Best cars for Uber in the UK

Choosing the right car for Uber in London isn't just about picking something that looks good – it's about maximising your earnings while keeping costs down. With electric vehicles now dominating the PCO landscape and ULEZ regulations in full force, the question isn't whether to go electric, but which EV will make you the most money.

We've broken down the best cars for Uber London, comparing everything from weekly costs to real-world range and which Uber categories each vehicle qualifies for. Whether you're just starting out or upgrading your current ride, this guide will help you make the smartest choice for your business.

Quick Answer: Best Cars by Use Case

What Makes a Good Uber Car?

Before we dive into specific models, here's what you need to know about choosing an Uber car in London right now:

Essential requirements:

• Must be Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) – essentially meaning electric or plug-in hybrid

• Under 10 years old for UberX

• Under 7 years old for Uber Comfort

• 4 doors minimum

• Seats for at least 4 passengers

• Valid PHV licence from TfL

What matters for earnings potential:

• Range: You need 250+ miles real-world to work a full day without charging stress

• Boot space: Airport runs are lucrative – more luggage space = more opportunities

• Uber category eligibility: Comfort and Exec pay significantly more per trip

• Weekly running costs: Your all-in cost determines your take-home pay

• Charging speed: Time spent charging is time not earning

The game has changed. Petrol and diesel cars are out. The Congestion Charge exemption for EVs ends December 25, 2025, but even with the new £13.50 daily charge (25% discount), EVs remain the cheapest option when you factor in fuel savings.

The 6 Best Cars for Uber London

1. Kia Niro EV – Best for New Drivers

Weekly cost: £224 (all-inclusive with Splend Flexi Own)

Qualifies for: Uber Comfort, Uber Electric, UberX

Key specs:

• Range: 285 miles (WLTP)

• Seats: 5

• Boot: 332 litres

• Driveaway cost: £37,809 (19% discount on RRP)

Why It's great for beginners:

The Kia Niro EV is the most affordable electric option for PCO drivers who want to start earning on Uber without breaking the bank. At £224 per week all-inclusive through Splend, you're getting comprehensive coverage that includes insurance, servicing, tyres, brakes, and roadside assistance.

The 285-mile range is more than enough for a full day's work, even in winter. You'll do 200-220 miles real-world in cold weather, which covers most shift patterns without needing a mid-day charge.

Best for: New PCO drivers, part-time drivers, those who want lower weekly payments while still qualifying for Uber Comfort's higher rates.

Earnings potential: Uber Comfort typically pays 10-15% more than standard UberX. On a £50,000 annual gross, that's an extra £5,000-7,500 just for driving this instead of a standard UberX vehicle.

Toyota bZ4X Motion – Best Overall Value

Weekly cost: £239 (all-inclusive with Splend Flexi Own)

Qualifies for: Uber Comfort, Uber Electric, UberX

Key specs:

• Range: 318 miles (WLTP)

• Seats: 5

• Boot: 452 litres

• Driveaway cost: £45,454 (0% APR equivalent)

Why It's the sweet spot:

This is the car that does everything well. The 318-mile range gives you breathing room, the 452-litre boot is one of the largest in this price range (crucial for airport pickups), and the 0% APR equivalent financing means more of your weekly payment goes toward ownership rather than interest.

Real-world feedback from Splend drivers shows this car consistently delivers 270 miles in winter and 340 miles in summer. That's enough for any shift pattern without range anxiety.

What makes it stand out:

• 360° camera makes tight London streets easier to navigate

• Heat pump technology keeps range high even in winter

• Spacious rear legroom = better passenger comfort = better ratings

• Toyota reliability means minimal downtime

Best for: Full-time drivers who do a mix of city work and airport runs, drivers who prioritize reliability and space.

Earnings potential: The large boot space means you can accept airport jobs that other drivers can't – particularly groups with multiple suitcases. These trips often pay £60-90 and can add £10,000+ to your annual earnings.

3. Kia EV5 Air – Best for Families & Airport Work

Weekly cost: £259 (all-inclusive with Splend Flexi Own)

Qualifies for: Uber Comfort, Uber Electric, UberX

Key specs:

• Range: 331 miles (WLTP)

• Seats: 5

• Boot: 566 litres (largest in standard cars)

• Driveaway cost: £40,712

Why airport drivers love it:

That 566-litre boot is the difference between accepting or declining a Heathrow run with a family of four. More accepted rides = more earnings. Simple as that.

The 331-mile range means you can do airport pickups without worrying about charging between Central London and Heathrow (roughly 40 miles round trip). Start your day with a full charge and you're good for 6-7 airport runs plus city work.

Best for: Drivers who target airport work, families who use the car personally (that boot space is massive), drivers who want a newer model at mid-range price.

Earnings potential: Airport trips are where the money is. A Heathrow pickup can pay £50-75 depending on drop-off location. The extra boot space means you never turn down a lucrative airport job because you can't fit the luggage.

