10 Electric Cars for Private Hire Services
The transition to fully electric private hire vehicles has begun. As of 2023, TfL has implemented a policy to exclusively license new private hire vehicles that are zero emission capable (ZEC).
Uber has also set a target to make all their vehicles electric by 2025, while Addison Lee has already upgraded their entire fleet to fully electric models. It’s anticipated that more private hire operators will join this movement towards full electrification.
Electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future of the private hire industry. As a self-employed private hire driver, it’s crucial to consider future-proofing your trade by gradually transitioning to an electric vehicle.
To help you plan for the future, we have curated a list of popular electric cars suitable for private hire work. This compilation includes electric cars of various sizes, along with their cost, charging times based on fast charging speeds, and our favourite pick from the selection.
10 Electric Vehicles Popular for Private Hire Work in London
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3, one of the pioneering electric cars, boasts a futuristic design and is equipped with impressive technological features. While not the largest option, it remains a popular choice.
- Body Type: Saloon
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Boot Space: 425 liters
- Range: 340 miles
- Charge time: 7 hours
- Price: New – £43,000
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Sporting a retro-futuristic design, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an SUV hatchback that deceives with its compact appearance and surprisingly spacious interior.
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Boot Space: 527 liters
- Range: 298 miles
- Charge time: 6 hours
- Price: New – £43,000
Volkswagen ID.4
Similar in style and size to the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Volkswagen ID.4 has also been chosen as the electric vehicle of preference for the Addison Lee fleet upgrade.
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Boot Space: 543 liters
- Range: 328 miles
- Charge time: 8 hours
- Price: New – £38,000
BMW i4
Designed with executive use in mind, the BMW i4 is a premium electric vehicle that shares a similar size with the BMW 3 series and features the iconic BMW styling.
- Body Type: Saloon
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Boot Space: 470 liters
- Range: 365 miles
- Charge time: 7 hours
- Price: New – £50,000
Skoda Enyaq
The Skoda Enyaq stands out as an excellent 7-seater electric vehicle, filling a gap that was previously lacking in the market. It is our top choice for electric cars used in private hire work.
- Body Type: SUV
- Seating Capacity: 7
- Boot Space: 585 liters
- Range: 260 miles
- Charge time: 6 hours
- Price: New – £39,000
Jaguar I-Pace:
The Jaguar I-Pace is a prestigious SUV brand with a distinctive and eye-catching design that sets it apart from other vehicles. It’s an excellent choice if you’re seeking a stylish car for private hire work.
- Body Type: SUV
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Boot Space: 656 liters
- Range: 292 miles
- Charge time: 10 hours
- Price: New – £70,000
Tesla Model X:
Tesla’s Model X was the first electric 7-seater available in the market. While it falls into the higher price range, it’s a desirable car suitable for executive travel.
- Body Type: SUV
- Seating Capacity: 7
- Boot Space: 544 liters
- Range: 348 miles
- Charge time: 6.5 hours
- Price: New – £90,000
Citroen e-SpaceTourer:
The Citroen e-SpaceTourer offers one of the best price points among electric cars, particularly because it comes with 9 seats. While its range is not extensive, it compensates with quick charging, taking only 30 minutes to reach an 80% charge.
- Body Type: MPV
- Seating Capacity: 9
- Boot Space: 603 liters
- Range: 136 miles
- Charge time: 6.5 hours
- Price: New – £35,000
MG 4 EV:
The MG 4 EV is an affordable electric vehicle with a futuristic and stylish appearance.
- Body Type: Hatchback
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Boot Space: 363 liters
- Range: 281 miles
- Charge time: 8 hours
- Price: New – £26,000
Kia e-Niro EV:
The Kia e-Niro EV is another reasonably priced electric vehicle, featuring an SUV body type that offers a slightly more spacious feel even as a 5-seater.
- Body Type: SUV
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Boot Space: 348 liters
- Range: 235 miles
- Charge time: 10 hours
- Price: New – £27,000