Electric Vehicles: A Guide for PCO drivers
At Rapid PCO, we understand that when your vehicle is part of your livelihood you want good quality that fits your budget. That is why Rapid PCO provide a diverse range of low-cost and efficient electric vehicles selected with private hire drivers in mind. Plus, we provide a wide range of benefits as standard for your peace of mind. We offer a variety of electric vehicles to suit all types of drivers.
The shocking truth about emissions
The transport sector was the UK’s largest greenhouse gas emitter in 2020, accounting for 22% of carbon dioxide emissions – a major contributor to climate change. Vehicle emissions also have a negative impact on the health of people, animals, and vegetation, and can lead to serious health conditions.
The greenhouse gas emissions generated by a battery electric vehicle are estimated to be around 66% less than that of a petrol vehicle and 60% less than that of a diesel vehicle. Projections suggest a reduction in electricity grid emissions of around 90% between now and 2050, with total greenhouse gas emissions from electric cars falling by the same amount. By switching to electric vehicles, you can reduce your carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions while helping improve air quality and the climate in your community and beyond.
Electric Vehicles Variety Breakdown
So, you are ready to go electric, but what type of electric vehicle (EV) is right for you? Each type of engine has its benefits. Some factors to consider when deciding include:
- What type of driving will you be doing?
- Will you be driving in Ultra-Low Emissions Zones?
- Do you have regular access to a charging point?
Once you answer these questions, our guide to the different varieties of electric vehicle can help you decide which is most suitable for you.
BEV: Battery-Electric Vehicles or pure electric vehicles. BEVs are powered 100% by electric batteries. Most battery-electric vehicles have a real-world range of 100-300 miles on a single charge.
PHEV: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles can be driven using the internal combustion engine, the electric drive motor, or both, and can be recharged from an external power source. The typical PHEV will have a pure electric range of up to 50 miles. PHEVs are only efficient if charged regularly; otherwise, they can be more expensive to run than a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle.
E-Rev: Extended Range Electric Vehicles are a version of plug-in hybrids. The E-Rev consists of a battery, an electric drive motor, and a small petrol or diesel generator. The electric motor drives the wheels and the internal combustion engine acts as a generator when the battery is depleted. These vehicles can have a range of between 150 and 300 miles.
Best practice for charging electric vehicles
Before you make the switch to an electric vehicle, make sure you have a charging plan. Although charging at home is the most cost-effective method, it may not be practical for every Rapid PCO driver. At the end of October 2023, there were 51,516 electric vehicle charging points across the UK, across 30,360 charging locations. This represents a 45% increase in the total number of charging devices since October 2022. The geographical area that has the most EV charging points is Greater London with 18,287 at time of writing. You can use ZapMap to locate charging points near your home and along your route.
Can Rapid PCO electric vehicles save you money?
In short, yes! You may be considering going electric because you have heard it can save you money, and there are other relevant factors to consider. Below, we look at some of the areas an EV could save you money when than a petrol or diesel car.
Fuel costs
A full charge of a pure electric vehicle provides a typical range of more than 200 miles and costs approximately £8-12 per charge at home. It costs around £26-32 in fuel to drive 200 miles in a petrol or diesel car, which can be three or four times the cost of charging an electric vehicle.
Maintenance and running cost
On average, electric vehicles cost less to operate and maintain. While they tend to have a higher price point than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, you are likely to recoup these costs through lowered maintenance and fuel costs overall. When you rent with Rapid PCO, vehicle maintenance is included as standard. Check out our outstanding benefits package with insurance included and see how much you could save with an electric vehicle Rapid PCO hire.
Ideal for inner-city driving
Navigating busy city streets is the bread and butter of Rapid PCO drivers. However, short journeys are inefficient for petrol or diesel engines. This is where electric vehicles shine, thanks to regenerative braking. This mechanism draws energy from the brakes and converts it to power which is used for charging the battery. That means all that stop-start driving could save you energy and money!
ULEZ Congestion Charge
If you are a PCO driver you have probably already encountered the ULEZ Congestion Charge. Only zero-emission vehicles – those emitting 0g/km CO2 – qualify for the cleaner vehicle discount. All other vehicles, regardless of their emissions status, are required to pay the Congestion Charge of £15 per day. If you frequently drive in ULEZ areas, this should be adequate incentive for you to switch to an electric vehicle.
Want to learn more about electric vehicles? Check out our blog on the top 10 reasons to switch to EVs.
Join the electric vehicle revolution!
At Rapid PCO, we offer a range of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles for private hire drivers. Enjoy economical, desirable electric vehicles without the hassle and upfront costs of buying a new car. Rapid PCO provides you with the flexibility to rent the vehicle you need for the time you need it, from as few as 8 weeks.
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:
- Roadside assistance
- Servicing and maintenance
- Tyres and brakes replacement
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!
Make the electric vehicle switch today!
At Rapid PCO, we want our private hire drivers to experience the full potential of their earning capacity. We offer an EV package that is as cost-effective as possible, with a flurry of additional benefits supported by the Rapid PCO price match.
Our specialist team is on hand to support you through your PCO EV rental today. Our onboarding process has been streamlined with PCO drivers in mind. All you need to do is:
- Obtain a weekly price
- Reserve your car
- Collect your car yourself within 7 days
Call 01732 280773 or click to start saving the planet and possibly saving yourself money too.
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