At Rapid Vehicle Management, we understand that when your vehicle is part of your livelihood you want good quality that fits your budget. That is why we provide a quality range of low-cost and efficient electric vehicles selected with PCO drivers like you in mind. Plus, we provide a range of benefits as standard for your peace of mind. We offer a variety of electric vehicles to suit all types of drivers. Read on for our getting-started guide to electric vehicles for PCO 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.

The types of electric cars

So, you are ready to go electric, but what type of EV is right for you? Each type of engine has its benefits. Some factors to consider when deciding are:

• 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 types of EVs can help you decide which is right for you.

• BEV: Battery-Electric Vehicles or pure electric vehicles. BEVs are powered 100% by electric batteries. Most battery-electric cars 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.

Watt’s up with charging?

Before you make the switch, make sure you have a charging plan. Although charging at home is the most cost-effective method, it may not be practical for every PCO driver. However, there are around 40,000 public charge points in the UK, and that number is growing all the time. You can use ZapMap to locate charging points near your home and along your route. 

Can going electric save you money?

You may be considering going electric because you have heard it can save you money. Although an EV may save you money on fuel and maintenance costs in the long run, there are other factors to consider, and this may not always be the case. Below, we look at some of the areas an EV could save you more money 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.

Lower maintenance and running costs

On average, electric vehicles cost less to operate and maintain. While they tend to have a higher price point than their petrol or diesel counterparts, you are likely to recoup these costs through lowered maintenance and fuel costs. When you rent with Rapid, vehicle maintenance is included as standard. Check out our great benefits package and get a quote online today; simply click here to see what we have to offer.

Ideal for inner-city driving

Navigating city streets is the bread and butter of PCO drivers. However, short journeys are inefficient for petrol or diesel engines. This is where EVs shine for PCO drivers, 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 £12.50 per day. If you frequently drive in ULEZ areas, this may be an incentive for you to switch to a fully electric vehicle with zero exhaust emissions.

Want to learn more about electric vehicles? Check out our blog on the top 10 reasons to switch to EVs.

Ready to join the EV-olution?

At Rapid Vehicle Management, we offer a range of fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles for PCO drivers like you. Enjoy top-of-the-range vehicles without the hassle and upfront costs of buying a new car. Rapid provides you with the flexibility to rent the vehicle you need for the time you need it, from as few as 8 weeks.

Make the switch to electric vehicles and enjoy the savings!

At Rapid, we want our PCO drivers to enjoy the full potential of their earning capacity. We offer an EV package that is as cost-effective as possible, offering additional benefits that include:

• Roadside assistance
• Servicing and maintenance
• Tyres and brakes replacement

 

Our specialist team is on hand to support you through your PCO EV rental today. Our onboarding process is straightforward. All you need to do is:

• Obtain a weekly price
• Reserve your car
• Collect your car yourself within 7 days

 

Call 01732 747 190 or click to start saving the planet and possibly saving yourself money too.

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All figures are correct at the time of writing 01/06/23