EVs vs Hybrids: Why 2026 Will Be the Turning Point for London’s PCO Drivers

For PCO drivers, every mile matters

If you’re a professional PCO driver, your car isn’t just how you get around, it’s your livelihood. Every pound you spend on petrol, maintenance, or daily city charges cuts directly into your profits.

For years, hybrids seemed like the sweet spot between petrol power and electric savings. But that balance has shifted.

New regulations, higher daily charges, and rising maintenance costs mean fully electric vehicles now deliver greater reliability, lower costs, and stronger long-term returns than hybrids.

The 2026 Congestion Charge change: EVs stay ahead

From January 2026, Transport for London (TfL) proposes to raise the daily Congestion Charge from £15 to £18.

Since 2021, hybrids have no longer been exempt, they pay the full rate just like petrol and diesel vehicles.

That means:

• Today: EV drivers save £15 a day compared to hybrids

• From Jan 2026: EV drivers will still save £4.50 a day

Assuming there are 260 working days a year, that’s £3,900 annual savings today and £1,170 savings next year

Even with the reduced discount, EVs still save over £1,150 annually just on the Congestion Charge before considering fuel or servicing costs.

Servicing and maintenance: fewer moving parts, fewer bills

Hybrids still carry a full internal-combustion engine. That means regular oil changes, air and fuel filters, spark plugs, and complex transmission servicing, all of which add up over time.

EVs, by contrast, are mechanically simpler:

• No oil or filter changes

• Fewer mechanical components

• Regenerative braking that extends brake life by up to 75%

For high-mileage PCO drivers, that simplicity translates to an average of £1,000–£1,500 in annual maintenance savings. The longer you keep the car, the bigger the benefit.

Fuel vs charging: a new kind of efficiency

Even the most efficient hybrid can’t compete with electric running costs. With smart home charging or off-peak tariffs, EVs can cost as little as 5–8p per mile, compared with 20–25p per mile in fuel costs for hybrids.

That’s a saving of around £2,000 per year for a driver covering typical PCO mileage.

And with electricity prices stabilising while petrol remains volatile, this advantage is only expected to grow.

Charging network growth: London is ready for EVs

Concerns about charging availability used to be a barrier—but not anymore. London’s EV infrastructure has expanded rapidly:

• As of mid-2025, there are over 18,000 public charge points across Greater London, with nearly 2,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers.

• TfL’s EV Infrastructure Strategy aims for 40,000+ chargers by 2030, with rapid chargers placed within 1 mile of every major A-road and transport hub.

• Supermarket forecourts, service stations, and PCO-friendly hubs now provide 24/7 access to rapid charging.

For most PCO drivers, this means you can reliably recharge during breaks, between jobs, or overnight at home, with growing support from rental providers like Splend, which partners with charging networks to help drivers locate and manage charging costs efficiently.

TfL’s EV Infrastructure Strategy aims for 40,000+ chargers by 2030

The business case for switching now

^{*Estimated for 260 working days and average London mileage}

When your vehicle is your business, a potential £7,000+ annual difference isn’t just savings, it’s a strategic advantage.

Why hybrids are losing ground

Hybrids helped bridge the gap between petrol and electric, but for professional drivers, they’re now the more expensive compromise:

• No longer exempt from London’s congestion and emission charges

• Higher servicing costs due to complex engines

• Rising petrol prices and inconsistent savings

• Limited long-term compliance with tightening city emission rules

Meanwhile, EVs continue to benefit from regulatory support, lower running costs, and higher uptime for drivers.

Future-proof your earnings with an electric PCO car

The shift is already happening. London’s streets are filling with EVs, and PCO licensing rules are adapting accordingly.

With Splend, you can make the switch smoothly, with:

• Fully electric PCO-ready vehicles

• Licencing, Servicing, and Maintenance included

• Access to the UK’s fastest-growing charging network partnerships

• Flexible contracts to suit your driving schedule

Key takeaways

• From 2026, hybrids will pay the full £18 daily congestion rate, EVs remain discounted.

• EVs save £1,000–£1,500 annually on servicing and £2,000+ on energy.

• London’s EV charging network now exceeds 18,000 charge points.

• The total yearly savings can surpass £7,000 for a full-time PCO driver.

• Switching early gives you cost savings, compliance, and long-term stability.