If you plan to buy a car for Uber, or other rideshare and delivery apps, you have to be aware of the major emission standards change the TfL introduces starting January 1st 2023.  

In 2020, TfL introduced new emission standards for private hire vehicles (PHVs): 

  • PHVs under 18 months old must be zero emission capable (ZEC) and meet the Euro 6 emission standard when licensed for the first time 
  • PHVs over 18 months old (petrol or diesel) must meet the Euro 6 standards when licensed for the first time. 

From January 1st 2023, all PHVs licensed for the first time must be zero emission capable (ZEC) and meet the Euro 6 emission standard.  

That means that any car you buy, new or used, regardless of its age, must be ZEC and meet the Euro 6 emission standard if you apply for a PHV licence starting January 1st 2023.  

How does this change affect rideshare drivers? 

The new emission standards apply only to vehicles that need to be licensed as PHVs for the first time in London. 

IMPORTANT: If you have a car licensed in London before January 1st 2023, this change doesn’t affect you in any way. 

What does ZEC vehicle mean? 

To meet the PHV ZEC requirements, a car must: 

  • Emit no more than 50g/km CO2 and be capable of being operated with no exhaust emissions for a minimum range of 10 miles or 
  • Emit no more than 75g/km CO2 exhaust emissions and be capable of being operated with no emissions for a minimum range of 20 miles. 

What can rideshare drivers do? 

The good news is that you still have one month left to buy a car and apply for a PHV licence before the new emission standards roll out.  

However, it’s safer to buy a ZEC capable car that also meets the Euro 6 emission standard so you can fit into the new 2023 emission standards and worry less about future regulations changes.  

How can Splend help? 

If you find it hard to make a long-term decision, a PCO car hire plan is the ideal option for you. Whether you want to test the waters, or you’re decided to buy a car, our Flexi and Flexi Own plans offer you all the flexibility you need.  

As we’re big green mobility enthusiasts, we offer several brand-new EV models to meet all kinds of needs — from the sleek and compact Volkswagen ID.3, the frugal Kia Niro 2 EV, to the elegant long-range MG ZS.  

All our EVs are ZEC and meet the Euro 6 emission standard. 

Having an EV can be more affordable than you think. We partnered with Uber for the Uber Clean Air Plan, a plan Uber drivers can access to get reduced fees for the weekly cost of the Splend subscription plan.  

What are the advantages of driving an EV? 
  • Reduced fuel costs 
  • No Congestion Charge and ULEZ charge 
  • Access to Zero Emission / Ultra Low Emission Streets 
  • More savings with Uber Green 
  • Financial support from authorities and private companies 

The fastest way to start driving with Uber

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About Splend

Splend is more than a set of wheels. We’ll help steer your career.

In addition to providing you with the most important tool in your career as a rideshare driver, we also offer ongoing training, support, and data-driven feedback via your personal Customer Specialist. You also enjoy a growing array of customer benefits including discounts from our partners.

For more information about Splend, make an appointment at our London Hub at 393 Edgware Road Cricklewood, London, email us, or say hello on 0333 016 4331