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Updates to the ZEV Mandate: What it means for PCO drivers

Apr 11, 2025 | PCO Cars, News

The UK Government has just announced that the ZEV Mandate (Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate) is set to be changed to provide more flexibility for the automotive industry and make it easier for industry to upgrade to make electric vehicles (EVs).

As a result, Labour are now set to allow the sale of hybrid cars until 2035.

The change also comes amid global economic uncertainty after Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on all cars being imported into to the US.

At Rapid PCO, we see this as a fantastic opportunity for our customers to benefit from the extended availability of hybrid vehicles.

In this blog, we’ll explore the changes to the ZEV mandate, what it means, and how you can take advantage of the extended sale of hybrid vehicles.

Understanding the Changes to the ZEV Mandate UK

The UK government’s decision to extend the sale of hybrid vehicles until 2035 is a major shift in policy.

Last year, the ZEV mandate obligated manufacturers to ensure that 22% of their new car sales were fully electric.

This year, that requirement has increased to 28%. Additionally, manufacturers were required to achieve 10% zero-emission van registrations last year, with the target rising to 16% this year.

The updated ZEV mandate, according to the Government, offers manufacturers more flexibility.

It allows them to balance yearly targets and avoid penalties by increasing the sale of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the later stages of the mandate.

Fines for manufacturers unable to meet the ZEV mandate targets are set to be reduced by 20%, dropping from £15,000 to £12,000 per car, and from £18,000 to £15,000 (18% less) for vans.

The recent change allows for the continued sale of popular hybrid models like the Kia Niro, Hyundai Ioniq and Toyota Rav 4 for an additional ten years.

For consumers, this means more time to make the switch to hybrid vehicles without the immediate pressure to go fully electric.

What are the different types of Hybrid vehicles eligible for TFL?

Starting from 1st January 2023, TFL announced that any private hire vehicles (PHVs) licensing with them must be zero-emission capable (ZEC) and meet the Euro 6 emissions standard.

This includes

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)

  • Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) feature larger battery packs that can be recharged externally. Charging a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) externally requires connecting the vehicle to a power source. This can be done using a standard household outlet, known as Level 1 charging, or a specialised charging station, referred to as Level 2 charging.

External charging allows for longer electric-only driving before the petrol engine takes over.

Range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs)

  • Range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) are powered by a powerful electric motor with a smaller combustion engine on hand to generate electricity when the battery charge is low.

These diverse hybrid options provide flexibility, improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to, petrol cars, which can make them an excellent choice for modern PCO drivers.

Why choose a Hybrid Vehicle as a PCO driver?

Hybrid vehicles can be an excellent choice for PCO driving due to their vast number of benefits. They combine a petrol engine with an electric motor, giving you the best of both worlds which can significantly reduce fuel costs.

Additionally, hybrids that meet the Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) standards produce fewer emissions than Internal combustion engines, helping drivers meet environmental regulations like London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

With the flexibility to use petrol for longer journeys and electric power for city driving, hybrids are ideal for navigating both urban and suburban areas.

Rapid PCO’s Hybrid top picks

Here at Rapid PCO we have a range of Brand New and used Hybrid vehicles ready for your PCO journeys.

Rent To Buy

Kia Niro 2 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

The Kia Niro 2 provides immense comfort, with a well-made interior and roomy space for rear passengers. It combines a petrol engine with a 1.6 GDi 11.1kWh battery, boasting a 353.1 Combined MPG.

It also comes with:

  • 348-litre boot space
  • 8″ Touchscreen Display
  • 6 Speaker Audio System

Want to find out more about the Kia Niro 2 Plug-in Hybrid?

Get in touch with us today!

Hyundai Tucson N Line PHEV

Inspired by the Motorsport N Line, this plug-in hybrid combines a 1.6 litre T-GDi Smartstream engine with a 72 kW electric motor, resulting in a combined power output of 252PS, seamlessly combining style and performance.

It also comes with:

  • 256.8 mpg
  • Rear Privacy Glass
  • 12.3” TFT Digital Display

Want to find out more about the Hyundai Tucson N Line PHEV?

Get in touch with us today!

BYD SEAL U DM-I PHEV

The BYD SEAL U DM-I is a futuristic-style plug-in hybrid SUV with all the features perfect for PCO driving. This modern PHEV offers a comfortable ride, a panoramic sunroof, advanced safety systems, and other impressive features such as:

  • 699 mile combined range
  • Large rotatable touchscreen
  • 19-inch Bi-colour alloy wheels

Want to find out more about the BYD SEAL U DM-I?

Get in touch with us today!

PCO Care Hire

Mercedes E300 AMG Line Hybrid

This stunning piece of German engineering comes with state-of-the-art technology, 370-Litre Boot capacity and AMG Line Interior. If you are looking to rent a PCO car for executive private hire jobs, the Mercedes E300 AMG Line Hybridmakes an excellent car for chauffeur drivers.

