pco driver choosing a pco car

With so many options out there for PCO drivers, it can be hard to narrow down the best PCO car to suit your budget and work style.

It’s worth weighing up the cost of your vehicle against the kind of trips you’ll likely do to earn an income. Are you constantly on the motorway or do you prefer shorter city trips?

You know your driving habits and clientele best and your car should reflect this.

When choosing the best PCO car, you’ll want to compare mileage/range, interior and boot space, in-car entertainment and safety features as well as an overview of the costs to run the vehicle.

You’ll also want to select a car that works for your driving habits and preferred distances, so don’t be tempted to just go for a brand for its name or how it looks. Choose a reliable car that matches your needs.

Remember, it’s not only your lifestyle that your chosen vehicle needs to complement. What kind of customers are you driving around the city?

Are they mostly large families, single businessmen, or small parties dashing to meetings?

Ensure the car you choose gives a comfortable experience for your passengers. We’ll go into this later in the guide!

PCO drivers in London, this one’s for you. Uber has compiled a list of eligible vehicles that might hit the spot for your next runaround. So, a long list of trusty car manufacturers, makes and models should inspire you to dig deeper into a selection of cars you can see yourself driving.

If you feel like you’ve spent enough time mulling over potential PCO cars, but you’re still unsure about which is the best PCO car for you, our Moove advisers can offer you personalised and specialised advice to help you make a firm decision.

Moove PCO Car Benefits

Earn on the road with minimised costs and all-inclusive packages with Moove. You’ll avoid hefty maintenance fees; instead, enjoy the full benefits package Moove offers to all our drivers. In a few easy steps, you’ll be riding around London in a brand-new car, ready to earn a consistent wage.

Popular PCO Cars – Enjoy 5* Ratings

Kia Niro EV2

The Kia Niro EV2 PCO remains one of the most popular electric vehicles for PCO drivers. There’s a range of electric Kia vehicles that provide all-round comfort without blowing the budget.

The Kia Niro is a reliable choice for a safe and environmentally friendly ride. Enjoy the little luxuries such as heated seats and CarPlay for a restful drive.

Electric driving range: 285 miles.

Other Cars to Consider

Kia EV6

KIA Ev6

The Kia EV6 is noticeable on the road for its stylish features and clean design.

  • There’s no waiting around as this car charges up fast.
  • Fit the whole family in, there’s plenty of leg and seat room in the back of the car!
  • Get to places quickly. This nippy vehicle is great in busy traffic and quieter routes.

Battery range: 263-361 miles.

Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3 PCO Car

The Tesla Model 3 is great to get around in a flash with this high-tech, super-fast, fully electric car.

  • An award-winning car fit for family trips.
  • Drive confidently and further with a hard to beat driving range.

Battery range: 318-390 miles.

Volkswagen ID. 3

This fully electric hatchback is a zero-emission vehicle. It is easy to manoeuvre with light steering for city driving.

  • Simplistic, understated, and reliable. This is a compact car that works for family trips and city rides.

Battery range: 266-369 miles.

  • Ideal for consistent runs to and from the airport. This car meets the needs of busy passengers on the move.

Battery range: 168-239 miles.

Mercedes E-Class

The E-Class is a luxurious choice, built for PCO driving. With plenty of features to support driving assistance, this vehicle isn’t solely about style.

  • Spot on for long drives, making it a firm favourite with PCO drivers.
  • Impressive technology and infotainment system, making getting around easy.

The Mercedes E-Class is available in a range of Petrol, Diesel, and Hybrid. However, the Mercedes EQE range veers more towards the economical side as it’s an all-electric, executive car with an opulent feel. Both are viable options for PCO driving, depending on your budget, choice of engine, and overall aesthetic preferences!

Hyundai IONIQ

A mid-range hybrid car that’s superbly affordable to run. The IONIQ is one of the cheaper options to get around that you’ll find on the market compared to other hybrids. This car makes a great choice for shorter, more frequent trips away from motorway driving.

  • Optimum boot space to accommodate hefty luggage.
  • Easy to drive and cheap to run.
  • Great for inner-city driving.

