Yes, EV’s can potentially help PCO drivers earn more, but not immediately. For many London PCO drivers, an EV can improve take-home earnings by lowering charging and maintenance costs, and by helping you stay aligned with London’s private hire and emissions rules.
But the real answer depends on how you work. If you can charge cheaply and drive high mileage, the numbers may stack up well. If you rely on public rapid charging or spend a lot of time in the Congestion Charge zone, the benefit may be smaller.
Can an EV help PCO drivers earn more?
If you are asking whether an EV can help you earn more as a PCO driver in London, the honest answer is yes, in many cases, but only if the setup suits your working pattern.
That is because earnings are not just about how much you bring in. They are about what you keep after your main costs.
For many drivers, EVs can reduce some of the biggest ongoing costs:
- charging compared with petrol
- servicing and maintenance
- ULEZ-related costs if your current vehicle is not compliant
But there are trade-offs too:
- EVs are no longer fully exempt from the Congestion Charge London
- public rapid charging can be expensive
- charging time needs to be planned properly
Why EVs can make financial sense for PCO drivers
Lower running costs can improve what you keep
If you drive a lot each week, your running costs matter just as much as your fare income.
Home charging is where EV savings are usually strongest. Charging a 60kWh battery to full costs around £16 on a standard Ofgem cap rate of 26.11p per kWh.
A quick way to work out your charging costs: Battery size (kWh) X your electricity rate (£/kWh) = cost of a full charge.
Public charging is still useful, especially during busy weeks, but it costs more. General public charging costs in 2026 range roughly from:
Slow and fast public charging
Slow and fast public charge points are commonly available in places such as residential streets, supermarket car parks, and public parking areas.
Based on average prices from May 2026, drivers can expect to pay around 54p per kWh when using this type of charger. That works out at roughly 16p per mile, depending on the vehicle. As an example, charging a Tesla Model Y to full using a charger at this rate would cost about £32.
Rapid and ultra-rapid charging
Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are usually found at motorway services and other busy roadside locations where drivers need to recharge quickly.
They are the fastest option, but they also tend to cost the most. Average pricing in May 2026 was around 79p per kWh. For a 60kWh battery, a full charge at that rate would come to about £47. Depending on the vehicle and efficiency, that can work out at around 17p to 21p per mile.
It is also important to remember that charging prices vary a lot between networks. Some providers charge closer to 60p per kWh, while others can be as high as 90p per kWh.
If you can charge at home, overnight, or at a lower-cost local point, your weekly running costs may fall. If you depend on rapid public charging every day, the savings may narrow.
Source: (Electric Car Charging Costs | Nationwide Vehicle Contracts)
Maintenance on EV’s can be simpler
EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol cars. There is no oil change, no exhaust system, no clutch, and fewer engine-related wear items to worry about. (Why EVs need less maintenance than petrol or diesel cars)
That does not mean maintenance disappears. Tyres still wear, and repairs can still happen. But routine servicing costs are often lower. One source puts average annual servicing at around £165 for an EV versus around £205 for a petrol car. (electriccarscheme.com)
For a working driver, this is not only about cost. It can also mean less disruption and less time off the road.
London rules matter more than ever
New private hire vehicles must meet ZEC standards
London’s rules are a major part of the EV conversation for PCO drivers.
TfL requires all newly licensed private hire vehicles to be Zero Emission Capable, known as ZEC. In practical terms, that means if you are planning your next car, emissions compliance is not something you can ignore.
TfL also explains that, in London:
- ULEZ now covers all 32 London boroughs and the City of London
- petrol vehicles must meet Euro 4 standards to avoid the ULEZ charge
- diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards to avoid the ULEZ charge
If you are currently using an older, non-compliant vehicle, those daily charges can eat into profit quickly. Making the switch today is easy with Rapid PCO. Browse our available EV cars here and collect your next PCO car hire within just 24 hours.
Do EV’s have to pay the Congestion Charge in London?
Electric vehicles are no longer fully exempt from the Congestion Charge.
The daily Congestion Charge is now:
- £18 if paid on the day of travel or in advance
- £21 if paid within 3 days after travel
The previous 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount has ended.
New discount details:
- 25% discount on the daily charge for electric cars registered on Auto Pay
- 50% discount on the daily charge for electric vans, HGVs, and quadricycles registered on Auto Pay
For more information on the changes to the congestion scheme click here.
When an EV is more likely to help you earn more
An EV may suit you well if:
- you drive high mileage each week
- you can charge at home or use cheaper off-peak charging
- you want to cut fuel and servicing costs
- you need a car that fits London’s private hire direction of travel fleeto.co.uk
- your current vehicle risks costing you more in ULEZ or replacement planning
In these situations, an EV can support stronger day-to-day profitability.
When an EV may not improve your profit by much
An EV may be less financially helpful if:
- you rely heavily on rapid public charging
- your mileage is relatively low
- your EV rental or finance cost is much higher than your current option
- you work in patterns where charging downtime affects peak earning hours
- you regularly enter the Congestion Charge zone and assume EVs are still exempt
This does not mean an EV is a bad choice. It just means the savings are more case-specific.
A quick comparison: where EVs may help and where they may not
| Area | EV Advantage | Possible Limitation |
| Energy costs | Lower than petrol, especially with home/off-peak charging | Public rapid charging can reduce savings |
| Maintenance | Fewer moving parts and lower average servicing costs | Tyres and some repairs can still be costly |
| ULEZ | Fully electric vehicles avoid ULEZ charges | Only helps if your alternative would be non-compliant |
| Congestion Charge | Some EV discounts may apply with Auto Pay | No full EV exemption anymore |
| Licensing fit | Aligns with London’s ZEC direction for newly licensed PHVs | Vehicle choice and cost still need careful review |
Helpful Guides for EV PCO rental
- Best Electric Cars for Private Hire in London
- Where to Charge Your Electric Car in London
- London Congestion Charge 2026: A Clear Guide for PCO Drivers
EV PCO car hire in London
Rent an EV with confidence with Rapid PCO from just £200 per week.
At Rapid PCO we offer London based PCO car hire with a whole host of inclusive extras, specially formulated to benefit you. What’s included:
- A PCO licensed car
- Fully comprehensive insurance
- 24/7 Roadside assistance
- Servicing & maintenance
- Tyres & brake replacement
- No credit checks
- Same day collection
You can browse our EV cars here or you can call us on 01732 280585 to find out more.
