Rent-to-Own Electric Vehicle : How It Works in the UK

April 15th, 2025
Rent-to-Own Electric Vehicle : How It Works in the UK

Electric cars are getting more popular in Great Britain. PCO drivers and private hire vehicle owners can now choose rent-to-own plans. This way, they can drive a new electric car without needing a large deposit or being stuck with a long loan.

Many drivers want electric vehicles (EVs) with rent-to-own plans. They like the low weekly rental costs. They also appreciate the flexible terms for car hire.

Why Choose a Rent-to-Own Electric Car?

  • Weekly rental payments are easy to handle and fit into your budget.
  • You can rent electric vehicles, like Kia EVs, from reliable PCO car hire services.
  • Road tax is usually included until 2025.
  • Taking over the vehicle is simple when your contract is finished.
  • Many offers come with standard servicing and roadside assistance.
  • You can receive EV assistance through the Uber EV Assistance Programme.

Fact: The UK government has a plan. They want to stop selling new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. This plan will encourage more drivers to pick electric vehicles (EVs).

Car Model Weekly Rental Rate Range (Miles) Road Tax Ownership Option
Kia Niro EV 64kWh from £150 285 miles £0 until April 2025 Yes
Nissan Leaf 40kWh from £140 168 miles £0 until April 2025 Yes
Hyundai Ioniq Electric from £145 193 miles £0 until April 2025 Yes
Renault Zoe 50kWh from £135 238 miles £0 until April 2025 Yes

Prices are accurate as of 08/04/2025. The road tax for electric vehicles will begin in April 2025

What’s Included in a Typical Rent-to-Own EV Deal?

  • The inclusive rate includes standard servicing and scheduled maintenance.
  • You will have access to a wide network of service partners.
  • You can get PCO insurance from an insurance partner.
  • Roadside assistance and breakdown cover are part of the service.
  • A log book transfer will occur only after you finish the ownership of the car.
  • A customer support team is available to assist with name changes or process fault claims.

What’s Included in a Typical Rent-to-Own EV Deal

Key Costs to Watch Out For

Item Details
Weekly Rental Rate Manageable weekly payment based on agreed price
Admin Fee One-time fee at the start of the contract
Excess Mileage Payments apply if you exceed the mileage cap
Payment Holiday Some deals offer 1 week payment holiday after a set number of weeks
Fault Claim Additional costs may apply if a fault claim is made during the rental term

Fact: If you go over the agreed mileage in a PCO car, you usually earn about 5p to 10p for every extra mile. This is based on the rules for PCO car hire.

EV Assistance and Uber Incentives

Many rent-to-own electric car offers are connected to the Uber EV Assistance Programme.

Benefits include:

PCO drivers can get more help by choosing electric vehicles. They can find huge discounts on EVs with Uber Green and Uber Comfort. Drivers can access cleaner parts of the city and pay less for crossings, like the Silvertown Tunnel.

Benefits of Driving an EV for PCO Work

Driving an electric car as a private hire driver in London or Manchester has several advantages. In addition to saving money, there are other good reasons to pick an electric car.

  • Lower Fuel Costs:
    Electric vehicles cost less to operate than petrol or diesel cars. You can save a lot of money on fuel each year, especially in busy periods.
  • City Charge Discounts:
    Electric vehicles can benefit from the Clean Air EV Assistance. This means you can skip fees like Congestion Charge, ULEZ, and future Thames crossings, including the Silvertown Tunnel.
  • Better Customer Ratings:
    Many riders appreciate the clean and quiet trips in Uber Comfort and Uber Green. This can help you earn more 5-star reviews.
  • Environmental Impact:
    Driving electric vehicles reduces your carbon footprint. It also helps the UK work towards cleaner air.
  • Access to Incentives:
    Thanks to Uber EV Assistance and some local grants, drivers can receive huge discounts on owning an electric vehicle.

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How Rent-to-Own Electric Vehicles Work

  1. Start of the Contract:
    You will first sign a rent-to-own agreement with your provider. This agreement will list your weekly rental rate and how many weeks you need to pay. It will also explain any mileage limits, service rules, and the final price for ownership of the car. In the beginning, you may need to pay a small admin fee. Generally, there is no big deposit needed, which is good for PCO drivers who are on a tight budget.
  2. During the Rental:
    When your contract begins, you can use the electric car for personal activities. This includes services like Uber Green, Uber Comfort, or PCO rides in London and Manchester. Your weekly rental payments will be easy to handle and mostly paid online.

