In 2026, picking the best PCO car really matters. The number of taxi and private hire drivers in England is now around 381,000, and with ULEZ, Clean Air Zones, higher fuel costs and Congestion Charge changes for EVs, the car you drive can make a big difference to your profit.
This guide is for PCO and PHV drivers in England using Uber, Bolt and local operators, and looks at which PCO cars 2026 make sense for real city and airport work. Based on our everyday experience working with PCO drivers in London and across England at Zoom PCO Hire, we’ll help you choose the best cars for PCO drivers under today’s rules and costs.
How We Chose These 10 PCO Cars
We did not just pick our favourite cars or the newest models. Each car on this list was chosen with real PCO and PHV work in mind, based on what actually matters when you are driving long hours for Uber, Bolt or a local operator in 2026.
When selecting the 10 cars, we looked at:
- Running cost per mile
Fuel or energy use in real city and motorway driving, not just brochure figures.
- Uber / PHV eligibility
Whether the car can work on popular categories like UberX, XL, Exec or Green, and meets basic private hire rules.
- ULEZ, Clean Air Zone and TfL ZEC standards
How well the car fits current and expected emissions rules so it still makes sense in a few years’ time.
- Comfort and space
How the car feels on long shifts, and whether it has enough room for passengers and luggage on airport runs.
- Availability in our own PCO fleet
Cars that we actually see drivers using every day on Zoom PCO Hire, so we know how they perform in real private hire work.
Quick List – 10 Best PCO Cars for 2026
| Car | Body type | Powertrain | Best for | Typical Uber/PHV use | Key driver benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 330e SE Auto | Saloon | Plug-in hybrid (petrol + electric) | Mixed city and airport work | UberX, Uber Comfort, PHV corporate jobs | Premium feel with lower fuel costs if charged often |
| BMW 530e M Sport Auto | Executive saloon | Plug-in hybrid (petrol + electric) | Longer shifts, airport and business routes | UberX, Comfort, exec-style and hotel work | Executive comfort with better economy than pure petrol |
| MG5 Exclusive EV / MG5 Excite EV |
Estate | Fully electric | High-mileage city drivers and airport runs | UberX, Uber Green (where available), PHV estate work | Big boot and very low “fuel” cost per mile |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range | Saloon | Fully electric | Full-time PCO work, city + motorway | UberX, Comfort, Green and some exec bookings | Strong range, fast charging and premium passenger experience |
| Tesla Model Y | SUV / crossover | Fully electric | Families, luggage and regular airport trips | UberX, Comfort, Green, family and airport work | More space than Model 3 with similar low running costs |
| Kia Niro EV | Compact crossover | Fully electric | City-heavy and suburban shifts | UberX, Uber Green (where available), local PHV | Easy to park, efficient and ULEZ-friendly |
| BMW i5 M Sport Edition | Executive saloon | Fully electric | Exec and corporate transfers, long-distance work | Uber Exec / Comfort (where supported), chauffeur work | High-end comfort and image for premium fares |
| Mercedes-Benz EQE 300 | Executive saloon | Fully electric | Hotel, business and chauffeur jobs | Exec PHV work, Uber Exec/Comfort, corporate accounts | Luxury Mercedes feel with zero tailpipe emissions |
| Mercedes-Benz EQV | 7-seater MPV | Fully electric | XL trips, family groups and airport shuttles | UberXL, group bookings, hotel and event transport | Premium 7-seater with huge space for passengers and bags |
| Maxus MIFA 9 Luxury | 8-seater MPV | Fully electric | High-capacity group and shuttle work | UberXL (where allowed), private shuttles, tours, corporate transport | Max passenger capacity with ULEZ-free, electric driving |
1. BMW 330e SE Auto – Hybrid Saloon for City & Airport Work
The BMW 330e SE Auto is a plug-in hybrid saloon that suits drivers who want something smart enough for business passengers but still practical for daily UberX and PHV work. It combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and has an official electric-only range of around 30–35 miles on the WLTP test when fully charged.
PCO-friendly features
- Plug-in hybrid: petrol plus electric for better fuel use in city traffic
- Comfortable, solid motorway feel for airport and intercity work
- ULEZ-compliant and meets modern emissions standards
- Professional image for business travellers and corporate work
- Feels stable on the motorway and easy in tight city streets, with a well-rated interior.
