Private hire driver tips: Looking after your EV battery
​For private hire drivers, your car is more than transport - it’s your income. If you drive electric, taking care of your EV battery is essential for maximising range, reducing downtime and keeping running costs low.
Modern electric vehicle (EV) battery technology is built to last, but daily high-mileage driving, frequent charging and cold weather can all affect electric car battery life. With the right habits, you can protect your battery pack and get the most out of every journey.
Why EV battery care matters for private hire drivers
Unlike a petrol car, an EV runs entirely on electricity stored in a rechargeable battery, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For Uber drivers working long shifts, battery health directly affects:
- How many trips you can complete per day
- Time spent at recharging locations
- Long-term battery capacity and resale value
- Eligibility for battery warranty cover
- ​Poor battery habits can lead to faster battery degradation, longer recharging time and fewer usable kWh - all of which reduce your earning potential.
That’s why choosing the right EV with the right provider matters.
At Otto Car, our used electric vehicles come with a 12-month EV battery warranty plus a battery health check certificate, giving PCO and private hire drivers peace of mind that their battery pack is protected - even with high mileage.
Thinking about switching to electric or upgrading your current EV?
​Browse our range of Uber-ready EVs and get access to reliable electric cars, built for real-world private hire driving.
Top tips to look after your EV battery
1. Avoid charging to 100% every day
Just like a mobile phone, EV batteries charge more slowly after 80%. Regularly charging to the full amount can speed up chemical changes inside li-ion batteries and reduce long electric car batteries’ lifespan.
Most EV manufacturers recommend:
- Daily charging between 20-80%
- Saving full charges for long journeys
- Using scheduled charging at home where possible
This helps protect your electric car battery life - but it’s always best to check the manufacturer warranty guidelines.
2. Keep your tyres in good condition
Cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop, increasing resistance and battery discharge.
For private hire drivers:
- Check tyre pressure weekly in winter
- Lower drag = better efficiency
- Proper tyres help preserve EV battery capacity
It’s a small check that makes a noticeable difference to your range - meaning less time off the road charging and more time earning.
3. Service your EV when it needs it
EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol cars, but servicing is still important - especially for high-mileage drivers.
Routine checks help ensure:
- Battery cooling systems are working correctly
- Software updates improve efficiency
- Long-term battery pack health is maintained
With Otto Car, you can focus on driving and earning, while servicing and breakdown cover are included in your weekly payments for added peace of mind.
Learn more about why private hire drivers choose Otto Car.
4. Use heating and energy wisely
Heating, strong wind, carrying extra weight all increase electricity use.
To reduce battery impacting your battery:
- Pre-heat your car while it’s still charging using the pre-conditioning feature
- Use seat heaters instead of full cabin heating
- Turn on regenerative braking when city-driving or in start-stop traffic
- Drive smoothly to reduce energy discharge
These other techniques help maintain additional spare capacity during busy shifts.
5. Plan charging around your workday
Knowing your public charging locations helps you stay on the road for longer as a private hire driver. Even if you’re working in unfamiliar areas, understanding how to use public charging points efficiently can save time and keep your day running smoothly.
To protect your EV battery and maximise your earning time:
- Use rapid chargers only when necessary
- Slower charging is better for battery health
- Avoid letting the battery hit zero
Shorter recharging times and less strain on the battery mean more time on the road - and more opportunities to earn.
Average EV range in cold weather
Battery maintenance matters all year, but winter has the biggest impact on your EV battery. Cold temperatures slow the chemical reactions inside the battery, which reduces the amount of usable energy available.
According to the AA, drivers can experience around a 20% drop in EV range during freezing conditions. This reduction is largely due to lower battery efficiency and increased energy use for heating.
Use this as a guide when planning longer journeys, airport runs or back-to-back bookings during colder months.
Why choose Otto Car for your next electric vehicle?
If you’re thinking about switching to electric or upgrading your current car, choosing the right provider is just as important as choosing the right vehicle. As a private hire driver, you need a car that’s reliable, efficient and ready to earn from day one.
At Otto Car, everything is built around helping drivers succeed on the road:
- Used EVs come with a 12-month EV battery warranty and battery health check certificate, giving you confidence in the condition and performance of your EV battery.
- Shorter-term contracts mean you can own or rent your car sooner, without being locked in long-term.
- Our team of experts hand-pick Uber-ready EVs for reliability, efficiency and private hire suitability, so you get a car that works as hard as you do.
- A wide selection of new and used electric vehicles from trusted household brands, as well as new and upcoming manufacturers.
- New cars come with a standard manufacturer warranty, plus extra peace of mind with all-in-one cover, including insurance, breakdown cover, servicing, MOT, and PHV licensing.
Whatever you’re looking for, Otto Car makes it easier to find a car that fits your working day and keeps you earning with no hidden costs or surprises.
Get an EV that’s ready to earn from day one
Find an Uber-ready private hire electric vehicle with a warranty-backed EV battery, giving you extra peace of mind on the road.
​Explore our range of electric vehicles through our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plans and find an EV that suits your private hire driving needs.
Visit one of our London hubs or call 0203 995 1316 or call to speak to our friendly team and get on the road sooner.