  • Fuel Consumption 40.4MPG (Combined)
  • Automatic climate control four zone
  • Augmented Reality Navigation

Want to find out more about the Mercedes E300 AMG Line Plug-in Hybrid?

Get in touch with us today!

 

Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid

The Hyundai Ioniq is a smart and eco-friendly choice for PCO drivers in London. Ideal for the hustle and bustle of everyday driving, it delivers a smooth and reliable ride, whether navigating city streets or heading to the airport.

  • 70.6 combined mpg
  • 446- Litre Boot Capacity
  • Satellite Navigation

Want to find out more about the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid?

Get in touch with us today!


Toyota Prius Active

The Toyota Prius is a fuel-efficient hybrid car that is known for its eco-friendliness. It’s a smart choice for your next PCO hire, especially for inner city driving. The Prius offers a spacious and comfortable driving experience, making it a practical choice for PCO drivers.

  • 457 litre boot capacity
  • Fuel Consumption 61MPG (Combined)
  • Dual Zone Climate Control

Want to find out more about the Toyota Prius Active?

Get in touch with us today!

Why Choose Rapid PCO for Your Hybrid Vehicle Needs?

Starting in 2008, Rapid PCO have grown to become an established supplier of Private Hire vehicles in London with over 11,000 rentals provided.

We pride ourselves on being more than just a PCO rental company but a reliable partner to thousands of private hire drivers who entrust us with their PCO car needs.

  • No Credit Checks
  • Insurance Included
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance
  • Diverse Vehicle Fleet

What’s Included with Rapid PCO?

Rent to Buy

  • Comprehensive insurance
  • 24/7 Roadside assistance
  • No credit checks
  • Brand New Car
  • PCO Licence (First year only)
  • Road Tax (First year only)

PCO Car Hire

  • Comprehensive insurance
  • 24/7 Roadside assistance
  • No credit checks
  • Servicing & maintenance
  • Tyres & brake replacement
  • Same day collection

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Look at some of our recent reviews from our happy customers:

“Five stars definitely deserved. First class customer service, very helpful, got sorted out quicker than I first thought it would take. Answered all my questions along the way gave me assurance and help where I needed. never any pushy sales vibes.”

Jack – Rapid PCO customer

March 18, 2025

I recommend rapid for all your needs, Dionne has been amazing throughout going up and beyond to meet my needs, since my PCO journey I’ve looked no further 👍🏻👌🏻.”

Aron – Rapid PCO customer

Feb 19, 2025

Contact us today!

Now you are up to date with the ZEV Mandate and the latest amendments made by Kier Starmer, now is the perfect time to contact us about Hybrid vehicles for your PCO driving.

Whether you are looking to hire a PCO rental car or start the journey to owning your very own PCO vehicle, Rapid PCO have an option for you.

Call us on 01732 747190 or to browse our wide range of PCO vehicle options.

PCO driving in London is becoming increasingly popular, with over 100,000 PCO drivers having been licensed as of 2025.

When looking to become a PCO driver in London, it can be hard to navigate the internet to find exactly what you need to know to get started.

To help you begin, Rapid PCO have created this guide on how you can start the journey to getting your London PCO Licence.

Who can apply for a PCO licence in London?

Before you start the process of obtaining your PCO Licence in London, there is a set of requirements that you will need to meet. Below is a list of examples of what may be required (this is not an exhaustive list).

Basic Requirements

  • You must hold a valid driving licence (Full UK driving licence or one from an EU or EEA state) that’s at least three years old.
  • You must be at least 21 years old
  • Have the right to work in the UK
  • Register with HMRC to pay tax
  • Be of good character To establish this You will be required to undertake an ‘enhanced’ criminal records check) more information on how to apply can be found here.
  • No history of serious driving offences. For example excessive speeding or dangerous driving.

What is a PCO Licence?

The official name for a PCO (public carriage office) licence is Private Hire Driver Licence.

PCO stems from the old body responsible for black taxis and stands for Public Carriage Office. This was renamed by Transport for London (TfL) as the Taxi and Private Hire Unit.

When looking for a PCO Licence in London, you will have to go through the TfL application process.

Once you obtain your PCO Licence it will be valid for 3 years, which only covers you as a person and not the vehicle you drive (Your vehicle must also be licenced by TfL).

How to apply for a PCO licence in London?

  1. Medical Check

TfL requires you to be medically fit if you are to obtain your PCO Licence. To be deemed medically fit you must meet the DVLA Group 2 medical standards.

You will need to undergo a medical examination with someone who has access to your full medical records; so, for example, your doctor or another medical health professional will be required to conduct this.

Your medical check should be updated every 12 months.

  1. Complete your enhanced DBS check

To hold a PCO Licence, TfL states that you need to be of good character. As a result, you will be required to undertake an ‘enhanced’ criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Much like other jobs, this check is to see if you have a criminal record and, if so, if it poses a threat to the public’s safety.

DBS checks are only valid for three months: TfL offer the DBS update service to ensure that your DBS check is always up to date and allows employers to access this online.