Running costs & earning potential
If you charge the car regularly, the 330e can do many city trips on electric power and use the engine mainly for longer routes. That can mean much lower fuel spend compared with an older petrol saloon, especially in stop–start London traffic. On the motorway, the hybrid system still helps, but you will mostly be on petrol, so it suits drivers who mix city and airport work rather than only long-distance.
Best for
- Drivers doing a mix of Central London + airport runs
- Those who want a premium feel without going full electric
- PCO drivers who can charge often to get the most from the hybrid
2. BMW 530e M Sport Auto – Executive Hybrid for Longer Shifts
The BMW 530e M Sport Auto is a larger plug-in hybrid that steps you closer to full executive chauffeur level. It offers a bigger cabin, more comfort, and a more relaxed drive than the 3 Series, with an official electric-only range of roughly 60+ km (about 35–40 miles) on the WLTP test.
PCO-friendly features
- Executive saloon ideal for business clients and hotel work
- Plug-in hybrid with strong official efficiency figures
- Spacious rear seats and a comfortable ride for longer journeys
- ULEZ-compliant and ready for modern PHV emission rules
Running costs & earning potential
If you use the electric range wisely on city sections and keep the battery charged, fuel costs can be far lower than a traditional diesel or petrol exec saloon. The 530e is particularly good if you do a lot of airport transfers, business parks and hotel runs alongside standard Uber jobs. You pay more per week than a basic hybrid hatch, but the chance to attract higher-value fares can balance this.
Best for
- Full-time drivers doing lots of airport and business journeys
- Drivers starting to move into exec / corporate work
- Those who want a premium hybrid before going fully electric
3. MG5 EV (Exclusive & Excite) – Sensible Electric Estate for Everyday PCO
The MG5 EV (Exclusive and Excite trims) is a practical electric estate that has become popular with PCO drivers who care more about space and low running costs than brand image. It uses a 61 kWh battery and has an official WLTP range of around 235–250 miles, depending on trim.
PCO-friendly features
- Big estate boot for suitcases, pushchairs and airport runs
- Simple, comfortable interior that passengers find easy to use
- All-electric, so fully ULEZ and Clean Air Zone friendly
- Works well for UberX and Uber Green where available
Running costs & earning potential
The MG5 is all about cost per mile. If you can charge at home, work or off-peak public chargers, your “fuel” cost can drop far below petrol or diesel. That extra margin becomes real profit, especially for full-time drivers in busy cities. Charging is not the fastest in class, but it is good enough for most PCO use when you plan your charging around breaks.
Best for
- High-mileage PCO drivers focused on profit and practicality
- Drivers doing a mix of city trips and regular airport runs
- Those who want an EV but still need good boot space
4. Tesla Model 3 Long Range – Premium EV Saloon for Serious PCO Work
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range is a very popular electric saloon for private hire, thanks to its strong range, fast charging and modern tech. Official WLTP range is now quoted in the UK at over 300 miles per charge, depending on the exact version and conditions.
PCO-friendly features
- Long range and rapid DC charging via the Tesla Supercharger network
- Minimal, modern interior that passengers recognise and often comment on
- ULEZ- and CAZ-friendly with zero tailpipe emissions
- Works for UberX, Comfort, Green and some exec-style jobs
Running costs & earning potential
If you charge smartly (especially at home or off-peak), the Model 3 can be very cheap per mile for full-time PCO drivers. Strong range reduces “range stress” on long shifts, and fast charging means you can top up during a break and get back on the road quickly. It is more expensive than an MG5 or Kia Niro EV, but can open doors to better-paid work and higher-spending passengers.
Best for
- Full-time drivers doing city + airport + intercity shifts
- Drivers who want to move into higher-value Uber categories
- Those with good charging access who can make the most of the range
5. Tesla Model Y – Roomy Electric SUV for Families & Luggage
The Tesla Model Y takes a lot of what drivers like about the Model 3 and puts it in a more practical SUV-style body. You sit higher, passengers get more room, and the boot space is excellent, which is ideal for airport and family work.
