Latest news on Uber vehicle classification changes
Uber periodically reviews vehicle eligibility and has announced upcoming changes to vehicle classifications across categories including Comfort and Exec, which are expected to come into effect from 1 August 2026.
We know many drivers will have questions - whether you already drive with Otto Car or you’re currently considering renting a vehicle.
We want to share what we know so far and explain what these changes mean for new and current private hire drivers with Otto Car.
Key takeaways:
- All existing Otto Car drivers will retain the current eligibility of their vehicles, this includes:
1. Uber Comfort - vehicles are protected up to 1 January 2030 or once the vehicle is 6 years old (whichever is sooner).
2. Uber Exec - vehicles are protected up to 1 June 2027 or once the vehicle is 5 years old (whichever is sooner).
3. The Volkswagen ID.7 (with Otto Car) will retain Uber Exec eligibility until they reach the 5-year age limit. There are no other immediate operational changes with Otto Car.
The recent update from Uber
Uber is updating which vehicles qualify for certain ride categories, including Uber Comfort and Uber Exec.
This is part of a wider change expected to affect all Uber drivers across the UK and Europe.
What this means for Otto Car drivers and private hire drivers considering a vehicle
Although some vehicles currently approved on Uber will keep their status even if their model classification changes (such as the Kia Niro EV), the key for current and future Otto Car drivers to know is:
All current Otto Car vehicles will retain their existing Uber classification for an extended period:
- Uber Comfort - vehicles are protected up to 1 January 2030 or once the vehicle is 6 years old (whichever is sooner).
- Uber Exec - vehicles are protected up to 1 June 2027 or once the vehicle is 5 years old (whichever is sooner).
- The Volkswagen ID.7 (with Otto Car) will retain Uber Exec eligibility until they reach the 5-year age limit.
We’ve agreed with Uber to protect both our existing driver community and drivers considering a vehicle through Otto Car in the future.
Drivers currently on an Otto Car Rent to Buy plan, or any of our hire plans - including PCO Car Hire, Part-time PCO Car Hire, Accelerate, and our AfterCare package - will keep their existing Uber vehicle eligibility until the specific limits laid out below.
As this protection applies to all current Otto Car vehicles, drivers looking to take out a vehicle in the future - whether through Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire - can continue choosing vehicles based on current Uber classifications.
Uber’s updated eligibility age limits for all vehicles in each category are now:
- Uber Comfort vehicles: now eligible until the 6-year age limit
- Uber Exec vehicles: now eligible until the 5-year age limit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does this mean I can no longer work on Uber?
No, these changes do not stop private hire drivers from operating or earning on the Uber platform.
For Otto Car drivers, there will be no immediate day-to-day change as your vehicle eligibility will remain the same.
Which vehicles are affected?
(We’ll keep this page updated as more information becomes available from Uber.)
Vehicles affected by changes to Uber Comfort
The following vehicles offered by Otto Car are affected by the Uber changes but current Otto Car vehicles will retain their current eligibility:
Current Uber Comfort eligible vehicles:
- Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Premium
- Kia Niro 2 Hybrid
- Kia Sportage 3 Plug-in Hybrid
- Hyundai Kona Electric Advance
- BYD Atto 3
- Kia e-Niro
- Kia Niro EV
- Volvo XC40
Current Uber Exec eligible vehicle:
- Volkswagen ID.7
However, for drivers currently on an Otto Car plan - or considering one in the future - these vehicles will continue to retain their current Uber eligibility until they reach the applicable age limit or the defined date.
For a full list of vehicles affected by the changes please contact Uber.
If you currently have a vehicle and it does not qualify for the protected Uber eligibility arrangements, please get in touch with the Otto Car team and we’ll try to help you find a vehicle that best suits your needs and driving goals.
I’m thinking about getting a private hire car - should these changes affect my decision?
No, there is no immediate impact to drivers looking for either Rent to Buy or PCO hire options through Otto Car.
If you’re considering a vehicle through Otto Car, we’ll continue helping drivers choose vehicles that meet Uber’s eligibility requirements.
We’re closely monitoring Uber’s guidance and will continue updating our available vehicles, but Otto Car’s existing partnership arrangements with Uber mean the eligibility of these vehicles remains unchanged until the applicable age limit is reached.
Why are some vehicles affected and others not?
These classifications are part of a periodical review by Uber.
Otto Car has not been involved in deciding which individual vehicle models qualify.
Our focus has been on protecting existing and future Otto Car private hire drivers and making sure our community is supported throughout these changes.
Will existing Otto Car drivers lose their Uber Comfort or Uber Exec status?
No - if you currently have an eligible vehicle through Otto Car, your existing Uber vehicle classification is protected until the vehicle reaches Uber’s standard age eligibility limits for that category or the defined dates (1 January 2030 for Uber Comfort, 1 June 2027 for Uber Exec, except the Volkswagen ID.7 which will be protected until they reach their 5-year age limit).
For Otto Car drivers, there will be no immediate change to their current Uber classification.
What happens when my vehicle reaches the age limit?
We understand updates like this can create uncertainty, but it’s important to remember that Uber vehicle categories have always operated within age eligibility limits.
Current Otto Car vehicle protections will remain in place until a vehicle reaches the standard category age limit, which was already part of Uber’s existing eligibility criteria before these latest classification changes were introduced.
- For drivers on a Rent to Buy plan
Most agreements typically run between 2-5 years, meaning vehicles are generally still comfortably within their eligibility window during the term of the agreement.
Once the agreement ends, drivers can then decide whether to continue using the vehicle for private hire driving or upgrade to another eligible vehicle depending on the Uber category they want to operate in.
For drivers on a PCO Car Hire plan
There will continue to be a wide range of eligible vehicle options available, including vehicles that remain Uber Comfort eligible under the updated rules.Most importantly, there is no immediate impact to existing Otto Car drivers. All current Otto Car vehicles remain protected under the existing eligibility arrangements, so drivers can continue operating with confidence.
Where can I find future updates?
We’ll continue updating this page as more information becomes available from Uber.
If you have questions about your current vehicle or are considering a vehicle through Otto Car, our team is here to help.
Please note, some vehicle classifications and regional eligibility details remain subject to final confirmation from Uber.