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The UK Government has announced welcome plans to adjust regulatory hurdles for electric vans in the 3.5-4.25 tonne weight class, following a recent consultation. This move is being hailed by industry leaders as a major step forward for the adoption of cleaner, greener commercial vehicles.
The Problem: When an LCV Becomes an HGV
To encourage the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), the government introduced a special dispensation (derogation) allowing electric vans up to 4.25t to be classified as Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), despite the usual LCV limit being 3.5t. This extra weight allowance accounts for the heavy batteries.
However, this rule caused confusion and created “illogical operational loopholes,” as the vans were still technically classed as Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) for key regulations like MOT testing and drivers’ hours (tachographs).
The Solution: Streamlining Regulations
The Department for Transport (DfT), in its consultation response, has committed to two significant changes that will ease the operational burden on fleets:
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MOT Testing: Electric vans weighing will be moved into the Class 7 MOT system.
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This is the same system currently applied to vehicles weighing .
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The benefit? The first MOT test will now be required after three years, instead of the current one-year requirement for HGVs.
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Tachographs and Drivers’ Hours: The DfT will explore options to move these electric vans out of the scope of assimilated drivers’ hours rules, which currently necessitate the use of a tachograph. This will dramatically simplify operations for van drivers.
📝 Note: Legislation will be required to bring these proposals into effect, meaning the industry is now pushing for swift action.
Industry Reaction: Urgent Call for Legislation
Fleet bodies, including the BVRLA, AA, and AFP, have been strong advocates for these changes through the Zero Emission Van Plan and are highly positive about the outcome.
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Toby Poston, BVRLA Chief Executive, called it a “great result for the van sector” and a clear sign that policymakers have listened to the industry. He stressed the need for the legislation to be “passed quickly” to remove the restrictive regulations.
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Duncan Webb, AA Fleet Director, welcomed the recommendations, stating they will enable the sector to “convert at greater pace to electric,” but likewise stressed that “urgency is required.”
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Paul Hollick, AFP Chair, echoed the sentiment, noting that these issues have been “unnecessary obstacles” to electric van adoption, which has been proving slower than anticipated.
In summary, this is fantastic news for Trucksmith clients and any business looking to transition their large van fleet to electric power. By removing these operational and administrative burdens, the DfT is making the 4.25t electric van a much more viable and attractive option.
What are your thoughts on these upcoming changes? Are you looking to upgrade your fleet?