PCO-friendly features
- High driving position and big boot for suitcases and pushchairs
- Comfortable rear seating for taller passengers
- Fully electric, ULEZ-free and suitable for UberX, Comfort and Green
- Access to Tesla’s rapid charging network for quick top-ups
Running costs & earning potential
Energy costs are similar to or slightly higher than the Model 3 because of the size and shape, but still far lower than an equivalent petrol SUV when charged well. For drivers who often carry families, groups of three or four with luggage, or do a lot of airport work, the extra space can translate directly into more accepted trips and fewer issues with baggage.
Best for
- Drivers who regularly carry families + luggage
- Those who want a premium EV with more space than a saloon
- PCO drivers focused on airport and longer trips
6. Kia Niro EV – Compact Electric Crossover for City-Heavy Work
The Kia Niro EV is a compact electric crossover, easy to manoeuvre in cities but still big enough for most day-to-day Uber and PHV trips. All current Niro EV versions use a 64.8 kWh battery with a quoted WLTP range of around 250+ miles, depending on spec.
PCO-friendly features
- Compact outside, roomy enough inside for everyday PCO use
- Fully electric and ULEZ/CAZ-friendly
- Modern safety and driver-assist tech, useful on long shifts
- Well-known, trusted brand with growing EV presence in the England
Running costs & earning potential
The Niro EV is efficient rather than extreme. It is not the cheapest EV to buy, but running costs can be very low if you charge off-peak. For drivers who mainly do city trips, school runs, local journeys and some lighter airport work, it hits a very good balance between cost, ease of use and passenger comfort.
Best for
- Drivers doing mostly city and suburban trips
- Those who want a compact EV that is simple to park and drive
- PCO drivers who do some airport runs but not constant heavy luggage jobs
7. BMW i5 M Sport – Executive Electric Saloon for High-End PCO
The BMW i5 is a fully electric executive saloon for drivers who want to move firmly into premium and corporate work. Official WLTP range for the eDrive40 can be over 320–380 km (roughly 200–230+ miles) depending on spec and conditions.
PCO-friendly features
- Executive-level comfort and build quality
- Quiet, smooth EV drive suitable for business and hotel work
- ULEZ-free and aligned with the push towards zero-emission fleets
- Advanced driver-assist and safety systems to support long shifts
Running costs & earning potential
The i5 is not about being the cheapest car; it is about unlocking better-paid work. With careful charging, energy costs stay under control, and the comfort level means you can handle long chauffeur-style journeys without fatigue. It is best suited to drivers who can consistently secure corporate, hotel, executive and long-distance jobs rather than mainly short local rides.
Best for
- Experienced drivers focused on exec and corporate work
- Long-distance and airport transfer specialists
- Drivers ready to invest in a top-level EV saloon
8. Mercedes-Benz EQE 300 – Luxury Electric Saloon for Exec & PHV
The Mercedes-Benz EQE 300 is a luxury electric saloon positioned as an EV alternative to the classic E-Class. It offers a long official WLTP range (well over 350 miles in some versions) and a very high-quality interior aimed squarely at business and chauffeur use.
PCO-friendly features
- Strong Mercedes badge appeal for executive and corporate passengers
- Long EV range with large battery capacity for all-day use
- Very comfortable ride and quiet cabin for long journeys
- Fully zero-emission at the tailpipe, ULEZ-free and future-ready
Running costs & earning potential
As with the BMW i5, the EQE is not a “cheap” PCO option, but it can pay off if you use it to secure high-value work. Energy costs per mile are still lower than many diesel exec saloons when charged at sensible tariffs. If you run a lot of executive airport transfers, corporate contracts or hotel accounts, the EQE can support premium pricing and strong passenger satisfaction.
Best for
- Chauffeur and executive PHV drivers
- Drivers doing regular airport, hotel and corporate trips
- Those who want a Mercedes EV as their main work tool
9. Mercedes-Benz EQV – Electric 7-Seater for XL & Group Work
The Mercedes-Benz EQV is a large electric MPV that seats up to seven and is built for people-moving rather than regular small UberX jobs. According to independent EV databases, the EQV 300 Long can offer a WLTP range of around 210–220 miles, with real-world range lower if fully loaded or driven at higher speeds.
