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.
Last reviewed 19 October 2026
The three types of car
- Hybrid A petrol or diesel engine with a small battery. You fill it at a petrol station. It cannot be plugged in.
- Plug-in hybrid A petrol or diesel engine with a bigger battery that you charge from a plug. It can drive some miles on electric power alone.
- Electric A battery only, charged from a plug. No engine.
TfL's rules in London
- A car licensed with TfL for the first time must be zero emission capable (ZEC) and meet Euro 6
- ZEC means the car gives out no more than 50g/km of CO2 and can drive at least 10 miles with zero emissions. A plug-in hybrid with up to 75g/km can count if it drives at least 20 miles on electric power
- A normal hybrid cannot do this, so it can only be licensed again, not for the first time
- A car that already has a TfL licence can be licensed again until it is 10 years old
- TfL's emissions rules
- ZEC (zero emission capable) (glossary)
- Euro 6 (glossary)
The Congestion Charge
Private hire cars are not exempt from the Congestion Charge. It is £18 a day if you pay on the day or before. Fully electric cars get a 25% discount if you register for Auto Pay. Hybrids pay the full charge. ZEC private hire cars do not pay the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges while on a booking.
Which Uber trips you can take
- UberX Hybrids and electric cars can both take UberX trips in London, if the car meets Uber's rules.
- Uber Electric Fully electric cars only. Uber says hybrids are not included.
- Uber's vehicle requirements
Hybrid and electric cars on Kharo
With an electric car, plan where you will charge before you rent. Every car's page shows the rent and deposit, and you get insurance quotes before you pay.
- Hybrid From £95 a week.
- Electric From £110 a week.
- PCO car hire in London
- See electric cars
More guides
- 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.
- 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 a new hybrid be licensed as a private hire car in London?
Only if it is zero emission capable, like some plug-in hybrids. A normal hybrid cannot be licensed with TfL for the first time.
Do private hire cars pay the Congestion Charge?
Yes. Fully electric cars get a 25% discount with Auto Pay.
Can a hybrid take Uber Electric trips?
No. Uber Electric needs a fully electric car.
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.