Government to ease MoT rules for Electric Vans
One of the limitations to electric vans was the fine balance between usable range and weight, with vans traditionally capped at 3.5 tons before needing an HGV licence and following HGV rules for anything heavier.
With many electric vans crossing that 3.5 tonne threshold due to the weight of the battery pack, different regulations applied and has been identified as a potential cause to holding back electric van adoption.
This approach has created problems for businesses, requiring HGV-style MOT testing, tachograph requirements and strict drivers’ hours regulations. This was clearly a policy that had not accounted for vehicles becoming heavier as it failed to anticipate a keen interest with battery electric vans. It could be one of the reasons why eVans are sold in significantly lower numbers.
According to Government research, these restrictions have prevented businesses from investing in electrification, which could benefit them significantly through lower running and maintenance costs.
With Government revisions now in place, electric vans in the 3.5 to 4.25-tonne category now move into the Class 7 MOT system and are no longer required to complete the HGV testing regime. This will reduce administration, downtime and additional testing costs for business owners.
It also means the first MOT test will will now be at three years after registration - starting from from June 1 2026 - rather than the first year anniversary for the heavier vans.
Tachograph and EU drivers’ hours obligations will also be removed as it aligns heavier vans more closely to diesel and petrol light commercial vehicles.
This action will invariably help businesses make the right decisions. However, the electric van grant has not included heavier vans as it applies only to vans below 2,500 kg in gross vehicle weight.
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.”
Credit: SMMT
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.
You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.