PCO-friendly features
- Genuine 7-seater with a premium badge for XL and group jobs
- Huge interior space for passengers, bags and special requests
- Fully electric and ULEZ/CAZ-friendly
- Ideal for UberXL, hotel shuttles, event work and family airport transfers
Running costs & earning potential
Energy use is higher than a small EV, but still favourable when you look at cost per passenger. If you regularly carry five to seven people plus luggage on airport and station runs, each trip can generate significantly more income than a standard UberX ride. The EQV is at its best when kept busy with pre-booked group jobs, XL requests and contract work.
Best for
- Drivers focusing on UberXL, group and airport work
- Hotel, corporate and event transport specialists
- Those who want a premium 7-seat EV with strong passenger appeal
10. Maxus MIFA 9 Luxury – High-Capacity Electric MPV for Serious People Moving
The Maxus MIFA 9 Luxury 8-seater is a fully electric MPV designed for maximum passenger capacity. UK sources quote a WLTP range of around 260–270 miles from its 90 kWh battery, depending on version and conditions.
PCO-friendly features
- Up to 7 or 8 seats (depending on configuration) for large groups
- Very spacious interior with plenty of legroom and luggage options
- Fully electric, zero tailpipe emissions and ULEZ-compliant
- A strong alternative to diesel minibuses for shuttle and tour work
Running costs & earning potential
The MIFA 9 is all about moving lots of people in one go. While energy use is higher than a small EV, you can spread that cost over many passengers. If you focus on airport transfers, cruise port runs, tours, hotel contracts or corporate shuttles, the higher-capacity cabin can unlock very strong earnings per trip.
Best for
- Drivers and small operators doing regular group transport
- Airport, hotel and corporate shuttle specialists
- Those ready to focus on higher-fare, high-capacity work rather than standard trips
How to Choose the Right PCO Car for Your Shifts in 2026
There is no single “best” PCO car for everyone. The right choice depends on where you drive, how many hours you work, and what type of trips you take most of the time. Use this section to match your own driving pattern to the cars in our list.
| Driver type | Best car types from this list | Why they work well |
|---|---|---|
| Mainly city / London traffic | Kia Niro EV, MG5 EV, BMW 330e SE Auto | Low running costs, easy to park, ULEZ-friendly and comfortable in stop–start traffic. |
| Airport & long-distance specialist | MG5 EV, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, BMW 530e, BMW i5, Mercedes EQE | Good range or hybrid back-up, strong motorway comfort and enough space for luggage. |
| XL / exec and higher fares | Mercedes EQV, Maxus MIFA 9, Mercedes EQE, BMW i5, BMW 530e | More seats or executive comfort, better suited to group, hotel and corporate jobs. |
| New or part-time PCO driver | Kia Niro EV, MG5 EV, BMW 330e SE Auto | Lower risk, sensible running costs and simple day-to-day driving while you test the job. |
How Zoom PCO Hire Can Help You Get These Cars in 2026
At Zoom PCO Hire, we provide PCO car hire and rent-to-buy across England, and we actually run many of the cars in this list in our own fleet. That means we are not just talking about these models in theory – we see how they perform every day with real Uber, Bolt and PHV drivers.
With Zoom PCO Hire, you can:
- Choose from a wide range of hybrid, electric, XL and executive PCO cars
- Get council-licensed PCO cars for different licensing authorities
- Pick between short-term PCO hire and rent-to-buy plans, depending on how long you want to commit
- Get support with servicing, maintenance and basic PCO paperwork, so you can focus on driving and earning
If you are thinking about upgrading your PCO car in 2026, you can visit our main PCO car hire and rent-to-buy pages to see our latest cars and offers and find a setup that fits your shifts and budget.
Final Thoughts – Best PCO Cars for 2026 in Simple Terms
In 2026, the “best” PCO car is the one that balances running costs, comfort, Uber category access and future rules for your style of work. A full-time driver, an airport specialist and an XL or exec driver will not pick the same car, and that is okay. Before you decide, think honestly about your shifts, mileage, charging access and long-term plans, not just the weekly price. If you want help matching the right car to the way you drive, Zoom PCO Hire can guide you through the options and get you into a PCO car that makes sense for 2026 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions about PCO Cars for Uber & PHV in 2026
What is the best PCO car for Uber drivers in London in 2026?
