for fuel for the same mile charge. You also get access to many deals and offers exclusive to EV drivers that help you save money in the long run. This way, you can boost your income from PHV driving and reduce your carbon footprint.

Save Time and Money on Garage Trips with EV Cars

As a PCO driver, taking frequent garage trips for vehicle maintenance and repairs can hurt your business and income. EVs are more low-maintenance than traditional vehicles because they have a few major components. Lack of fuel is another major reason behind less damage or repair needs. A report shows that EV drivers save up to 50% on maintenance costs more than other drivers.

Regular fuel-powered vehicles have hundreds of complicated parts, including engines, radiators, exhaust systems, batteries, etc. When you drive a car for long hours daily, these parts become prone to breaking down. On the other hand, EVs have fewer components and less chance of wearing and tearing. You save money not only on repairs but also on your valuable time.

Electric Vehicles More Affordable Than Ever

It wasn’t long ago when getting an electric car seemed impossible due to high prices and limited options. However, with the increasing demand and modern technology, manufacturers are producing affordable electric cars in a wide range.

You can get a good PCO car in West London with functional space and high-tech functions at a reasonable price. You can also rent electric cars from our PCO car hire company, which would only require you to pay subscription charges and rental fees and enjoy all the benefits of riding an EV. In addition, rideshare platforms like Uber also offer incentives to motivate drivers to switch to EVs. For example, the Uber Clean Air Plan helps PCO drivers get discounted access to electric cars.

EV Cars Make Us Cleaner Environment

The lower the CO2 emissions from your car’s tailpipe, the cleaner the environment will be. Switching to EVs is the need of the hour to improve the air quality in London, and the Mayor has also planned on making the city’s transport network carbon-free by 2050. You can play your part in this drive by switching to an electric vehicle and giving back to the planet.

Less pollution and smog will create healthier living conditions for you and your future generations.

Wide Range of Vehicles to Choose From

Due to environmental considerations, more and more automotive companies are coming up with exceptional electric vehicles. They offer the same practicality as your trusted fuel-powered vehicles, better features and space, and many other benefits.

A typical EV has a 60kWh battery that runs for approx. 200 miles. You can also get cars that boast higher ranges than this to enjoy more convenience. Some of them get fully charged in only 35 minutes with enough juice to last the whole working day.

Nowadays, popular electric cars include Kia e-Niro, Nissan Leaf, MG5, and Volkswagen ID.3. you can rent a well-maintained brand-new version of these cars at G&M Direct Hire.

Road Tax Exemption for EV Drivers

Road tax, officially known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is calculated using three things. The vehicle’s carbon dioxide emissions, list price, and the year of registration. Since your EV isn’t emitting CO2, you’ll be exempt from road taxes.

Here’s how road tax is levied on different electric cars:

No VED for pure battery electric vehicles or BEVs
Reduced VED for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or PHEVs
Vehicles (including BEVs) with a list price of £40,000+ will receive an additional premium for the initial five years.

The tax for PHEVs depends on CO2 emissions and ranges from £10 and £100. After the first year, it will be £140 each year. If you’re renting a PCO car, you don’t have to worry about any taxes because your South London PCO car hire company will take care of it.

Congestion Charge Exemption

The ever-increasing traffic in London forced TfL to impose the Congestion Charge on vehicles to reduce traffic-related issues and pollution. This charge is levied on vehicles entering certain zones in Central London, known as the Congestion Charge zones. It costs £15 each day that you enter, and as a PCO driver, it can add up to a high amount every month for you. However, electric vehicles are exempt from these charges because they have zero emissions.

Many PHV drivers struggle with these charges and ignore taking rides from these zones altogether, ultimately affecting their income. If you get an electric vehicle, you don’t have to worry about paying these charges. This green discount is only valid until 2025, so now is the best time to make the most of this opportunity and increase your income.

ULEZ Charge Exemption

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge is another charge levied on vehicles in an attempt to clean London’s air. This charge covers all North and South London areas except South Circular (A205) and North Circular (A406) roads. Those vehicles that don’t meet the ULEZ emissions standards have to pay a £12.5 daily charge when entering the zone.  

Since electric vehicles fall into the zero-emission category, you don’t have to pay any ULEZ charge. Think of all the costs you can save by making a simple switch!

Attracts More Customers

It is a no-brainer— if you get a chance to choose between a petrol or electric car, you will opt for an EV. The same goes for your customers.