4. Tesla Model 3 – Best Range

Weekly cost: £275 (all-inclusive with Splend Flexi Own)

Qualifies for: Uber Comfort, Uber Electric, UberX

Key specs:

• Range: 468 miles (WLTP) – best in class

• Seats: 5

• Boot: 682 litres (largest overall)

• Driveaway cost: £46,907

Why the range matters:

468 miles WLTP translates to roughly 350-380 miles real-world in mixed conditions. That's genuinely a full day's work plus some. If you work long shifts or do outer-London runs to places like Luton or Southend, this is your car.

The Tesla Supercharger network is also unmatched. You can charge from 10-80% in about 25 minutes, which means lunch break = full charge.

Tech advantages:

• Autopilot (basic) makes motorway driving less tiring

• Over-the-air updates keep the car current

• Massive 15" touchscreen

• Best-in-class efficiency (less energy = lower charging costs)

Best for: Long-shift drivers, drivers who do lots of motorway miles, tech enthusiasts.

Potential concerns: Insurance can be higher due to repair costs (Tesla parts are pricey), some passengers expect a "premium" experience because it's a Tesla.

Earnings potential: The range advantage means you can take jobs other drivers won't – like Heathrow to Brighton or London to Southampton. These longer trips can pay £100-150 and are surprisingly common.

5. Volkswagen ID.7 – Best for Uber Exec

Weekly cost: £289 (all-inclusive with Splend Flexi Own)

Qualifies for: Uber Exec, Uber Comfort, Uber Electric, UberX

Key specs:

• Range: 380 miles (WLTP)

• Seats: 5

• Boot: 605 litres

• Driveaway cost: £51,651 (18% discount on RRP)

Why It unlocks higher earnings:

This is the entry point to Uber Exec. Once you've completed 1,000 trips and maintain a 4.85+ rating, you can apply for Exec. The fares are significantly higher – typically 2-3x standard UberX rates.

A £15 UberX trip becomes a £40-45 Exec trip. A £30 trip becomes £80-90. You're doing the same work but earning 2-3x more per mile.

The Exec advantage:

• Business travelers don't quibble over fares

• Airport runs pay premium rates (£80-120 for Heathrow)

• You work less for the same money

• Passengers are generally more professional

What you need:

• 1,000+ completed trips in London

• 4.85+ rating

• Eligible vehicle (this qualifies)

• Professional presentation (suit optional but helps)

Best for: Experienced drivers with high ratings, drivers who want to work smarter not harder, those targeting corporate/business travel.

Earnings potential: Uber Exec drivers report earning £50,000-70,000+ annually working similar hours to standard UberX drivers making £35,000-45,000. The vehicle cost is higher, but the earning potential more than compensates.

6. Mercedes EQE Sport Edition 350+ – Maximum Earnings

Weekly cost: £355 (all-inclusive with Splend Flexi Own)

Qualifies for: Uber Exec, Uber Comfort, Uber Electric, UberX

Key specs:

• Range: 429 miles (WLTP) – best in luxury class

• Seats: 5

• Boot: 430 litres

• Driveaway cost: £70,738 (0% APR equivalent)

The premium option:

This is the car for experienced drivers who want to maximize earnings through Uber Exec. The Mercedes EQE is a proper luxury vehicle – passengers know it, and they pay accordingly.

At £355/week, it's the most expensive option on this list, but the earnings potential justifies it:

Uber Exec premium fares:

• Heathrow to Central: £100-130 (vs £50-60 UberX)

• Airport runs to suburbs: £120-180

• Corporate transfers: £80-150 for 30-40 min trips

• Business meetings: Regular clients, guaranteed bookings

The Mercedes factor:

• MBUX infotainment system (best in class)

• Luxurious interior (real leather, ambient lighting)

• Ultra-smooth ride (air suspension)

• Brand prestige (passengers feel special)

Best for: Top-rated drivers (4.85+) with 1,000+ trips, those serious about maximizing per-hour earnings, drivers with corporate client base.

Investment vs Return:

• Weekly cost: £355

• Typical Exec earnings: £60,000-85,000/year

• Net after vehicle: £41,500-66,500

• Compared to standard UberX at £224/week: £35,000-45,000/year, net £23,800-33,300

You're paying £131/week more but potentially earning £17,700-£33,200 more annually.

Earnings potential: The highest-earning Uber drivers in London are almost all on Exec. £70,000-85,000 annual earnings are realistic for full-time drivers with this vehicle.

All vehicles include with Splend:

• PHV insurance (10% price beat guarantee)

• Scheduled servicing & maintenance

• Replacement tyres & brakes

• 24/7 roadside assistance

• Free Uber-approved courtesy car

• Car tax, MOT, PHV licence

Real costs: what you'll actually pay

One of the biggest mistakes new PCO drivers make is only looking at the weekly vehicle cost.