There is no single “best” car for every Uber driver. If you mostly do city trips, cars like the Kia Niro EV or MG5 EV work well because they are ULEZ-friendly and cheap to run per mile. If you focus on exec or airport work, premium models like the Tesla Model 3, BMW i5 or Mercedes EQE from the list above may suit you better. The right choice depends on whether you want low cost, more space, or higher-value fares.
Which PCO car is cheapest to run per mile for full-time PHV work?
For most full-time drivers with good charging access, EVs are usually cheapest per mile, especially models like the MG5 EV and Kia Niro EV, because electricity is normally cheaper than petrol or diesel when you charge at home or off-peak. If you rely fully on expensive public rapid chargers, the gap is smaller, and a plug-in hybrid like the BMW 330e or 530e charged regularly can be competitive.
Is it still worth getting an electric PCO car in 2026 with Congestion Charge changes?
For many drivers, yes – but you need to do the maths. From 2026, EVs will no longer be fully exempt from the Congestion Charge, but they still avoid ULEZ fees and can be much cheaper to “fuel” if you charge smartly. If you work mostly inside the Congestion Charge zone every day, the new daily cost matters. If most of your work is outside the CC zone, an EV can still offer strong savings over petrol or diesel, especially in London and other Clean Air Zones.
What is the best PCO car for airport runs and long-distance work in the UK?
For airport and long-distance work, you need good range, comfort and boot space. From the list above, strong options include the MG5 EV (estate with big boot), Tesla Model 3 Long Range, Tesla Model Y, BMW 530e, BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE. For larger groups and more bags, the Mercedes EQV or Maxus MIFA 9 work well. The best choice depends on whether you want an estate, saloon or 7–8 seater, and how confident you are with planning charging stops.
Should new PCO drivers choose a hybrid or an EV in 2026?
If you are new and unsure about charging access or your long-term plans, a hybrid or plug-in hybrid can feel safer at first because you always have a fuel backup. If you have reliable home or workplace charging and do lots of city trips, an EV like the MG5 EV, Kia Niro EV or Tesla Model 3 can give you lower running costs and avoid ULEZ fees. Many drivers start with a hybrid, then move into an EV once they understand their earnings and routine better.
What PCO car is best if I mainly do short trips in busy London areas?
For mainly short, stop–start journeys in central or inner London, compact EVs and efficient hybrids work best. From this guide, the Kia Niro EV, MG5 EV and BMW 330e are good fits. They are ULEZ-friendly, easy to park and efficient in traffic. Space is still enough for normal bags and occasional airport jobs, but you are not dragging around a huge 7–8 seater for simple city work.
I do mixed work: school runs, local trips and some XL jobs. What should I look for?
If your work is a mix of local jobs, school runs and occasional XL or group journeys, think about a car that balances space, running cost and flexibility. The Tesla Model Y gives extra room compared with a saloon and works well for families and luggage. For more regular XL and group work, the Mercedes EQV or Maxus MIFA 9 may be better, but only if you can keep them busy with enough passengers most days.
Can I switch my PCO car easily if my work pattern changes?
In many cases, yes. This is one of the reasons drivers choose PCO car hire or rent-to-buy rather than buying a car outright. If you start doing more airport work, more XL, or move into exec or corporate jobs, you may want a different model from the ones in this list. With Zoom PCO Hire, you can speak to the team about your new pattern and options to move into a more suitable PCO car when the time is right.
What should I think about before moving from petrol to hybrid or EV for PCO work?
Before switching, be honest about:
- Where you park (can you install or use a home charger?)
- How many miles you drive daily
- How often you work in ULEZ or Clean Air Zones
- Your budget and weekly payment comfort level
If you can charge at home or work and do a lot of city driving, an EV from our list (for example MG5 EV, Kia Niro EV, Tesla Model 3/Model Y) can make a big difference to running costs. If charging is difficult, a plug-in hybrid like the BMW 330e or 530e may be a better first step.
Can Zoom PCO Hire help me move from a petrol car to a hybrid or EV in 2026?
Yes. Many drivers come to Zoom PCO Hire when they are ready to leave older petrol or diesel cars behind but are not sure whether to choose hybrid, plug-in hybrid or EV. We can talk through your hours, areas, charging options and budget, then help you compare real cars from this guide – from practical options like the MG5 EV and Kia Niro EV to premium choices like the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE or Mercedes EQV – so you can make a confident decision for 2026 and beyond.
