Cost per Kilometre (CPK) calculator per vehicle

Stop driving at a loss. Calculate your cost per kilometre, factor in empty returns and vehicle costs to ensure your private hire vehicle business remains profitable.

With WAY-Partner, you can keep an eye on your margins at every race!

The WAY-Partner application is dedicated to VTC drivers and includes all the tools you need to manage your day-to-day business and optimise your income.

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Why calculate your VTC cost price accurately?

In the passenger transport sector (VTC, Taxi, LOTI), turnover is not profit. Many drivers make the mistake of looking only at Uber or Bolt receipts, forgetting the hidden costs that eat into their margins. Knowing your cost price per kilometre (PRK) is essential for setting profitable rates, choosing the right journeys and ensuring the long-term future of your transport business. Our free VTC simulator includes all your costs (depreciation, insurance, maintenance, energy) to give you a clear picture of your business.

Compare the impact of financing: LOA, credit or cash purchase?

The choice of vehicle and its method of financing are the most financially onerous decisions for a driver. Is it more cost-effective to buy a used diesel saloon on credit or to lease a new electric vehicle? Our VTC vehicle comparison tool lets you simulate several scenarios side by side. It takes into account the down payment, monthly instalments, purchase option and resale value to calculate the real cost over the period of ownership.

Reality check: Empty kilometres and net profitability

A driver never charges 100% for the kilometres he covers. Approach journeys and empty returns have a considerable impact on your break-even point. Unlike basic calculators, this tool distinguishes between the "cost per technical km" and the "cost per invoiced km". By adjusting your empty run rate, you'll find out the minimum rate at which you need to charge your customers to avoid operating at a loss. It's the ultimate tool for managing your cash flow and optimising your VTC business plan.

Frequently asked questions

How do you calculate the cost price per kilometre for a VTC?

To calculate the cost per km, you need to add up all the fixed costs (professional insurance, parking, vehicle loan/rental) and the variable costs (fuel/electricity, tyres, maintenance, wear and tear). Then divide the total amount by the number of kilometres driven each year. Our calculator automates this operation by including the depreciation of the vehicle.

To find out everything you need to know about the Kilometric Cost Price (PRK), read our guide.

Although there are many good options, in general terms for the VTC market, here are the four models that really stand out today, depending on the driver's profile and ambitions:

  • Nissan Leaf Affordable electric car to get started on a small budget, ideal if you're charging at home.

  • Toyota C-HR or Prius The most reliable hybrid, perfect for intensive use but limited to the basic range of VTC applications. Perfect for getting started, especially with applications.

  • Tesla Model 3 or Model Y They are highly reliable and the best investment for targeting a premium private clientele, but difficult to make profitable at the start of a career.

  • Mercedes-Benz V-Class The absolute reference for top-of-the-range transport, airport transfers, events and group transport. Suitable for experienced drivers with a solid client base.

Read our full article on the most profitable vehicles to find out all about it!

Despite the reduction in State aid (the ecological bonus has been abolished), an electric car is still a profitable long-term option for a VTC driver, provided he chooses his vehicle correctly. Here are the key points of this profitability:

  • Massive fuel savings Recharging an electric vehicle costs around 4 times less than a full tank of fuel. For a driver travelling 250 km a day, this represents a saving of €2,400 to €3,000 a year.
  • Reduced maintenance With fewer mechanical parts and no oil changes, maintenance costs are 20 to 30 % lower than for a conventional vehicle. What's more, regenerative braking doubles the life of brake pads.
  • Amortisation of additional costs Although the initial purchase price is higher, the extra cost is generally offset in 3 to 4 years thanks to savings in usage.
  • Access to town centres Electricity guarantees unlimited access to Low Emission Zones (LEZ), avoiding the loss of sales associated with traffic restrictions.
  • Tax optimisation : The accounting trick of separate battery depreciation is a major way of protecting your cash flow and optimising your annual balance sheet.

The models recommended to maximise profitability :

  • Tesla Model 3 For its unbeatable Cost Per Kilometre (CPK).
  • Tesla Model Y For its versatility and loading capacity for station/airport transfers.

 

Read our full article on the best electric vehicles for VTC drivers to find out all you need to know!

The choice between LOA (Lease with Purchase Option) and Credit depends mainly on your cash flow and your management strategy. Here's what you need to bear in mind when deciding:

  • LOA (and LLD): Ideal for preserving cash flow
    This is often the preferred option for getting started. It allows VAT to be smoothed out (paid on each lease rather than on purchase) and generally requires little or no capital outlay. It's an all-inclusive solution that offers visibility, but beware of mileage: contracts are strict and penalties for exceeding them can be very costly for VTCs who drive a lot.
  • Credit (or cash purchase): The most economical in the long term
    If you have money to spare, this is mathematically the cheapest option. You own the vehicle (no mileage limit, no reconditioning costs) and you can write the vehicle off on your balance sheet. This is the purely profitable option, but it does mean that you have to pay VAT in advance (which can be reclaimed later) and it adds to the company's debt.

If you're just starting out and want to secure your cash flow, a lease is often more flexible. If you're already established and looking to optimise your costs over time (and you drive a lot), a loan or cash purchase is still the most cost-effective option.

To find out everything you need to know about how to buy a vehicle, read our complete guide.

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