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Driving an EV is no longer a trend. It’s becoming a necessity, especially for PCO drivers. With the ULEZ charges expanding, emission regulations getting stricter, and platforms like Uber and Bolt offering special incentives to EV drivers, driving an electric vehicle is now more profitable than ever.
However, EVs are expensive and buying one outright isn’t possible for many PCO drivers. This is where PCO car hirecomes in. With this option, you can get an EV on rent and start earning quickly.
In this article, we will share some crucial information about EVs before you start driving one.
It’s true that EVs can slash your running costs, but this doesn’t happen automatically. You need to use them smartly to make more money.
For instance, electricity is cheaper than petrol, but if you charge your car during peak times or at a rapid charger, you’ll be paying pretty similar costs as filling the tank.
Here’s what you should do:
Try to charge during off-peak hours, such as late nights or early mornings, as electricity rates are lower during these times. You can also choose free EV charging stations at supermarkets, shopping centers, etc., to save costs.
Driving an EV in London qualifies you for Uber Green and other incentives for EV drivers. Here’s what it means:
Clean air matters a lot in London, not just to the authorities but to its people as well. That’s why when booking rides, most passengers in the city hit that Green button to play their part in protecting the environment.
Not only this, Uber prefers eco-friendly cars as well. That’s why their algorithm pushes EV drivers to the front of the queue during peak hours. This results in more ride requests, less waiting time, and more earnings.
In addition, EV drivers pay lower than standard commission for every ride they complete, allowing you to keep more of what you earn in your pocket.
Most EVs used for private hire work like KIA e-Niro, MG 5, etc., have a range of 180-300 miles on a full charge. That’s enough to do a double shift and still have some juice left. However, this is only possible when you know how to use this range to your advantage.
Here’s how you can do it:
Start the day fully charged.
Unlike petrol, which only takes a few minutes to refill, charging a car takes time. And in the PCO world, every minute counts. The more time you spend charging, the more passengers you will miss.
The next thing is to drive smoothly. Sudden braking and aggressive acceleration can drain your battery quickly.
Using regenerative braking is another excellent way to extend your range, as these brakes feed energy back to the battery every time you apply them.
Many drivers choose an EV based on style or a friend’s suggestion instead of practicality. This is a big mistake because when it comes to making money with an EV, looks matter nothing if you don’t achieve your earning goals.
Here’s what you should look for when getting an EV through PCO car hire:
Boot space – many passengers travel with suitcases or luggage, particularly those travelling to or from airports. Look for a car that has enough boot space to accommodate large suitcases without compromising passenger comfort.
Seating – next thing to look for is the seating. If you want to earn through UberXL, then consider a 7-seater because these cars can carry large groups, resulting in more money per ride.
Charging speed – choose a car that is fast to charge. If a car takes forever to charge, it won’t work for you.
You’ve probably heard some people saying that EVs are low maintenance, as they require no oil changes, spark plugs, etc. However, this doesn’t mean zero maintenance expenses. When something does go wrong with an EV, you can’t just take it to a local garage and get it fixed for fifty quid.
These cars require specialised support, and if your PCO car hire company doesn’t have it, this could mean being sidelined for days. Plus, their maintenance costs are higher than those of regular cars. If your hire agreement doesn’t cover these costs, then these expenses will be on you.
You should also make sure that your hire agreement covers car insurance. This will offer protection in case you are involved in an accident and need help with car body repairs or other damage.
London is rapidly expanding its EV charging infrastructure, which is good news for professional drivers because now, they can easily power up their vehicles.
The city’s authorities are focused on fulfilling the varying charging needs of drivers. For instance, there are ultra rapid chargers that can recharge your battery upto 80% in just 20-30 minutes, ideal to power up your car during breaks.
The city also has slow chargers to provide a cost-effective solution. If you are struggling to find a charging point, use apps like ZapMap or Bonnet. They provide real-time information on charger locations and availability to make life easy for you.
Switching to an EV for PCO work is a smart move. However, you need to know how to get the most out of your car to keep more of what you earn. One way to achieve this goal is through the strategies we mentioned above. Follow them, and you won’t just survive the EV shift. You’ll be the one everyone else is trying to catch up to.
