Government proposals to stop treating electric vans as HGVs is a “victory for the environment and common sense,” Logistics UK said today (24 November).
The organisation’s response follows the outcome of government consultation on regulatory flexibility for zero-emission vans, which has recommended changing legislation which classifies electric vans as HGVs due to their extra battery weight.
Proposed changes include the roadworthiness testing process for 3.5 to 4.25-tonne electric vans, which are currently tested in the HGV testing system at authorised testing facilities (ATFs).
The vans have to undergo a first test a year after registration, followed by a test every year. The consultation proposed moving 3.5 to 4.25 tonne ZE vehicles into the class 7 MOT testing system, with tests carried out by the private sector, rather than by DVSA examiners at ATFs.
The class 7 MOT test is currently used for vehicles weighing above 3 tonnes, up to and including 3.5 tonnes.
The DfT has now confirmed that it will work to move 3.5 to 4.25 tonne electric vans into the class 7 MOT testing system, which will see a first test three years from first registration, and then annually.
The consultation also proposed changing the drivers’ hours and tachograph rules which currently apply to 3.5 to 4.25 tonne electric vans. At present, these vans fall into scope of the assimilated drivers’ hours rules and the assimilated tachograph rules.
The DfT said it will now explore options for removing these vans from the assimilated drivers’ hours rules.
Chris Yarsley Logistics UK senior policy manager for road freight regulation, said: “The current situation where standard size 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.
“It is only the extra weight from the batteries that moves electric vans into the same category as HGVs, and from an operational point of view, the vehicles are the same as diesel and petrol equivalents.
“The proposals published in the consultation response will give operators the confidence to invest in cleaner electric vans as they remove the additional costs from adhering to legislation designed for HGV operators – it is a victory for the environment and common sense.
He added: “Logistics UK has long been campaigning for full regulatory alignment between 4.25 tonne electric vans and 3.5 tonne diesel, and as part of the Zero-Emission Van Plan coalition we work to remove regulatory barriers and improve fiscal support for adopting electric vehicles.
“The outcomes from the consultation are a clear indication that the government is listening to the sector’s concerns, and it is now essential for the recommendations to be adopted in law as quickly as possible.
“We also welcome recognition of our long-standing policy position on expanding the current light goods vehicle N1 classification to include electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes, and this will form part of our continuing discussions with the Department of Transport.”
