Uber’s 2025 EV Deadline: What Happens to Petrol Cars?
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Introduction
London’s roads are going electric—and Uber is leading the charge. By 2025, Uber has committed to becoming a fully electric platform in London. But what does this mean for petrol vehicles currently used by thousands of PCO drivers?
In this blog, we’ll break down Uber’s EV deadline, TfL’s licensing rules, and what Uber and PHV drivers need to do to stay compliant and profitable in the coming years.
Uber’s Electric Goal: 100% EV by 2025 in London
Uber has publicly pledged that by the end of 2025, all vehicles operating on its platform in London must be zero-emission capable (ZEC).
This means:
- Petrol-only and older diesel vehicles will be phased out
- Only electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will be accepted
- Drivers will be encouraged (and eventually required) to switch to EVs or modern hybrids
Uber has already started removing non-compliant petrol vehicles from onboarding eligibility since 2023.
What Does TfL Say?
Transport for London (TfL) has its own regulations for private hire vehicles:
- As of January 2023, all newly licensed PHVs under 18 months old must be fully electric.
- Petrol and diesel vehicles already licensed can continue operating until their licence expires.
- However, TfL has warned that even compliant petrol cars may not be relicensed in future years.
If your petrol vehicle is older or due for renewal after 2025, it may not be accepted for PCO renewal.
What Happens If You Still Drive Petrol in 2025?
| Scenario | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Petrol car already licensed | Can continue until license expiry |
| Petrol car license due for renewal | May not be renewed by TfL |
| Petrol car with high emissions | ULEZ charges apply (£12.50/day) |
| Want to join Uber with petrol car | Application will likely be rejected |
If you’re currently driving a petrol vehicle for Uber, now is the time to start planning your switch to hybrid or EV.
What About Larger Vehicles Like 7-Seaters or Lux Cars?
Uber’s goal is for all vehicles—including UberXL and Exec—to be electric by 2025. That means:
- Petrol 7-seaters will be phased out
- Uber is actively encouraging drivers to switch to electric MPVs or SUVs
- You’ll still need to meet TfL size requirements (no tiny EVs)
Read our next blog: Best Electric 7-Seaters for Uber for a full list of compliant alternatives.
Costs of Keeping a Petrol Car vs. Going Electric
| Factor | Petrol Vehicle (ULEZ) | Electric Vehicle (EV) |
|---|---|---|
| ULEZ charge (daily) | £12.50 | £0 |
| Fuel cost per week | £150–£200 | £40–£60 |
| Congestion charge | £15/day (if applicable) | £0 |
| Uber eligibility (2025+) | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Fully allowed |
What Should You Do Next?
- Check your current PCO vehicle license expiry date
- Explore Uber’s EV discounts and Clean Air Fund savings
- Plan for an upgrade by end of 2024
- Start test-driving EV or plug-in hybrid options
Switching early means higher incentives, less stress, and access to Uber’s electric-only bonuses.
🔗 Next in this series: Best Electric 7-Seaters for Uber: E-Traveller, EQV, BYD Tang