The DBS update service costs £16 per year, and you can pay for it using a debit or credit card. By registering with this service, you will not have to pay the £52 online fee for or the £54 fee for a paper application, for every following background check you undergo.

  1. Get your right to work check

Applying for your PCO licence means you must confirm that you are allowed to work in the UK.

To prove this you will need to go through an online check completed by TfL on the Government website after you have submitted your PCO licence application.

In some cases, additional documentation may be required.

Introduced in July 2021, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are now required to have a valid immigration status in the UK. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are now not able to solely rely on a passport or ID card to prove their right to work.

You can find out more on the EU/EEA nationals guidance here.

  1. TfL speaking and listening test

For this part of your PCO Licence application, you will need to prove that you have a good standard of English, this is designed specifically to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively in a professional context.

The test will take around 15 minutes and is conducted inside the TfL premises, either at Baker Street or West Kensington via a video or telephone link with a company called PeopleCert.

Please see PeopleCerts’s website for more information about the test

  1. Safety, Equality and Regulatory Understanding (SERU)

This written test is to ensure that drivers are able to read and write English to the TfL’s required standard and can understand safety issues and passengers’ rights.

Road safety, protection of children or vulnerable adults, and UK equality law is also covered within the SERU test.

You can find information regarding the SERU test here.

  1. Topographical skills test

This part of your PCO licence application tests your understanding of London geography and route planning will be put into practice.

You will be expected to understand the basic map symbols and be able to use a map index correctly.

The topographical skills test will be conducted at TFL-approved test centres, such as:

  • Pier Walk, North Greenwich
  • West Kensington

The test is computer-based and lasts about 1 hour. Please note, you must bring a valid ID. All materials (e.g. London A-Z map) are provided.

The topographical skills test features a mix of multiple-choice questions and route planning exercises, some of which may reflect real-world conditions such as traffic disruptions or road closures.

The cost of this assessment is £36 for the first time and £16 for a re-sit.

How much does a PCO Licence cost?

The cost of your PCO licence application will be around £450-£700, depending on where you get your medical and language tests done.

This price is an estimate, as the cost can change depending on if you pay for courses to prepare for your exams or if you are required to retake any exams that you may not pass first time round.

Please find a breakdown of the potential cost of your PCO licence application below:

  • PCO Licence application fee (non-refundable) – £124
  • Grant of licence fee – £186
  • Medical Exam – Set up by your GP (Around £80)
  • DBS check – £52 (online) / £54 (paper)
  • Topographical assessment – £36/£16 each retake
  • SERU assessment – £36
  • Speaking and listening assessment – £36

The SERU assessment is designed to test reading and writing abilities, with a focus on a driver’s knowledge of safety, equality, and relevant regulations. In contrast, the Speaking and Listening component measures how well a driver can communicate verbally.

Estimated total cost range:

£450 – £700, depending on where you get your medical and language tests done.

How long will your PCO licence be valid?

Your PCO licence will be valid for 3 years. 4 months before your PCO licence expires, you should receive a PCO licence renewal pack through the post. As the PCO licence renewal process can take around 8 weeks, it is still a good idea to set a reminder to contact TfL.

Helpful Tips for Passing your PCO Licence Test

If you’re preparing for the PCO licence assessment for the first time, or renewing your licence here are some practical strategies to boost your chances of success:

  1. Start Studying Early

Effective preparation takes time, so it’s important to build a consistent study routine well in advance. Choose a time of day when you’re most alert—whether that’s in the morning or evening—and stick to it.

  1. Familiarise Yourself with the Exam Format

Understanding how the test is structured and the types of questions you’ll face can help reduce anxiety and improve your confidence on the day of the exam.

  1. Use Practice Resources

Make use of mock tests and sample questions. These tools can help you get used to the timing and format of the real test, while also highlighting areas where you may need more revision.

  1. Organise Your Study Time

Break your revision into smaller, focused sessions. Prioritise the most important topics and spread your study time evenly to avoid last-minute cramming or burnout.

Ready to apply for your PCO licence?

You can register your TfL account here. Provide your personal details as shown above and present an approved photo.

How Rapid PCO Can Help Drive Your Career Further

At Rapid PCO, we’re more than just a car hire company — We are a reliable partner to thousands of private hire drivers who entrust us with their PCO car rental needs.

Whether you’re just starting out or you are an experienced PCO driver, we offer a wide range of PCO-licensed vehicles tailored to your needs, including electric, hybrid, and executive models.

With fully comprehensive insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, servicing and maintenance included, no credit checks, and collection within 24 hours we make it easy to get behind the wheel*.

Rent to Buy Scheme

Our Rent to Buy scheme gives you the opportunity to own your vehicle within 5 years whilst earning money with ride sharing apps such as Uber and Bolt.

You can secure a brand-new vehicle with just a £499 deposit with Rapid PCO*.

Ready to upgrade your PCO ride?
Explore our PCO car hire options or learn more about Rent to Buy today.

*Terms & Conditions apply.

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