As more private hire drivers make the switch to electric, one common feature can make a big difference in your daily routine: preconditioning.

It might sound technical, but preconditioning is one of the easiest ways to protect your EV battery, improve your car’s range, and keep your passengers comfortable. It can also help you save on running costs - especially if you charge at home and even more so during cold weather.

At Otto Car, we want every driver to get the most out of their electric vehicle (EV), whether you’re on our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plans. Let’s break down what preconditioning is and why it matters for your driving experience.

What's preconditioning?

​Preconditioning means preparing your EV’s battery and cabin before you start driving. It warms (or cools) the battery temperature and cabin interior to their ideal operating temperature while your car is still plugged in and charging.

So when you leave to start your shift on the road, your EV battery is already performing at its best - giving you longer EV range and more efficient charging.

At Otto Car, we don’t just help you get behind the wheel - we help you make the most of it. As the UK’s largest community of private hire drivers, we make sure you have the right EV for your needs and the expert support to drive efficiently and confidently every day.

Why preconditioning matters for private hire drivers?

​1. Protects long-term battery health

Cold or extreme heat can reduce battery health over time. Regular preconditioning helps your EV maintain its battery temperature, preventing stress on the car and improving long-term battery health.

That means fewer range drops in winter and a healthier battery for years to come. So if you’re on your journey to car ownership with our Rent to Buy plan, preconditioning helps ensure your car runs at its best - protecting your investment for the future.

Did you know?
​The World Electric Vehicle Journal states that thermal management - including preconditioning - has been shown to slow degradation in lithium-ion batteries. That means it reduces the long-term wear on the battery, resulting in it lasting longer and needing less maintenance over time.

2. Handles cold weather like a pro

Cold weather can make EV batteries work less efficiently - a bit like how your phone battery drains faster when it’s cold. Preconditioning warms up your car’s systems before you start driving, so you don’t lose miles the moment your shift begins. It’s like giving your EV a morning coffee to wake it up!

Here’s how that helps you save time and money:

• Less downtime: Spend less time charging during the day.
• More range: Keep more miles available for the jobs ahead.
• Smarter charging: If you charge at home, precondition your car while it’s still plugged in so you leave with a warm battery and maximum range.

Thinking about switching to electric?

With our Rent to Buy plan, you can drive the latest electric models while working towards ownership - all with insurance, servicing, and maintenance included. Our team of experts are here to support you as you make the switch to electric.

Explore our range of cars in Greater London & South East | the North | the Midlands | Wales & South West.

3. Can make charging faster

According to bp pulse, preconditioning can adjust the battery’s environment based on the type of charger being used. So, for example, if you’re using DC fast chargers, preconditioning can save you time as a warmed-up battery allows fast charging speeds to start immediately instead of waiting for the system to heat up.

4. Keeps you and your passengers comfortable

Your cabin gets heated or cooled in advance - powered by mains electricity, not the battery. That means you and your passengers stay comfortable without using your range. 

Not only does this make you more comfortable, but it also helps your car perform better by keeping the battery at a healthy temperature in extreme weather.

Here are some ways preconditioning can make your life easier in extreme weather:

Stay warm without the morning hassle

When it’s freezing outside, preconditioning saves you time in the morning. Instead of standing in the cold scraping ice off your windscreen before your first job, you can defrost and warm up your car remotely using your app or infotainment system.

For private hire drivers who often start early to catch the morning commuters, this means no extra time scraping, no frozen fingers, and no getting up earlier than you have to - your car is ready to go the moment you are.

Beat the heat before you step inside
 

In the summer months, it’s just as useful. When the weather gets hot, you can cool your cabin before you even step inside. Preconditioning lets you switch on the air conditioning remotely, so you’re not climbing into an overheated car between jobs - a big plus when you’re working long days in the heat.

Not only does this make you feel more comfortable, but it keeps your EV running efficiently, too, by helping maintain a stable battery temperature in both extreme cold and heat.

Comfort for you and your passengers starts with the right EV

Your car is your office on wheels - it should feel great to drive and welcoming for passengers. A comfortable ride can lead to better reviews, more tips, and happier customers. 

Plus, with Uber Comfort, you can earn even more when you drive one of our eligible EVs, available through our PCO Car Hire or Rent to Buy plans.

​How do you precondition your EV?

Most electric cars make it simple, you can:  

• Use your connected smartphone app to start preconditioning or set a departure time.  
• Access the feature via your infotainment system to schedule automatic heating or cooling.
• Always precondition while plugged in so the power comes from the grid, not your battery.  

If you’re ever unsure about any of your EV features, our team of experts are always available to walk you through setup and best practices to make sure you’re getting the most our of your car.

Did you know? 
​Some manufacturers like Tesla and Kia - both of which are manufacturers we offer on our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plans - allow automatic battery preconditioning when you navigate to a fast charger - a feature proven to reduce charging time and energy waste.

Explore our range of electric cars able to rent or own today in an area near you.

​Take the next step with Otto Car

Starting out as a private hire driver can feel overwhelming at time - but with Otto Car, you’re never on your own. We offer more than just a car; we provide the support, guidance, and community you need to succeed.

Explore our range of electric vehicles through our Rent to Buy or PCO Car Hire plan that fits your needs. With our all-inclusive plans, you know that the weekly costs are clear and there won’t be surprises.

Visit one of our London hubs or call 02039951316. The friendly Otto Team is here to help.