The Hyundai IONIQ is available fully electric or hybrid. The fully electric version has a 174-mile range.

Again, remember to think about who you are driving. You need to find a balance between the cost of the vehicle, ongoing running costs and which car suits the number of people you’ll be transporting around.

Uber offers a range of trip requests depending on the customers’ needs, budget, and journey type. There’s a great opportunity to earn well, whether that’s driving Uber Standard, XL or Exec. You have the flexibility to adapt your schedule and take on several trips that work for your capacity and earning goals. Find out more about the requirements here.

Choosing a PCO Car: Which Engine?

Choosing a PCO Car - Tesla engine bay

Fuel costs eating into your profits? Worried about how long your car will last on the road before you’re in need of an upgrade? If you’re in between choices, make sure to bear in mind that all new PHV-licensed cars must be zero-emission vehicles.

If you’re thinking long into the future, then an EV PCO car would be a sensible decision. Cut the time and need to “buy twice” with an electric vehicle instead of petrol, diesel or hybrid.

Should I Have an Electric Car as A PCO Driver?

If you’re currently riding around in a petrol car, switching to an EV vehicle might not be a bad idea. Compared to a few years ago, EV cars have had an upgrade, both aesthetically and with greater access to charging points.

They’re easy to run, normally have lower maintenance costs, and sound smooth and peaceful on the road.

By choosing a fully electric vehicle, you’re investing in your future and choosing a sustainable, cleaner choice for continuous city driving.

Want more reason to go electric? Read more here.

Check out the latest vehicle requirements for PCO drivers to ensure your car is road-ready.

Should I Choose a Hybrid Car as a PCO Driver?

A hybrid vehicle is a much more environmentally friendly choice than petrol and diesel alternatives. By combining electric and petrol, it’s much easier to save money and cut down on fuel costs.

By opting for a hybrid vehicle, you’re giving yourself a great head start to earn well while driving around the city, however it is likely that you may need to switch within a year, as Uber shifts towards a fully electric fleet.

Choosing a Petrol Car

We’re seeing a shift in consumer attitudes and PCO regulations, meaning customers favour eco-friendly driving in line with new changes to PCO drivers. Due to regulations pointing drivers towards zero-emissions vehicles, a petrol car might not last you long on the road.

Plus, with rising fuel costs and the impact on the environment, riding around in a petrol car doesn’t provide many benefits for your profit or driver profile.

More Intentional Reading with Moove: Find the best PCO car

The Ultimate Guide to Electric PCO Cars

Check out our ultimate guide for PCO cars, which covers everything from cost-saving vehicles to environmentally friendly options.

We’ve got a handy guide to financing your PCO car, and for those curious about upgrading their vehicle, you’ll want to check out our rent-to-buy PCO car guide.

Final Thoughts

When you’re browsing the most popular PCO cars, always bear in mind your budget, the vehicle’s driving range, how expensive it is to run, your own driving needs, and most importantly whether your vehicle of choice matches what your customer wants.

Simple things such as boot space, roof height, legroom, and infotainment could all affect your driver rating and who you can pick up.

Customers want to get from A-B as quickly and safely as possible, without compromising on comfort, style, and the additional perks that make riding with your vehicle easier.

Interested In Finding A PCO Car Suitable for You with Moove?

Find a car to suit your needs and embrace a dedicated customer support team that cares about providing a seamless driving experience for you. We make it easier for you to earn on the road, without incurring scary, hidden costs. Contact us today to get started.

FAQ’s

What is the best PCO car 2024?

The Kia Niro EV2 is one of the best value electric vehicles you can drive at the moment, with plenty of legroom and boot space for you passengers. If you are keen to upgrade, the Kia EV6 offers a bit more luxury, while the Mercedes EQE will allow you to access the lucrative Uber Exec market.

What is a PCO licence?

It’s the permit you need to work as a taxi driver, minicab driver, or chauffeur in the UK.

Which PCO car can I drive?

When choosing your car, ensure it meets the latest PCO regulations. Depending on the contract you have, you may only be able to carry out standard or specialised trips. Make sure to check what you’re entitled to and the service you can offer and in which areas.

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February 12, 2025

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