Both EV and diesel cars can still work for PCO drivers today, but they suit different driving styles, budgets, and areas. Today, we will compare EVs vs diesel for real private hire work, look at costs, rules, and day-to-day use, and help you understand which might make more sense for you. We will also show how Zoom PCO Hire can help you choose the right PCO car for hire or a rent to buy plan across England.
Why This Choice Matters More Than Ever
The decision between EV and diesel is not just about what you like to drive. It now affects:
- What you pay to work in cities (ULEZ and Clean Air Zones)
- Your fuel or energy costs every week
- How future-proof is your car with new rules and taxes coming for both diesel and EV drivers
So, the choice you make now can affect your income for years to come.
What Do We Mean by a Diesel PCO Car?
A diesel PCO car is a private hire vehicle powered by a diesel engine that meets current rules, often Euro 6 for cities like London.
Common diesel PCO models in the UK have included cars like Skoda Octavia, Hyundai i40, Mercedes E-Class, and similar saloons or estates that offer:
- Good motorway fuel economy
- Strong performance on long journeys
- Large boots for luggage
Diesel has been the classic choice for taxi and private hire drivers for many years because of its range and refuelling speed.
What Is an EV PCO Car?
An EV (electric vehicle) PCO car has:
- No diesel or petrol engine
- An electric motor and battery
- Zero tailpipe emissions
You must charge it to drive, using home chargers, workplace chargers, or public charging networks.
Popular EVs used in private hire include the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, MG4, MG5, and VW ID.3. They are becoming more common in taxi and private hire fleets as drivers look to avoid ULEZ charges and cut running costs.
How Zoom PCO Hire Can Help You Decide
At Zoom PCO Hire, we understand that every PCO and PHV driver is different. Some need the range and flexibility of a diesel, while others want the low running costs and future-proof benefits of an EV. Our job is to help you pick a car that fits your shifts, your budget, and your long-term plans.
With Zoom PCO Hire, you can:
- Explore EV and non-EV PCO car hire and rent-to-buy options across England.
- Choose from popular PCO models suited for Uber, Bolt, and other platforms.
- Get advice from a team that understands real driver worries like fuel costs, ULEZ rules, charging access, and long shifts.
Please tell us where you drive, how many hours you work, and what charging access you have, and we will help you choose the most sensible PCO setup.
Final Thoughts
Both EV and diesel PCO cars can still work for private hire drivers in England, but they shine in different conditions. Diesel offers long range and fast refuelling, while EVs offer lower emissions, cheaper energy (when charged smartly), and better protection against growing emission charges. Zoom PCO Hire can help you compare real options and choose a PCO car hire plan or a rent-to-buy plan that supports your earnings and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions about EV vs Diesel for PCO Drivers in England
Is an EV really cheaper to run than a diesel for PCO work?
Often yes, but not always. If you can charge at home or work on a good tariff, an EV is usually cheaper per mile than a diesel car, especially for city driving. If you rely on public rapid chargers with high prices and VAT, the cost gap can narrow and, in some cases, be similar to, or even exceed, that of diesel.
Will diesel PCO cars be banned soon?
There is no full “ban” on diesel PCO cars right now, but rules are getting tighter. In London, new PCO licenses must be for zero-emission-capable vehicles, and diesel cars must meet Euro 6 standards to avoid ULEZ charges. Older diesels may become less practical and costlier if you often work in big cities.
I live in a flat with no driveway. Should I still consider an EV?
You can, but you need to be honest about local charging. If the nearest public charging stations are busy, expensive, or far away, using an EV for long shifts can be stressful. In that case, a modern diesel or another non-EV option may be easier until charging improves in your area.
Are EVs reliable enough for long taxi and PHV shifts?
Modern EVs are often very reliable, and many fleets have successfully switched to electric vehicles, especially for city work. The main challenge is not reliability but range and charging time. If you plan your day and know where to charge, an EV can handle long shifts, but it requires more planning than a diesel.
What happens if ULEZ or Clean Air Zones expand to my area?
If your area introduces or expands an emission zone, non-compliant diesel cars could face daily charges. EVs and many other cleaner vehicles avoid these fees, which is why many drivers are thinking ahead and switching to cleaner options before rules tighten.
Can I switch from a diesel PCO hire to an EV later with Zoom PCO Hire?
Yes. Many drivers start in a familiar diesel or non-EV PCO car while they watch how charging and local rules develop. Later, when they feel ready and have better access to chargers, they move into an EV. Zoom PCO Hire can help you plan this journey and move into a cleaner, more future-proof car when the time is right for you.
