If you are a PCO driver in London or anywhere in England, you have probably seen the Mercedes-Benz EQV on the road and wondered: Is this electric 7-seater really worth it for Uber, Bolt and private hire work?
The EQV is not a small city car. It is a premium, all-electric people carrier with space for seven passengers, a big boot and a quiet, smooth drive. That makes it very attractive for airport transfers, group trips and higher-value work like executive or corporate bookings.
In this guide, we will break down the EQV in simple terms, look at real-world range and charging, explain Uber and PHV eligibility, and show how Zoom PCO Hire’s rent-to-buy and hire plan can help you get one without a high upfront cost.
What Is the Mercedes-Benz EQV?
The Mercedes-Benz EQV is a large, electric MPV (people carrier) based on the V-Class, but with a fully electric motor instead of a diesel engine. It offers:
- 7 seats in a flexible layout
- A large battery (around 90 kWh usable)
- An electric motor with about 204 hp and 366 Nm of torque
- WLTP combined range of roughly 220+ miles (around 350 km) per charge
On Zoom PCO Hire, the EQV 300 Sport Premium comes as a 7-seat, black MPV, with a big boot (over 1,400 litres with all seats in place and much more with seats folded), premium interior and advanced safety systems.
In simple words, it is a luxury electric minibus that feels like a Mercedes inside but runs silently on electricity.
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQV Eligible for Uber and PHV Work?
Seat count and Uber categories
The EQV has 7 seats, which means it can fit:
- Standard rides (UberX / Bolt base)
- XL / group trips where platforms require 6+ passenger seats
- Higher-end services where a premium, spacious vehicle is needed
Zoom PCO Hire lists the EQV 300 Sport Premium as eligible for Uber Green, UberX, Uber XL and Uber XXL, as well as other ride-hailing and corporate hire services, as long as the driver meets platform rules.
Actual categories will always depend on Uber/Bolt rules in your city. Still, on paper, the EQV fits well into XL and premium-style work.
TfL and ULEZ compliance
In London, any private hire vehicle licensed for the first time must be Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) and meet Euro 6 standards where relevant. A fully electric car like the EQV is zero emission at the tailpipe, so it meets the ZEC requirement. That means:
- It is suitable for London PHV licensing (subject to standard age and condition rules).
- It is fully exempt from ULEZ charges, unlike many older petrol and diesel cars.
Congestion Charge position
From 2 January 2026, all vehicles, including EVs, pay the London Congestion Charge. The standard daily charge is now £18. Still, electric cars registered for Auto Pay get a reduced rate (currently a 25% discount, so £13.50 per day).
So, the EQV still saves you money on ULEZ, but you should budget for the Congestion Charge if you work in the central zone regularly.
Range, Battery and Charging: Real-World for PCO Drivers
Official range vs real-world use
On paper, the Mercedes-Benz EQV 300 Long / Sport Premium offers:
- Around 221–222 miles WLTP combined range
- 90 kWh usable battery
- Front-wheel drive with a single-speed automatic gearbox
In real PCO use, your range will depend on:
- How fast you drive (motorway vs city)
- Weather (cold weather reduces range)
- How much heating or air conditioning you use
- How heavily the car is loaded with passengers and luggage
Many drivers treat around 170–190 miles between main charges as a sensible working estimate, and then top up during breaks.
Charging times and cost
Zoom PCO Hire gives clear, simple estimates for the EQV 300 Sport Premium:
Home AC charging (up to 11 kW):
- Roughly 8 hours from 0–100%
- Around £20–£25 for a full charge (depending on tariff)
Public DC rapid charging (up to ~110 kW):
- About 40–60 minutes from 10–80%
- Roughly £30–£35 for an 80% top-up on many public networks
For a PCO driver, this usually means:
- Overnight home charging if you have a driveway or charger
- Rapid top-ups during long airport shifts or meal breaks
If you can charge mostly at home or work, your energy cost per mile can be much lower than diesel, especially for city work.
Passenger Space, Comfort and Luggage
This is where the EQV really stands out.
Space and layout
The EQV 300 Sport Premium offers:
- 7 proper seats in a flexible layout
- A boot of around 1,410 litres with all seats up
- Able to expand to roughly 5,000 litres with seats folded or removed
That means you can comfortably handle:
- The airport runs with big suitcases
- Family trips with prams, shopping and hand luggage
- Group nights out or corporate events
Comfort and premium feel
Inside, the EQV is closer to an executive van than a basic taxi:
- High-quality seats, often with leather and heating
- Dual or multi-zone climate control
- Ambient lighting and a quiet electric drive
- Sliding doors that make city pickups and drop-offs easier
For passengers, it feels like a luxury shuttle, not just a standard private hire car. That can help you stand out on Uber XL, impress corporate clients and boost tips and ratings.
Running Costs and Earnings Potential
Energy vs fuel
Because it is fully electric:
- There is no diesel or petrol bill
- Servicing is often simpler (no oil changes, fewer moving engine parts)
The key savings come if you:
- Charge at home on a good tariff
- Avoid relying only on expensive rapid chargers
Compared with a large diesel 7-seater, the EQV can save you money per mile, especially if you do lots of city trips where EVs are most efficient.
Higher-value work
A 7-seat, premium Mercedes gives access to:
- Uber XL and similar group services
- Executive and corporate bookings
- Airport runs and hotel transfers
These jobs often pay more per trip than standard single-rider journeys, which can help offset a higher weekly rental or finance payment.
