Logistics UK is calling for the government’s recently launched consultation on zero emission vans to deliver regulatory alignment between 4.25 tonne electric vans and 3.5 tonne diesel vans and prevent legacy legislation from inhibiting electric vehicle take up in the future.
The consultation, entitled Zero Emission Vans: Regulatory Flexibility, was launched on 24 December and concludes on 3 March 2025.
It is aimed at helping to speed up the adoption of zero emission vans, which has lagged behind the adoption of zero emission cars.
The main proposals are to transfer the annual testing of zero emission vans between 3.5 tonnes to 4.25 tonnes from the heavy vehicle testing system to the MOT network; amend their annual testing schedules so that their first test is after three years from first registration and annually thereafter; and to remove the requirement for these vehicles to use tachographs, observe the drivers’ hours rules and HGV working time rules when used within Great Britain.
Jonathan Walker, Logistics UK head of infrastructure and planning policy, said: “The current situation, where 4.25-tonne electric vans are treated as HGVs in terms of MOT and driver hours requirements, is nonsensical and is limiting the adoption of cleaner electric vehicles.
“The vehicles are the same size and used to perform the same tasks as traditional vans: it is only the extra weight from the batteries which moves them into a heavier weight category.
“From an operational point of view, the vehicles are the same and aligning regulations will make it easier to integrate electric vehicles into fleets.
“Removing the requirement for tachographs and drivers’ hours restrictions that are intended for HGVs means there would be no disruption to shift patterns.
“In addition, annual roadworthiness checks could be carried out in the comprehensive MOT network instead of the heavy vehicle testing system.
He added: “We have long been campaigning for full regulatory alignment between 4.25 tonne electric vans and 3.5 tonne diesel vans, and this consultation is a clear indication that the government is listening to the sector’s concerns.
“Alongside its main proposals, we continue to press the government to remove the requirement for five hours additional training to drive an electric van, and lift the prohibition on the towing of a trailer.
“Vans are the workhorses of the UK economy and all barriers to their use need to be removed so drivers can use a zero-emission van just as easily as a petrol or diesel equivalent.”