Riding in an electric car can be quite tempting for many customers because it offers a unique experience. From the comfortable drive to safety features, the satisfaction of a low carbon footprint to riding in style, there’s so much that an EV offers. Switching to it is not only good for the environment but also for the PCO car hire business in South London.

Enjoy Government Schemes and Grants for EVs

To achieve the goal of going carbon-free, government and private enterprises are offering many benefits, schemes, and grants to electric vehicle drivers. Here are some of them.

Plug-in Grant for Low Emission Vehicles

The UK government gives grants to EV manufacturers and dealership offices which helps you get a discount on brand-new EVs. You don’t need to do anything to apply for this grant; if you’re getting a grant-eligible vehicle, the dealer will include its grant in the price. You can get a maximum grand of £2,500.

EVHS – Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme

EVHS is for those purchasing a charging point to charge their EVs at home. This grant provides a 75% contribution from TfL on the overall cost of purchasing and installing a charging point in any home. The cap amount of this grant is £350, VAT included, per installation.

Those who don’t have a driveway or garage to charge an EV can charge their vehicles on the road outside their home using either a charging cable from home or any outside charging point. As of now, there are no legal restrictions for charging your EV on pavements, but you should be careful about the cables and the electrical hazards. Some councils are allowing the installation of EV chargers in lamp posts in different areas to increase charging spots.

Uber Clean Air Plan

This plan is for all Uber drivers in London. It supports the London Mayor’s vision for a healthier air environment and helps drivers pay less cost when switching to an electric car.

If you operate an Uber in London, you’ll collect 3p/mile every time you pick up passengers inside the M25. Once you make trips for at least £100, you will be eligible for the EV Assistance grant. You can claim this grant by completing 150 trips in 8 weeks or accumulating £100 of EV assistance.

You’ll receive monthly emails about your total collection towards getting a new electric car. After getting one, you’ll receive 3p per mile to your fare.

Charging Your EV isn’t that Difficult

Most people are hesitant to switch to an electric vehicle because they think charging a car would be a hassle. However, due to the increased popularity of EVs, charging them is becoming easier day by day. London has the most charging points, with over 10,800. Read more about EV chargers in London here.

Utilise Cost-Saving Features of EV Cars

Besides fuel and maintenance costs, electric vehicles offer many ways to save money by making full use of their features. Here are some ways to do that:

Cruise Control

If you’re driving on flat roads, putting your car on cruise control can save significant battery charge on your EV. You don’t have to push the accelerator in this mode.

Car Preconditioning

Using a heater or air conditioning can reduce your car’s charge quicker than usual. They consume the most energy initially to bring the car to the right temperature. However, by preconditioning your car, you can save a lot of power and money. You can precondition it while it’s getting charged and use less energy during your trips to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking is a great feature in every EV that makes braking more efficient. It slows down the vehicle using an electric motor and adds some electricity to the battery while doing so. Make sure you utilise this feature to gain power after covering long distances.

Regenerative braking also helps reduce brakes’ wear and tear and creates less dust, contributing to a cleaner environment.  

Unique Driving Experience

Driving an electric vehicle is nothing short of an experience. Every trip you take, even in a busy city like London, feels much more convenient and safer. Here are some of the driving benefits that you can enjoy:

Quiet Driving

The noise that a traditional engine makes can be unbearable sometimes, especially if you’re driving it for a whole day, every day. EVs are extremely quiet and offer a one-of-a-kind sensory experience. You can enjoy relaxed, seamless, and quiet rides that are also pleasant for your passengers.

On-Road Safety

Electric cars have enhanced safety features and are declared safer than fuel-powered vehicles. It’s due to their lower centre of gravity, passenger-friendly space, automated features, and increased stability controls.

Healthier Working Conditions

When you are a PCO driver, your car is basically your office. Spending a whole day in a fuel-powered old car exposes you to burning fuel fumes that are unpleasant to smell and quite dangerous for your health. With an EV, you breathe clean air free of fumes or odours.

Get Brand New Electric Vehicles for Rent in London

If you’re not sure about buying an EV, you can always rent your preferred electric car from us. We help you select the most reliable car according to your business needs and budget and take care of its insurance, licence, and maintenance. That’s not all; you can switch to a new car whenever you need an upgrade. G&M Direct Hire is a leading PCO car hire company in London. Our PCO-licensed cars in Harrow include the Kia e-Niro, Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius, and many more. Explore the complete range now, or call us to get started.