Top PCO-eligible cars for London – why picking the right vehicle matters

As a private hire vehicle (PHV) driver in London, selecting the right PCO eligible car is crucial to ensure compliance, profitability and customer satisfaction. With Uber, Bolt and other platforms increasingly favouring environmentally friendly vehicles, the choice of vehicle can impact your operational efficiency and bottom line. This article highlights eight superb options for 2024. Each example balances cost, comfort and compliance with London’s stringent regulations – and we have plenty of other top PCO-eligible picks.

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1. Tesla Model 3

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• Type: Electric
• Range: Up to 390 miles (Long Range variant)
• Price: From £102 per week with Uber EV grant
• Insurance and maintenance: Insurance premiums are competitive for EVs; minimal maintenance requirements due to Tesla's efficient design.
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  • A favourite among PCO drivers for its long range and autopilot features.
  • Eligible for an electric vehicle chargepoint grant (until 31 March 2025).
  • The Uber PowerUp Package entitles those switching to an electric vehicle to claim a grant of up to £3,500 (until 31 March 2025).
• Pros: Industry-leading battery technology, widespread charging network.
• Cons: Minimalist interior may not suit all preferences.

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2. Hyundai Ioniq 5

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• Type: Electric
• Range: Up to 315 miles
• Price: From £113 per week with Uber EV grant
• Insurance and maintenance: Average insurance premiums are lower due to strong safety ratings; maintenance costs are minimal thanks to fewer moving parts in the EV drivetrain.
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  • Fully compliant with Transport for London (TfL)’s zero-emission requirements.
  • Spacious cabin and luggage capacity, ideal for long trips and airport runs.
  • Low running costs with efficient battery performance.
• Pros: Fast charging capabilities, sleek design.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost.

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3. Volkswagen ID.5

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• Type: Electric
• Range: Up to 327 miles
• Price: From £113 per week with Uber EV grant
• Insurance and maintenance: Insurance premiums are average for EVs; maintenance costs are low due to fewer mechanical components.
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  • Stylish coupé-SUV design with ample space.
  • Built with urban and suburban driving in mind.
• Pros: Advanced infotainment system, comfortable seating.
• Cons: Limited availability of spare parts.

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4. Volvo XC40 Recharge (renamed EX40)

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• Type: Electric
• Range: Up to 331 miles 
• Price: From £118 per week with Uber EV grant
• Insurance and maintenance: Insurance costs are moderate for a compact SUV; maintenance costs are slightly higher due to premium components but offset by strong reliability.

• Why it’s popular:

• Combines stylish design with practicality, appealing to both drivers and passengers.
• Electric and hybrid options meet ULEZ and zero-emissions requirements.

• Pros: Comfortable seating, advanced safety features.
• Cons: Higher upfront cost compared to similar compact SUVs.

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5. Kia Niro EV

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• Type: Electric
• Range: Up to 285 miles
• Price: From £132 per week
• Insurance and maintenance: Insurance rates are affordable; maintenance costs are low due to the EV design.
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  • Compact yet roomy, making it ideal for London traffic and narrow streets.
  • Affordable electric vehicle with strong reliability ratings.
• Pros: Low maintenance costs, quiet operation.
• Cons: Limited boot space for larger luggage.

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6. Toyota Prius

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• Type: Hybrid and plug-in hybrid
• Range: Up to 34 miles (plug-in hybrid variant)
• Price: From £132 per week
• Insurance and maintenance: Insurance rates are moderate; maintenance is very low due to its reliability and hybrid efficiency.
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  • A stalwart choice for reliability, fuel efficiency and affordability.
  • Meets all current ULEZ standards with low emissions.
• Pros: Low running costs, excellent resale value.
• Cons: Less luxurious compared to newer competitors.

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7. BMW 3 Series

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• Type: Diesel/hybrid options
• Range: Up to 39 miles (electric-only for hybrid model)
• Price: From £139 per week
• Insurance and maintenance: Insurance rates are mid-range for a premium saloon; maintenance costs are reasonable due to high reliability and widely available parts.
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  • Combines luxury and performance, making it a favourite among PCO drivers for executive hires.
  • Highly efficient hybrid system meets ULEZ standards and reduces running costs.
• Pros: Superior handling, high residual value.
• Cons: Slightly less spacious than larger executive saloons.

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8. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

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• Type: Diesel/plug-in hybrid options
• Range: Up to 35 miles (electric-only for plug-in hybrid model)
• Price: From £209 per week with Uber EV grant
• Insurance and maintenance: Premium insurance rates reflect its luxury status; maintenance costs are higher but offset by reliability and hybrid efficiency.
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  • Luxurious interior for executive hires, boosting your ratings and customer satisfaction.
  • Thanks to their efficiency and versatility, plug-in hybrids do not require frequent stops to charge, making them ideal for PHV drivers. 
  • High residual value, making it a sound long-term investment. 
• Pros: Advanced safety features, high comfort levels.
• Cons: Premium pricing.

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Transport for London (TfL) and regulatory compliance

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TfL mandates that all PCO cars meet stringent ULEZ standards, focusing on emissions. Hire-or-reward insurance is mandatory at the point of licensing and during use as a private hire vehicle. As of 2024, zero-emissions vehicles are encouraged, with incentives such as reduced licensing fees. Choosing a compliant vehicle not only keeps you on the road but also ensures sustainability and cost savings.

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Cost considerations for PCO drivers

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Operating a PCO vehicle involves upfront costs, weekly rentals (if leasing), maintenance, insurance and fuel/charging. At Ayan Capital, we offer tailored financing options like rent-to-buy, allowing drivers flexibility in payment structures. Additionally, our insurance solutions allow drivers to continue building no-claims bonuses, which can lead to significant savings over time. For electric vehicles, charging costs can be significantly lower, especially with home chargers or off-peak rates.

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Practical features to look for

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• Passenger comfort – spacious interiors and smooth rides enhance customer satisfaction.
• Luggage capacity – important for airport and group hires.
• Running costs – fuel/charging costs, maintenance and wear-and-tear expenses.
• Resale value – higher resale value can offset upfront investments.

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Tips for choosing the right PCO car

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Selecting the right car depends on your operational needs and budget. If you prioritise luxury and high-paying clients, options like the BMW 3 Series or Tesla Model 3 are ideal. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution, the Toyota Prius offers outstanding reliability and affordability.

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Here at Ayan Capital, we provide halal financing and flexible rent-to-buy options, ensuring you find the perfect vehicle tailored to your needs. With a wide range of cars and transparent financing, we empower drivers to succeed in the competitive London PHV market.

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Want to know more? Get in touch today.