If you are a PCO or PHV driver in England, the car you choose in 2026 matters more than ever. There are now over 381,000 taxi and private hire driver licences in England, and rules around ULEZ, Clean Air Zones and zero-emission-capable (ZEC) vehicles are getting tighter each year.
In this guide, we will explain how rent to buy works, when it makes sense compared with normal PCO hire, and which types of cars (like MG5 EV, Kia Niro EV, Tesla Model 3, Mercedes EQE, BMW 330e and others) can be smart choices in 2026. We will also show how Zoom PCO Hire can help you match the right car and contract to the way you work.
What “Rent-to-Buy PCO” Actually Means (vs Simple PCO Hire)
Before you choose a car, it helps to be clear on the two main options.
PCO car hire (simple rental)
PCO car hire is the classic “pay weekly and hand the car back when you’re done” option. You pay a fixed weekly fee to use a PCO-ready car, usually with:
- Private hire insurance included
- Licensing, road tax, MOT and basic servicing covered
- Breakdown support or roadside assistance, depending on the provider
The big benefit is flexibility. Contracts are often shorter, and you can usually change cars or providers more easily if your situation changes.
Rent-to-buy PCO cars
Rent to buy is the halfway point between hire and buying on finance. You pay a weekly amount to use the car and work towards owning it at the end of the plan.
A typical rent-to-buy setup usually gives you:
- A PCO-ready car (often hybrid or EV)
- Fixed weekly payments over a longer period
- A clear path to ownership at the end of the term
- Often maintenance, PCO licensing and sometimes tyres/repairs included, depending on provider
You get more commitment than a simple hire, but you also get the chance to finish with a car in your name.
When Rent-to-Buy PCO Cars Make Sense in 2026
Rent-to-buy can be a strong option in 2026 if:
- You are a full-time PCO driver and expect to stay in the trade for several years.
- You work a lot in London or other Clean Air Zones where ZEC, ULEZ and tighter emissions rules are pushing drivers towards hybrids and EVs.
- You like the idea of fixed weekly costs and building towards owning a good-quality hybrid or EV.
- You want to lock in a modern car that should still meet Uber and TfL rules over the coming years (for example, Uber’s rolling requirement that London vehicles be fairly new and ZEC-compliant).
If you drive a lot, want a proper work tool and plan to stay in PCO long term, a rent-to-buy PCO car can make sense.
When Simple PCO Car Hire Is Still the Better Option
Normal PCO car hire is still very useful in 2026, especially if:
- You are new to PCO, testing Uber/Bolt or deciding if this job is for you.
- Your hours are up and down, or you are doing PCO work part-time.
- You are not sure yet whether you want a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full EV.
- You want the freedom to change cars quickly as your work pattern changes.
With hire, you pay more for flexibility but avoid long commitments and big early-exit costs that some rent-to-buy contracts can include.
Start on PCO hire → learn the job → once you are settled and know your earnings, move into a rent-to-buy car that fits your long-term plans.
Which Cars Work Best on Rent-to-Buy vs PCO Hire?
Not every car suits every type of deal. Here’s a shorter, clearer breakdown.
1. Practical EV estates & crossovers
Examples: MG5 EV, Kia Niro EV
These work well for rent-to-buy if you:
- Drive full-time in London or big cities
- Have home or workplace charging
- Want low energy cost per mile and a decent boot (especially MG5)
They can also be used on short-term hire if you just want to test EV driving before committing.
2. Premium EV saloons & SUVs
Examples: Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, BMW i5, Mercedes EQE
Best suited to rent-to-buy for drivers who:
- Aim for exec, business and airport work
- Do long shifts and want comfort and strong range
- Want a car that will still meet strict PHV rules in a few years
Because weekly costs are higher, some drivers hire first for a few months, then move to rent-to-buy once they know they can secure higher-value fares.
3. Hybrids & plug-in hybrids
Examples: BMW 330e, BMW 530e, Kia Niro Hybrid, Toyota hybrids
Good for drivers who:
- Are not ready to rely fully on public charging
- Do a mix of city and motorway work
- Want a petrol “safety net” for long trips
You can start with PCO hire while you test the job, then move to rent-to-buy if you are full-time and want a comfortable, ZEC-friendly car that still works well for airport and intercity runs.
