How to boost EV range as an Uber driver

The simple way to earn more as a PCO driver is to maximise how far your car travels on each charge. If you can go the extra mile, this is a big win. So here are 13 quick tips.

Most of these focus on electric cars – after all, EVs are clean, reliable and exempt from the ULEZ charge in London – while others apply to every PCO car.

Did you know?

Uber drivers in electric cars do not have to pay the TfL Congestion Charge until Dec 2025.

1. Dump your junk

Keeping unnecessary weight in a PCO car reduces its range. For instance, family stuff lurking in the boot. The same is true of luggage racks, which create a wind-drag effect as well as adding bulk.

This might seem obvious but a baby seat and a chunky laptop can easily weigh 15kg between them, which is about one per cent of the kerb weight of a Kia e-Niro or MG4.

Look around the whole car regularly and remove anything that isn't strictly necessary for the job.

Did you know?

Unsecured objects in the cabin will fail a Transport for London (TfL) spot check due to safety risks.

2. Check tyre pressures

Flat tyres will slash range, as it takes more energy to turn them. They are also dangerous, for you and the passengers. Set the pressure based on the car-maker’s handbook and check it daily before you start driving (i.e. while the wheels are still cold).

You can easily get an affordable portable tyre inflator online.

Did you know?

Low pressure (or tread depth) is another reason for a TfL spot fine, or a suspension. Don’t risk it.

3. Think about winter driving

The official (WLTP) range figures are not based on real-world conditions. You get more in summer and less in winter. This is true of all EVs, but some are less affected by the cold, especially if they have a heat pump. This gizmo makes the battery more efficient and that will increase EV range.

In winter tests by What Car? a Volkswagen ID. 7 with a heat pump achieved six per cent more range compared to the same model without one. Other tests have shown heat pumps reduce the gap between the official and actual ranges of various cars by a greater amount. Put simply, they help.

Did you know?

The Toyota bZ4X, Skoda Enyaq 85, Tesla Model 3 and Model Y all come with a heat pump.

4. Pre-condition the car

With an EV, you should always warm the battery before you begin driving. This is called pre-conditioning and is best done while the car is still connected to a charging point.

You can also pre-condition the cabin to be cool in summer, or warm in the winter. This minimises use of the heater or aircon, both of which affect range.

If you cannot do so, here’s a tip. When it’s hot, open the windows to cool it quicker. Then, before you pick up passengers, drive with the windows open a little and climate control off. This gives a noticeable range boost.

5. Heat the people, not the cabin

When the weather turns cold, it’s more efficient to use heated seats or even a heated steering-wheel (if you have either) for comfort, rather than the cabin heater. If you need the heater, run the fan at its lowest speed and direct warm air at the windscreen to prevent frost.

Of course, having a PCO car with a dedicated heat pump makes this less of an issue (see above).

Remember that comfy riders give bigger tips, so reducing the heater or AC too much can be a false economy. See more tips on how to earn more in winter here.

Did you know?

Uber Comfort fares pay you 20% more – and it’s not just about having the right car. You must set the cabin temperature to the rider’s request before pickup. See more here

6. Plan the most efficient route

Consider the most energy-efficient route, rather than always taking the shortest or fastest one.

Google Maps will suggest alternate routes with a leaf symbol to indicate efficiency. Better still, the Uber Driver app now greatly helps PCO drivers to see efficient routes. The Uber app even offers battery-aware matching to filter out trips that would exceed the car’s range at that specific moment.

7. Use all the smart tech you have

Technology is every PCO driver’s friend. For instance, regenerative braking will top-up the battery as the car slows. It’s great.

If driving in town among stop-start traffic, set this to maximum. While out of town on faster roads, adjust the regen-level to minimum, so that you coast along.

8. Lower your top speed

Driving an EV at 70mph instead of 50mph can reduce range by up to a third. According to research by the Energy Savings Trust, the extra energy consumption at high speeds is much greater for EVs.

When you are not taking riders, stick to slower roads where you can benefit from regen braking (ie not dual carriageways).

A happy compromise on fast routes or motorways is to cruise at 60mph. This will help you travel further on the energy in your battery. Naturally, if you are on an airport job, that’s different.

9. Reach for the Eco button

Most EVs offer a choice of driving modes (e.g. Normal, Sport, Range or Eco). The Range or Eco modes will adjust the behaviour of the car and switch off certain comfort features, such as air conditioning, to make it as energy efficient as possible. This alone could gain you an extra 10 to 15 miles of range.

10. Look further ahead

Anticipate the traffic conditions just a little further down the road and you will become more energy efficient, because you inevitably hit the accelerator less, no matter what type of PCO car you drive.

Let’s think about this like a game. Imagine there’s a box of eggs on your bonnet and a baby asleep in the back seat. You don’t want to break those eggs or wake the baby. Your passengers will appreciate the smoother driving, too.

11. Charge the battery little and often

Full discharges do your battery health no favours in the long run and, ultimately, impact its range.

Like most gadgets, EV batteries charge more quickly between around five and 35 per cent. And once they reach 80 per cent, the last section takes the longest. If possible, keep within this sweet spot.

Did you know?

There are still a few free charging points around London. See our complete guide here

12. Follow the servicing schedule

A healthy car means a happy driver. And getting your PCO car serviced when it’s time to do so can have hidden benefits for its range.

Sometimes a service includes an update of the car’s software that improves efficiency. For instance, Tesla added 23 miles to the range of the Model X, simply with a software update.

Before you ask, this is rare – but it’s happened.

13. Choose range – and efficiency

When you pick a PCO car, get the longest range you can afford. Most Uber drivers only look at the car’s range and battery size. These are vital, but the efficiency matters too.

If range is the distance the car travels per charge, and its battery is like the size of the fuel tank on a non-EV, efficiency is the miles-per-gallon (mpg) figure. It’s the miles you’ll get per kilowatt hour.

There are some variables here and if you are confused, speak to the Otto Team for guidance.

About Otto Car

Getting started as an Uber driver can feel complex but you are not alone. Otto Car is London’s largest community of private hire drivers. We offer easy access to excellent PCO cars with no credit checks.

Be part of something big. Join the family.

Taking the next step

You can get expert advice from the Otto Team about the real-world range of popular PCO cars.

And whether you prefer a flexible rental or an inclusive ownership plan, we’ve got you.

Pop into any of our five London hubs for a chat or say hello on 020 8740 7444.