Here's what your total running costs look like:

Weekly Breakdown (Toyota bZ4X example):

• Vehicle payment: £116

• Car tax, MOT, licensing: £16

• Servicing & maintenance: £21

• Loss & damage cover: £87

• Total: £239/week all-inclusive

• Toyota bZ4X

Monthly costs:

• Vehicle: £1,036

• Charging (public): £200-300 (if using BP Pulse)

• Charging (home): £80-120 (if overnight charging at 7.5p/kWh)

• Congestion Charge: £0 until Dec 25, 2025, then £270/month (20 days × £13.50)

• ULEZ: £0 (EVs exempt)

• Parking/PCNs: Varies (avoid these!)

Annual total (estimated):

• Splend all-inclusive: £12,428

• Charging (public): £3,000-3,600

• Congestion Charge (2026+): £3,240 (if working in zone)

• Total: £18,668-19,268/year

Traditional finance comparison:

• HP/PCP payment: £11,000-13,000

• Insurance: £2,000-5,000

• Servicing: £800-1,200

• Maintenance: £1,500-2,500

• Total: £15,300-21,700/year

Splend's all-inclusive pricing typically saves £3,000-£5,000 annually compared to DIY financing, plus you get the peace of mind of covered maintenance and a free courtesy car if yours needs repairs.

Charging Strategy for Each Vehicle

Kia Niro EV (285 mile range)

• Strategy: Charge nightly at home (7-8 hours, full charge)

• Public charging: 10-80% in 43 minutes fast charger

• Best for: Drivers working standard shifts (8-10 hours)

Toyota bZ4X (318 mile range)

• Strategy: Charge every other night at home, or rapid charge during lunch break

• Public charging: 10-80% in 32 minutes

• Best for: Flexible - works for any shift pattern

Kia EV5 Air (331 mile range):

• Strategy: Charge twice weekly at home, rapid charge for airport runs

• Public charging: Similar to bZ4X

• Best for: High-mileage drivers

Tesla Model 3 (468 mile range):

• Strategy: Charge 1-2 times weekly, Supercharger network for top-ups

• Public charging: 10-80% in 20-25 minutes (Supercharger)

• Best for: Drivers who hate charging frequently

VW ID.7 / Mercedes EQE (380-429 mi range)

• Strategy: Charge twice weekly maximum

• Public charging: 30-35 minutes to 80%

• Best for: Exec drivers who work 4-5 day weeks

Financing options: rent to buy

Splend Flexi Own (Recommended)

• Path to ownership over 5 years

• All-inclusive weekly payment (insurance, servicing, tyres, everything)

• No credit checks needed

• Can return after minimum term if circumstances change

• Excess mileage goes toward ownership (20p/mile over 1,000/week)

Example: Toyota bZ4X

• Weekly payment: £239 all-inclusive

• 5-year term total: ~£62,000

• You own the car at the end

• Compare to HP: £65,400+ over 4 years (plus you handle insurance/servicing separately)

• Savings: £3,300+ plus hassle-free maintenance

FAQs: best cars for Uber London

What's the minimum car requirement for Uber in London?

• Must be under 10 years old (7 years for Comfort)

• Zero Emission Capable (effectively means electric or PHEV)

• 4 doors, 4+ passengers

• Valid PHV licence

Can I drive for both Uber and Bolt with the same car? Yes, all these vehicles work for Uber, Bolt and others. You just need the appropriate PHV licence.

Do I need to own the car or can I rent? You can rent (Flexi Try) or work toward ownership (Flexi Own). Most PCO drivers choose rent-to-own options like Flexi Own because it builds equity while keeping costs predictable.

What about the Congestion Charge exemption ending? Yes, EVs lose the full exemption on December 25, 2025. From January 2, 2026, you'll pay £13.50/day (25% discount from the £18 standard rate) if you register with Auto Pay. This is still £4,500/year cheaper than driving a petrol/diesel car that pays ULEZ (£12.50/day) + Congestion Charge (£18/day) = £7,695/year.

Which car has the best resale value? Tesla Model 3 holds value best, followed by Mercedes EQE. However, with Flexi Own you're working toward full ownership, so resale value matters less than total cost of ownership.

Can I use these cars for personal use too? Yes, all Splend vehicles can be used for personal trips. Many drivers use them for family weekends, holidays, etc. Just factor in the mileage.

What if the car breaks down? Splend includes 24/7 roadside assistance and a free Uber-approved courtesy car if yours needs repair. You keep earning.

How long until I can apply for Uber Exec? You need 1,000 completed trips in London + 4.85+ rating. For a full-time driver, that's typically 3-6 months.

Ready to get your PCO car sorted?

All the vehicles in this guide are available through Splend's Flexi Own plans with:

• £299-499 setup fee (no large deposit)

• Weekly payments starting from £224

• Everything included (insurance, servicing, tyres, PHV licence, roadside assistance)

• 0% APR equivalent on select vehicles

• 10% insurance price beat guarantee

• Free courtesy car if yours needs repair

Two ways to get started:

1. Browse vehicles: Check out the full range at Flexi Own

2. Book an appointment: Visit a Splend hub to see the cars in person

Already have your PCO licence? Great - you can be driving within 2-4 weeks.

Don't have your PCO licence yet? No problem. Read our complete guide: [How to Become an Uber Driver in London 2025]