Check out, in no particular order, our top 10 Reasons for PCO drivers to switch to EV in 2023. Did you know that at the end of February 2023, there were more than 1,155,000 plug-in cars registered in the UK? At Rapid PCO, we understand, that when your vehicle is part of your livelihood, you want good quality that fits your budget. We, therefore, have a new range of affordable and efficient vehicles for 2023 to support your work style and budget. Furthermore, all our PCO EV rentals include an impressive selection of cost-effective benefits free of charge. Read our quick-fire guide covering the main reasons to switch to an Electric Vehicle rental with us.
Reduced Running Costs
Increasing fuel costs have become a major consideration when it comes to vehicle selection. As petrol and diesel prices fluctuate, the primary benefit of switching to EVs is savings. Electric charge points are currently significantly cheaper than filling up at the pump. With a full overnight charge, the MG5 Long Range is capable of 326 city miles. On an average of 700 miles driven weekly, you save at least £130 a month. Zero-emission EVs are also zero-rated for road tax for both the first year and all subsequent years.
Avoid Congestion and ULEZ Charges
With two considerable charges putting a dent in your profits, it could make sense to switch to EV in 2023. A PCO EV rental from Rapid will make you exempt from the £12.50 ULEZ charge and the £15 Congestion Charge automatically. This means that you can operate within Central London, arguably the most profitable territory to work for PCO drivers. High demand and frequent surge prices mean this freedom could unlock further potential earnings too.
Fewer Repair Costs
Repair costs are another concern for PCO drivers. With multiple parts that require attention, an unexpected bill could be a real inconvenience. Regular combustion engines have far more moving parts including the radiator, engine, exhaust, and other potential engine parts. As a result, you can expect far more wear and tear, breakdowns, and maintenance. EV cars, however, have fewer parts requiring fewer visits to the mechanic, making them a more cost-effective option. Maintenance costs could be as much as 50% less for EV drivers. Did You Know? All of our PCO hire packages come with maintenance and breakdown as standard.
More charge points are available
EV charging options were initially limited. Now, however, London’s borough councils have taken steps to ensure charging your EV is quicker and more convenient. In partnership with TfL, a network of 300 rapid charge points has been established across London. This includes dedicated taxi points too! This is in addition to over 11,550 other charge stations across London. This means it’s much easier to keep your EV fully charged and on the road. Try ZapMap for a detailed view of charge points in the Capital
Say Goodbye to Range Anxiety
“Range Anxiety” was a preliminary concern. This is the fear that an electric vehicle will not have sufficient battery power to reach its destination. However, newer versions come equipped with large-capacity batteries capable of going 200 miles on a single charge. A journey of this size would commonly require an hour of fast charge time. Even greater distances can be achieved with an overnight charge.
Go Green, Choose EV
Air pollution is responsible for approximately 7 million deaths per year worldwide. It has links to climate change and the advanced decline of various global ecosystems (rainforests, etc). With a Rapid PCO EV rental, we provide multiple built-in benefits including zero-emissions as standard, contributing towards cleaner air in London as well as its surrounding areas.
Access all areas
With Zero or Low Emission streets, certain areas are deemed off-limits to older, high-pollution vehicles. PCN (Penalty Charge Notices) are consequently being issued to any vehicles found using these streets. At present these areas include:
- Barbican (City of London)
- City Fringe (Shoreditch) (Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets)
- Greenwich Town Centre (Greenwich)
- Marylebone (Westminster)
Zones like this are expected to spread across London in the future. With a PCO EV rental, no area is off-limits. This gives you total freedom and the competitive edge to operate where your competitors cannot.
EV Incentives and Grants
The UK government has made a huge investment when it comes to charge point infrastructure. They hope that the country can cope with the possible surge in demand as we approach 2030. The total funding committed by this government stands at an impressive £2.5 billion. This means there is funding available for you to request a charge point in your street, or a convenient location for you if you do not have access to off-road parking. See the gov.uk page for further details.
Whisper quiet alternative
EVs produce very little noise compared to their combustion equivalents. Recently, electric vehicles have had to have systems installed to alert other road users and pedestrians to their presence. This massive reduction in noise pollution will contribute towards the health and well-being of London residents. Studies have shown that noise pollution is directly linked to sleep disturbance, high blood pressure, and hearing loss. Therefore, EVs are not only good for the environment but the health of their drivers too.
Electric Vehicles: Ideal for inner-city driving
PCO drivers do shorter journeys than those living elsewhere in the UK. This is because residences and facilities tend to be closer together in the capital. It is these quick trips that prove highly inefficient in a petrol or diesel car. Heat and friction generation account for approximately 60% of an engine’s loss of efficiency. EVs, however, do not suffer from the same issue, making them a clear frontrunner in terms of efficiency and cost. EVs also feature Regenerative Braking. This mechanism captures energy from braking and converts it into power that charges the battery. Regenerative braking also assists the performance of traditional brakes. A useful feature in any bustling urban metropolis.
See our handy: Guide to Electric Vehicles for PCO Drivers
Rapid PCO car hire at your fingertips!
Looking for a reliable, easy-to-use service for your PCO car hire? Look no further than Rapid PCO! Our new app makes the PCO car hire process quick and simple, with same-day pickup, fully comprehensive insurance, and roadside assistance available during business hours.
Plus, with additional extras like vehicle servicing and maintenance, tyre and brake replacement, and more, you can rest assured that your rental experience will be hassle-free from start to finish.
So why wait? Download the Rapid PCO app today and take control of your PCO car hire needs in just a few easy clicks. With Simplicity, Speed, and Service that can’t be beaten, Rapid PCO is the smart choice for all your London private hire needs!
Electrifying PCO Hire Deals!
At Rapid PCO we put our drivers first, every time. With 15 years in the PCO industry our knowledge and expertise allows us to put together packages that are designed to get you earning quickly. Rapid PCO’s team is eager to help you drive away in a Euro 6-compliant car today! Our onboarding process is straightforward:
Call 01732 747190 or click here to switch to a Rapid PCO EV care hire today, and see how much you can save!
This article includes links to third-party websites and apps which we include solely for information purposes, there is no implied endorsement of using these resources. Clicking on links, visiting third-party websites, or downloading apps may allow third parties to collect or share data about you that is out of our control. When you leave our website, we encourage you to read the privacy notice of every website you visit. We are not responsible for the availability, content, accuracy, completeness, or security of such resources. We will not be liable for direct or indirect damages arising out of or in connection with the use of websites or apps.
