The best car models for setting up as a VTC driver

Essential criteria for choosing a VTC vehicle

1. Compliance and regulations

Before we even talk about reliability or comfort, compliance is the key.
The dimensions and minimum power are imposed by VTC regulations.
If a vehicle does not comply, it cannot be registered on the platforms and will not be accepted for the annual inspection.

Before making a choice, it is therefore crucial to check the technical criteria required by law - length, power, number of seats, emissions, etc. - which are detailed in the vehicle section of our complete guide on the legal requirements for becoming a VTC driver in 2025.
This regulatory framework sets out the limits of choice, but also the mistakes to be avoided from the outset.

Low Emission Zones (LEZs) also impose increasingly strict traffic restrictions.
Recent diesels will still be tolerated in 2025, but their medium-term future is uncertain. So, depending on the city, a thermal vehicle purchased today could be unusable in 3 to 5 years' time.

2. Reliability and availability

Every day lost to a breakdown is a day without sales.
That's why vehicle reliability comes first.
Toyotas and Lexuses are renowned for their longevity, often exceeding 300,000 km with reasonable maintenance.
Modern electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 or the Hyundai Ioniq also boast excellent mechanical durability thanks to simplified maintenance (no engine oil, no clutch, regenerative braking).

3. Total cost of ownership (TCO)

A profitable vehicle is not just one that consumes little fuel, but one whose overall running costs are kept under control: fuel, maintenance, insurance, discounts and tax.
Hybrids remain an excellent compromise, but electric vehicles are now unbeatable in the long term: for a driver covering 60,000 km a year, the annual difference in energy costs between an electric vehicle and a diesel can exceed €1,500 to €2,000.
These savings quickly offset the initial extra cost of the vehicle.

If you'd like to take a closer look at each item (fuel, maintenance, tax), our article “Electric, hybrid or petrol: which is the most profitable for a VTC driver?” provides a detailed breakdown of these differences, with examples based on the number of kilometres travelled.

And for an up-to-date view of the real costs in the post-environmental rebate era, read the article “Electric cars for VTCs: will they still be profitable in 2025?” sheds light on the profitability of electric models despite the reduction in subsidies.

4. Comfort and image

Passengers notice everything: the legroom, the silence on board, the quality of the seating and the boot.
Comfort is not just a luxury, it's a direct factor in customer satisfaction and therefore loyalty.
A vehicle that is too small or noisy reduces the average score and limits recommendations.
Image also counts: some companies or hotels are looking for specific vehicles for their transfers, with a top-of-the-range look.

5. Budget and personal strategy

Your choice will also depend on your financial situation:

• Tight budget (≈€10,000) Aim for reliability and ease of use.
• Intermediate budget (≈15-25,000 €) balancing comfort, image and profitability.
• Solid budget (≈30,000 € or more) invest in a premium model to accelerate the move towards private customers.

Finally, if you work for a company (EURL or SASU), buying a business vehicle can open up a number of tax breaks: VAT recovery on the purchase and servicing (subject to certain conditions) and depreciation of the vehicle for accounting purposes. Just check with your accountant.

The best models for your profile

1. Nissan Leaf - getting started at a low price

Average price: €8,000 to €12,000 depending on the vintage
The Leaf remains the most affordable entry point into the world of electric VTCs.
Virtually maintenance-free, with very low recharging costs and silent operation, it's a great ally for urban and suburban journeys.

Important limitation: 40 kWh models suffer from a phenomenon known as “Rapidgate”. In the event of several successive rapid recharges, the battery heats up and limits the charging power, lengthening the waiting time.
In short, it's perfect if you recharge at home every night, but unsuitable for intensive use requiring several rapid recharges during the day.

Recommended alternative: Kia e-Niro or Hyundai Ioniq electric, more efficient for intensive use.

Ideal profile: part-time novice driver or urban operator with personal charging.

2. Toyota C-HR - a safe bet for everyday life

Average price: €15,000 to €20,000 second-hand
This is the most common model used by VTC drivers.
A petrol hybrid that is extremely reliable, fuel-efficient (around 5 L/100 km actual) and comfortable, the C-HR has proved its robustness over the long term.
It has no fear of the city or long days on the road, and retains excellent resale value.

Important limitation: However, there is one point that is often misunderstood: the C-HR is no longer systematically eligible for the “comfort” ranges on all platforms. Some platforms tightened their criteria at the end of 2024. As a result, the resulting income levels off relatively quickly.
It remains an excellent choice for basic journeys and standard business trips, but it no longer guarantees automatic access to the higher ranges.

Ideal profile: full-time drivers who want a reliable, cost-effective work tool with no nasty surprises.

3. Tesla Model 3 - the springboard to premium

Average price: €25,000 to €35,000 second-hand
It's the choice of many drivers who want to take things to the next level.
Silent, spacious and with a top-of-the-range image, the Model 3 is also attractive for its very low running costs: around €700 to €800 a year for electricity for intensive use.
With a range of 400-500 km and a network of superchargers, it's easy to operate, even over long distances.

It's a heavier investment, but a rational one for those targeting private customers, company transfers or hotels.
The Model 3 is often eligible for premium ranges and “green electric” offers, making it even more profitable.

Ideal profile: ambitious, financially stable driver, ready to invest in his image and target a more demanding clientele.

4. Mercedes-Benz V-Class - the top-of-the-range weapon

Average price: from €50,000 depending on version
It is the emblematic vehicle for VIP transport, hotels and company transfers.
The V-Class offers first-class comfort: generous space, independent seats, silence and impeccable finish.
It can accommodate up to seven passengers and a substantial amount of luggage.

Its operating costs are high (fuel, maintenance, tyres), but so is its sales potential: runs are longer, better paid and often recurrent.
There is also an electric version, the EQV, but its range is still limited for intensive use.

Ideal profile: Experienced driver or structure already established in business transport, with regular contracts.

Mistakes to avoid

1. Focus on diesel

Even a recent diesel is a risky bet.
The number of EPZs is increasing and Crit'Air 2 will gradually be excluded from major cities.
What's more, modern engines are fragile in urban use and expensive to maintain.
It's best to opt for a hybrid or electric car to guarantee the longevity of your investment.

2. Signing a leasing contract too quickly

Long-term leases (LLD or LOA) are attractive on paper, but their mileage limits (often 30,000 to 45,000 km/year) are incompatible with a full-time VTC business.
The penalties for overtaking can be substantial, and you never become the owner of the vehicle.
Buying a good second-hand vehicle is often more cost-effective, especially if you operate as a company and can reclaim VAT on the purchase and maintenance costs.

3. Choosing a vehicle that is too small

Many entry-level electric vehicles are too compact, with little rear space, tiny boot and limited comfort.
A VTC should comfortably accommodate two to three adults and their luggage.
Before buying, always check the minimum dimensions and the actual boot volume.

4. Buying luxury too soon

Launching a prestige vehicle without a customer network is a common mistake.
The monthly instalments put a strain on the cash flow before the customers arrive.
It makes more sense to start with a reliable, cost-effective model, stabilise revenues and then reinvest in a premium vehicle once demand is established.

Conclusion

In 2025, the profitable VTC is above all electrified, compliant and well chosen.
The Toyota C-HR and Nissan Leaf are suitable for a controlled start-up, while the Tesla Model 3 and Mercedes V-Class become levers for moving upmarket once the business has stabilised.
Diesel cars, even recent ones, no longer have a medium-term future in major cities.
Finally, don't forget that the legal status and accounting management of the vehicle can make all the difference: a good tax choice is sometimes just as important as a good choice of car.