You will get important papers. These will have details about your insurance, any repairs needed, and help from customer service for questions you may have while renting.

It is important to stick to the service schedule. Make sure to have standard servicing done at approved garages. These garages are part of an extensive network of service partners. This helps keep your EV under warranty and prevents extra costs.

Mileage limits apply. If you drive more than the agreed miles, you will pay for the extra distance. The charge for these extra miles is usually between 5p and 10p each. Roadside assistance and breakdown cover are usually included. This gives you peace of mind while driving.

At the end of your contract, you will have two important choices:

  • Own the Car:
    To own the car completely, you need to pay the final agreed price. Once you do this, you will get the log book (V5C document) in your name. After that, you won’t make any more weekly payments.
  • Return the Car:
    If you no longer want the car, you can return it. This return will depend on an inspection that checks the mileage limits and the condition of the car. Some providers may charge you for excess mileage or for any damage. It’s important to keep the car in good shape.

If you have followed the payment plan and completed the scheduled maintenance, then taking ownership at the end should be easy and affordable.

Why Electric Vehicles Are a Greener Option for Private Hire

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Switching to electric vehicles for private hire is not just about saving money. It is also about building a cleaner future for Great Britain.

  • EVs don’t release anything from the tailpipe.
  • They are quieter than gas or diesel cars.
  • This means cleaner air in places like London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
  • It supports the UK government’s goal for the 2035 Clean Air Plan.
  • It helps TFL reach its aim of zero emissions for all PCO cars by 2030.

Important Things to Know

  • Drivers of private hire vehicles need to stick to TFL licencing rules.
  • Weekly rate deals often come with help for PCO car licencing.
  • Weekend rates may vary when it gets busy.
  • You could get payment breaks after several weeks of no missed payments.
  • Your servicing has to follow the service schedule to avoid extra fees at the end of your contract.

Things to Check Before Signing a Rent-to-Own EV Contract

Before you say yes to a rent-to-own plan for an electric car, take a look at these key points:

  • Mileage Allowance:
    Check if the mileage fits your driving needs for the week. If it doesn’t, ask about flexible plans. This will help you avoid extra mileage fees.
  • Breakdown Cover Details:
    Look into the roadside assistance services you will get. Understand how the customer support team handles claims for faults.
  • Service Schedule Requirements:
    Keep to the scheduled maintenance dates. Doing this will help you keep the warranty valid and will help you avoid extra charges at the end of your contract.
  • Insurance Options:
    See if PCO insurance is part of the rate. If it is not, find out if you need to buy it separately from an insurance partner.
  • Payment Flexibility:
    Inquire if payment breaks are available after a certain number of weeks. Also, check the rules regarding late payments.
  • Name Changes:
    If you think about transferring the agreement to someone else later, find out if a name change is allowed during the rental time.

Things to Check Before Signing a Rent-to-Own EV Contract

FAQs About Rent-to-Own Electric Cars

Can I get a rent-to-own EV with no deposit?

Yes, some companies allow you to rent-to-own electric vehicles. You don’t need to pay a large amount right away. Instead, you can make easy weekly payments.

What happens at the end of the contract for a rent-to-own EV?

At the end of the contract, weekly rental customers have two choices. You can buy the vehicle by paying the final amount named in your agreement. If you do not want to keep the car, you can return it. It is important to read the terms you agreed to at the beginning of your contract. This will help you understand options for car payments and any final fees you may need to pay.

Are servicing and maintenance included?

Many rent-to-own plans have rates that cover standard servicing, scheduled maintenance, and breakdown cover.

What if I drive more than the mileage limit?

Excess mileage payments are the fees you have to pay if you drive more than what your agreement allows. Make sure to check the excess mileage rate when you start your agreement.

Can I use a rent-to-own EV for Uber Green?

Yes, many rent-to-own electric vehicles (EVs) are good for Uber Green and Uber Comfort rides. You can also get help with Uber EV Assistance.

Can I switch from weekly rental payments to a monthly basis?

Some providers give you flexible payment options. Most rent-to-own plans focus on manageable weekly rental payments. A few finance companies may allow you to make car payments monthly after several weeks. This can be helpful for customers who want to budget with fewer payment dates. Always check with your provider about a payment holiday week or any other flexible terms.

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