The government has announced regulatory changes designed to remove barriers preventing operators from adopting electric vans, particularly heavier 4.25-tonne models that have previously been treated like HGVs.
Until now, many electric vans have exceeded the traditional 3.5-tonne threshold because of the additional weight of their battery packs, automatically pushing them into heavier vehicle regulations.
That created a series of difficulties for businesses, including HGV-style MOT testing, tachograph requirements and stricter drivers’ hours regulations.
Business groups said the rules were outdated and discouraged operators from investing in cleaner fleets.
Under the modified rules, electric vans in the 3.5 to 4.25-tonne category will now move into the Class 7 MOT system rather than the HGV testing regime, reducing administration, downtime and testing costs.
This will mean the date at which heavier electric vans will be due for their first MOT test will increase from one year to three years after registration from June 1 2026.
The changes will also remove many tachograph and EU drivers’ hours obligations, bringing electric vans closer to the regulatory framework already applied to diesel and petrol light commercial vehicles.
Ben Fletcher, Logistics UK Chief Executive said: “As operators face growing pressure to decarbonise fleets, regulatory clarity and consistency are essential and the new regulations are a clear indication that the government is listening to the sector’s concerns.”
