Which cars can you use for Uber in London?
In London, the car needs a TfL private hire licence first. Then Uber has its own rules for each type of trip.
Last reviewed 19 October 2026
TfL's rules for the car
- It has a private hire vehicle licence from TfL
- It carries up to 8 passengers
- It is right-hand drive
- It passes a TfL inspection, with a recent MOT
- It has insurance for hire and reward
- PHV vehicle licence (glossary)
- Licensing inspection and MOT (glossary)
- Hire and reward insurance (glossary)
Age and emissions
A car licensed with TfL for the first time must be zero emission capable (ZEC) and meet Euro 6. ZEC means a fully electric car, or a plug-in hybrid that can drive a set distance on electric power alone. A car that already has a TfL licence can be licensed again until it is 10 years old. In the ULEZ, private hire cars must meet Euro 4 for petrol or Euro 6 for diesel, or pay a daily charge.
What Uber asks for
- UberX A licensed car with 4 doors that carries at least 4 passengers.
- Comfort A newer, mid size car. Uber sets an age limit for each city.
- Electric A fully electric car with at least 4 passenger seats. Hybrids do not count.
- UberXL A car that seats at least 6 passengers.
- Exec and Lux Newer cars from set brands, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW, plus a high driver rating.
- Uber's vehicle requirements
- Uber car types (glossary)
Find a licensed car on Kharo
Every car on Kharo has a private hire licence. Ask the rental company which Uber trips the car can take before you pay a deposit.
- Electric From £110 a week. Fully electric, which Uber's Electric trips need.
- Hybrid From £95 a week.
- Seven seats For UberXL trips.
- PCO cars for rent in London
- See electric cars
More guides
- Hybrid or electric: which PCO car should you rent? Both can work for private hire. In London, the rules for new cars, the Congestion Charge and the trips you can take are different for each.
- The most common PCO cars in London TfL publishes a list of every licensed private hire vehicle in London. We counted the cars on it, so you can see which models drivers use most.
- All guides
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Questions
Can I use a normal hybrid for Uber in London?
Yes, if it already has a TfL licence and is under 10 years old. A car licensed for the first time must be zero emission capable.
Can a hybrid do Uber Electric trips?
No. Uber says Electric trips need a fully electric car.
Does a private hire car need to meet ULEZ?
Yes. Petrol cars must meet Euro 4 and diesel cars Euro 6, or pay the daily charge.
Can I rent one of these cars on Kharo today?
Cars are not booked online yet. You can see the cars and prices now. Register your interest or message us on WhatsApp, and we'll help you arrange a car.