Pros and Cons of the Mercedes-Benz EQV for PCO Drivers
Main advantages
- 7 seats + big boot: perfect for families, groups, and airport runs
- Zero tailpipe emissions: fully ULEZ-compliant and future-proof for PHV rules
- Premium Mercedes interior: helps with ratings, tips and corporate work
- Strong electric range: over 200 miles WLTP with realistic working range for full shifts
- Wide Uber eligibility: suitable for Uber Green, X, XL and XXL on Zoom PCO Hire’s setup
Things to think about
- Size: it is a big vehicle; tight streets and small car parks need more care
- Weekly cost: higher than a small hybrid, so you should aim for XL / premium work
- Charging: works best if you can charge at home or have easy access to reliable public chargers
- Congestion Charge: from 2026, EVs still pay a discounted Congestion Charge if you work in central London regularly
If you mostly do short solo trips in the suburbs, a smaller hybrid or EV might be more efficient. If you focus on airports, groups and exec jobs, the EQV makes much more sense.
How the EQV Compares to Other Electric 7-Seaters
The EQV sits in the premium part of the 7-seater EV market. Other electric people carriers used for private hire include models like the Toyota Proace Verso Electric, Peugeot e-Traveller and BYD Tang.
Compared with many rivals, the EQV offers:
- A more luxury-focused interior
- Strong brand appeal for corporate and executive work
- Competitive range and charging, thanks to its large battery
For pure value per week, some cheaper 7-seat EVs exist. But for drivers who want that Mercedes badge and passenger experience, the EQV is often the preferred choice.
Mercedes-Benz EQV with Zoom PCO Hire (Rent-to-Buy)
Zoom PCO Hire offers the Mercedes-Benz EQV 300 Sport Premium on a rent-to-buy plan, designed specifically for Uber and PHV drivers. Key points include:
- 7-seat, PCO-approved EQV with ULEZ-compliant, zero-emission powertrain
- Weekly rent (with a fixed contract term) that builds towards owning the car
- No credit check on their rent-to-buy programme
- PCO-approved courtesy car and 24/7 roadside assistance, helping you stay earning if something goes wrong
- A Work & Earn programme with flexible airport jobs, which can help offset part of your weekly payment
With us, this means you are not just hiring a car. You are working towards ownership of a premium electric 7-seater, with support built around real PCO life.
If you are serious about long-term PCO work and want to move into EV XL or executive-style jobs, the EQV rent-to-buy route can be a very strong option.
Final Thoughts
The Mercedes-Benz EQV is not for everyone. It is large, premium and built for drivers who want to focus on group, airport and higher-value work, rather than just short city trips.
If you:
- Work many hours in London or big cities
- Do lots of airport and hotel transfers
- Want a zero-emission, ULEZ-proof car that passengers remember
- Are planning to stay in PCO work for the long term
If you are unsure whether it suits your routes, hours and budget, Zoom PCO Hire can talk through your situation, compare options and help you decide if an EQV rent-to-buy plan is the right move for your PCO journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mercedes-Benz EQV for Uber, Bolt and PCO Work
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQV a good car for Uber XL in London?
Yes. With 7 seats, a large boot and a premium interior, the EQV fits very well into Uber XL and similar group services, as well as standard and green categories where available. Zoom PCO Hire lists it as eligible for Uber Green, UberX, Uber XL and Uber XXL, subject to platform rules in your area.
What is the real-world range of the EQV for private hire drivers?
Official WLTP combined range is around 220+ miles from its 90 kWh battery. In real PCO use, most drivers should plan for roughly 170–190 miles per full charge, allowing for cold weather, heating, motorway speeds and passenger load. Regular top-ups during breaks can extend this comfortably over a full shift.
How long does it take to charge the EQV at home and on a rapid charger?
Approximate charging times for the EQV 300 Sport Premium are:
- Home AC (up to 11 kW): about 8 hours from 0–100%
- Public DC rapid (up to ~110 kW): around 40–60 minutes from 10–80%
Costs vary by tariff, but Zoom PCO Hire estimates roughly £20–£25 for a full home charge and £30–£35 for a rapid 10–80% top-up.
Is the Mercedes-Benz EQV ULEZ and Congestion Charge exempt?
The EQV is fully exempt from ULEZ charges because it is a zero-emission electric vehicle.
However, from 2 January 2026, all vehicles, including EVs, must pay the London Congestion Charge when entering the central zone. Electric cars registered on Auto Pay currently receive a discounted daily rate (around 25% off the standard £18 charge), so you should still budget for this if you work in the zone regularly.
Is the EQV too big for everyday PCO work in London?
It is larger than a typical hybrid saloon, so you need to be comfortable with:
- Tight side streets and residential roads
- Multi-storey car parks and narrow hotel entrances
That said, many professional drivers use similar-sized vans and MPVs every day. If you regularly carry groups or heavy luggage, the extra size is more of an advantage than a problem.
Can I use the Mercedes-Benz EQV for PCO work outside London?
Yes. As long as you meet the local council’s PHV rules, the EQV can be licensed and used across many parts of England. Being electric also helps if other cities expand Clean Air Zones, because there are no tailpipe emissions. Always check local licensing conditions for your specific council before committing.
Can I get a Mercedes-Benz EQV on rent-to-buy with Zoom PCO Hire?
Yes. Zoom PCO Hire offers the Mercedes-Benz EQV 300 Sport Premium on a rent-to-buy plan, with:
- Fixed weekly payments
- A contract that leads to ownership
- Servicing, road tax, PCO licence support and 24/7 roadside assistance included
- Access to a Work & Earn airport job programme to help cover weekly costs
This setup is designed for drivers who want a long-term, premium electric XL vehicle without needing to get traditional finance or a big bank loan up front.