Simple Comparison – PCO Hire vs Rent-to-Buy in 2026
Here is a quick side-by-side view:
| PCO Car Hire | Rent-to-Buy PCO Car |
|---|---|
| Shorter commitment | Longer commitment |
| Easier to change car or provider | Weekly payments build towards ownership |
| Good for new, part-time or unsure drivers | Better fit for full-time, long-term drivers |
| You never own the car | Often includes a high-spec hybrid or EV that still meets future rules |
Both have a place in the market. The “best” one depends on where you are in your PCO journey.
How Zoom PCO Hire Can Help You Decide
At Zoom PCO Hire, we work with all types of PCO and PHV drivers across England – new drivers testing Uber or Bolt, experienced drivers moving from petrol/diesel to hybrid or EV, and full-time professionals ready for rent-to-buy. Because we run many of these cars in our own fleet, we see how they perform in real PCO work every day.
With Zoom PCO Hire, you can:
- Choose from hybrid, electric, Uber XL and executive PCO cars
- Get council-licensed cars for different licensing authorities
- Pick short-term hire or rent-to-buy, depending on your plans
- Receive help with servicing, basic maintenance and paperwork
If you are unsure whether rent-to-buy or simple PCO hire is better for you, our team can go through the numbers and car options based on your shifts and mileage.
Final Thoughts
Rent-to-buy PCO cars in 2026 are a good option if you are a full-time driver, plan to stay in the trade for a few years and want to build your business around a solid hybrid or EV. If you need flexibility or are still testing the job, standard PCO car hire is usually safer. Be honest about your hours, charging access and risk level, and if you are unsure, Zoom PCO Hire can help you choose a car and contract that fit the way you really work.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rent-to-Buy vs PCO Car Hire for Uber & PHV Drivers
Is rent-to-buy worth it for PCO drivers in 2026?
It can be, if you are full-time, expect to stay in PCO for a few years and want a clear path to ownership. Rent-to-buy lets you drive a good hybrid or EV while building towards owning it, but you must be comfortable with the longer commitment and weekly payments. If you are unsure about the job or your hours, starting on simple PCO hire is usually safer.
Is PCO rent-to-buy cheaper than normal PCO hire?
Per week, rent-to-buy can be more expensive than basic hire, but over the long term you end up with a car in your name. Hire is often cheaper weekly for standard cars, but you never own the vehicle. The true cost depends on your mileage, how long you keep the car and what is included (insurance, servicing, tyres, licence, etc.) in each plan.
What happens if I need to stop early on a rent-to-buy PCO plan?
Most providers have minimum terms, notice periods or early-exit fees on rent-to-buy plans, because they are long-term agreements. Some also make down payments non-refundable. You should always ask about early exit, missed payments, mileage limits and damage charges before you sign anything.
Which cars are best for rent-to-buy: hybrid or EV?
For many full-time city drivers, EVs like the MG5 EV, Kia Niro EV or Tesla Model 3 can work very well on rent-to-buy, as long as you have good charging and drive enough miles to feel the benefit of lower energy costs. For drivers who do lots of long motorway trips or have weaker charging access, a plug-in hybrid like BMW 330e or 530e can be a better first step, giving you both electric driving in town and petrol back-up on longer jobs.
I’m a brand-new Uber/Bolt driver. Should I jump straight into rent-to-buy?
Usually, no. If you are completely new to PCO work, it is often smarter to spend a few months on PCO car hire first. That gives you time to learn:
- How much you really earn each week
- What hours and areas suit you
- Whether you prefer hybrid or EV
Once you are confident and know your pattern, you can then move into a rent-to-buy car that fits your real-world needs.
Can I move from PCO hire to rent-to-buy with the same company?
Many PCO providers now allow drivers to start on hire and later switch to rent-to-buy, especially if the driver has a good payment record and wants a newer or higher-spec car. With Zoom PCO Hire, you can talk to the team about upgrading from a standard hire car into a rent-to-buy plan once you feel ready and your work pattern is stable.
How do ULEZ and ZEC rules affect my choice between hire and rent-to-buy?
ULEZ and ZEC rules in London (and Clean Air Zones elsewhere) are pushing the market towards zero-emission-capable vehicles, especially for newly licensed PHVs. If you plan to stay in PCO for years, it makes sense to choose a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or EV that will still meet these rules later on. Rent-to-buy can be a way to lock in a compliant car long term, while hire gives you flexibility to switch as rules change.
