Fuel prices are rising - Why more private hire drivers are switching to electric cars

The UK private hire industry has been evolving for some time - driven not just by regulation, but increasingly by the economics of running a vehicle.

With fuel prices rising again and long-term costs becoming harder to predict, more private hire vehicle (PHV) drivers in the UK, including Uber drivers and PCO drivers, are looking at how to run their cars more efficiently. At the same time, electric cars for private hire driving are becoming an increasingly practical and cost-effective option.

For many drivers, it’s not a question of if they’ll switch - but when.

Rising fuel costs are changing the equation for UK PHV drivers

Recent global events have pushed fuel prices upwards once again. According to RAC Fuel Watch, petrol is now averaging over 157p per litre, with diesel reaching around 190p per litre.

For Uber drivers in London and across the UK, who often cover high daily mileage, these increases directly impact earnings and profitability.

Why EVs make financial sense for private hire drivers

Insights from Electrifying show that EVs can cost as little as 2p-7p per mile with home charging, compared to 12p-20p per mile for petrol or diesel cars.

For high-mileage Uber and Bolt drivers, this can translate into substantial monthly savings.

Octopus Electric Vehicles also highlights that while oil prices can spike, EV charging costs - especially with smart tariffs - are more stable, helping drivers better manage their income.

Charging costs can vary depending on how and where you charge - whether at home or in public, using fast chargers or overnight tariffs. Finding what works best for your routine is key to keeping costs low and maximising your earnings.

Charging that works around you

Charging is one of the biggest considerations when switching to an EV - but today, drivers have more flexibility than ever.

Home charging

For drivers with access to home charging, it can offer a clear cost advantage - but it’s not essential to running an EV.

Using smart EV charging tariffs in the UK, drivers can:

• Charge overnight at cheaper rates
• Reduce cost per mile
• Improve overall efficiency of their electric private hire vehicle
• Precondition their car before starting a shift

That said, home charging isn’t essential to running an EV as the public charging network is rapidly growing in the UK.

Public charging

According to Zapmap data, the UK’s public EV charging network is expanding rapidly, particularly in major cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Drivers now have access to:

• More rapid and ultra-rapid chargers
• Even more charging points in supermarkets, petrol stations, and city hubs

This means running an electric private hire vehicle is increasingly practical - whether you charge at home, in public, or a mix of both.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a setup that fits your routine. For some, home charging helps optimise costs, while for others, a well-planned public charging routine works just as effectively.

Discover the benefits of going electric and why there’s never been a better time for private hire drivers to switch.

Electric cars designed for private hire driving

Today’s electric cars for Uber drivers are designed with real-world, high-mileage use in mind.

At Otto Car, drivers have access to a wide range of Uber-approved electric vehicles (EVs) that are well suited to private hire work - combining strong range with features that help maximise efficiency throughout the day.

This includes:

• Long-range EVs capable of supporting full shifts, like the Mercedes Benz EQE 300 with a 377-mile range or the Nissan Ariya 87kWh Advance with a 329-mile range.
• Heat pumps, which help preserve battery life in colder conditions
• Regenerative braking, ideal for stop-start city driving

Together, these features help drivers get more out of every charge -reducing the need to stop, improving efficiency, and making day-to-day driving more predictable.

The shift to electric is already happening

Fuel prices may continue to fluctuate, but the direction of travel is clear.

More private hire drivers in London and across the UK are choosing electric because:

• Running and maintenance costs are lower
• Charging is becoming easier
• EVs are better suited to modern city driving

For PCO drivers, Uber drivers, and private hire drivers across the UK, this is a moment of opportunity. EVs offer a more efficient, predictable, and future-ready way to drive.

If you’ve been considering switching to an electric car for PHV driving, now is the time to explore your options and find the right setup for your driving needs.

Find out more about how EVs can save you money as a private hire driver.

Ready to make the switch to electric?

Join Otto Car today and explore our range of Uber-approved electric vehicles, available on flexible plans designed around how you drive - all with all-in-one cover included for complete peace of mind.

• Rent to Buy - work towards owning your car while keeping monthly costs predictable.
• PCO Car Hire - ideal for short-term flexibility with a minimum 4-week commitment.
• Part-time PCO Car Hire - perfect if you’re driving 5–20 hours per week.
• Accelerate - built exclusively for new Uber drivers getting started.

Whether you’re driving full-time or part-time, there’s a plan to suit your needs.