The Government has confirmed it will remove some of the red tape that is restricting adoption of heavy electric vans, directly addressing critical asks of the Zero Emission Van Plan.
On Monday 24 November, the Department for Transport published the outcome of its consultation on 4.25t zero-emission vehicles. The consultation was a key part of the Zero Emission Van Plan, a BVRLA-led initiative that involves multiple complementary industry partners.
It is important to note that the changes announced within the consultation response do not immediately come into effect. A legislative process follows to formalise the details
The consultation examined long-standing challenges members and fleet operators have faced around MOT requirements, drivers’ hours rules, tachographs and wider regulatory inconsistencies.
The proposals address two core areas:
- Roadworthiness testing
- Drivers’ hours and tachographs.
The Government also sought feedback on speed limiter rules and other vehicle classes that may face similar issues to 3.5–4.25t zero-emission vans.
It has been confirmed that 3.5-4.25t zero-emission vans will move into the Class 7 MOT regime, aligning them with 3.5t vans. This means the first MOT will be conducted at 3 years, then annual testing thereafter.
This change will require legislation, followed by a post-implementation review to assess safety impacts. If any concerns arise, the Government has indicated that the change could be reconsidered.
The Government will also remove 3.5-4.25t zero-emission vans from assimilated EU drivers’ hours rules and bring them entirely under the GB domestic drivers’ hours regime.
Toby Poston, BVRLA Chief Executive said: “This is a great result for the van sector and delivers something the Zero Emission Van Plan has pushed up the agenda. Policymakers have listened to the fleet sector. We now need to see the legislation passed quickly to finally remove these restrictive regulations.
“Today’s progress underlines what can be achieved when an industry comes together with a shared voice, met by Government representatives that are ready to listen. Operators of large vans are being given the chance access cleaner, greener models, no longer hamstrung by illogical operational loopholes.”
These announcements strengthen the positive progress already achieved through the Zero Emission Van Plan, including:
- Extension of the Plug-in Van Grant
- Removal of the five-hour training requirement for 4.25t vans
- Permission for these vehicles to tow
- Support for depot charging and cross-pavement charging solutions.
More information on the campaign: Zero Emission Van Plan.
