- New MOT rules for electric vans 2026
- Larger, heavier vans move into the Class 7 MOT system
- Tested like more conventional vans
- Only need their first MOT after three years
- Important change, with electric vans typically heavier than their diesel counterparts
- Need help switching to an electric van? Read our guide
(Adobe stock)
The Government is changing the MOT rules for heavier electric vans, removing one of the more awkward barriers facing businesses looking to switch from diesel.
From June 2026, large electric vans — those weighing between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes — will move into the Class 7 MOT system, meaning they’ll be tested more like conventional vans rather than under rules designed for heavy goods vehicles.
It’s an important change, as electric vans tend to be heavier than their diesel counterparts due to the weight of their battery packs.
Allowing them to operate at up to 4.25 tonnes gives them a bit of headroom to help balance payload against range, making larger electric vans more practical for real-world work.
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(Our author Phil Huff at the wheel)
New MOT test rules for large electric vans: Less faff, reduced costs
Until now, though, that extra weight has brought extra bureaucracy. Vans in this weight bracket have been subject to heavier vehicle testing rules, with the first annual test due after just 12 months.
Under the new rules, electric vans between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes will only need their first MOT after three years, just like diesel-powered and lighter electric vans. Existing vehicles are expected to move into the Class 7 system for future testing.
The Department for Transport says the change could cut MOT costs by up to 60% for affected operators. It should also make testing easier to arrange, as Class 7 MOTs are available through a wider network of garages than heavy vehicle tests.
That may prove just as valuable as the cost savings, particularly for smaller businesses without dedicated compliance teams.
New MOT test rules for large electric vans - who will benefit?
The change is likely to benefit operators considering heavier electric versions of large panel vans, where the 4.25-tonne allowance can make the difference between a useful payload and a van that struggles to match its diesel equivalent.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said: “As well as saving up to £5,000 off the cost of a new electric van, businesses will now no longer face unnecessary red tape when they make the switch.”
The move follows industry pressure to remove practical barriers to electric van adoption. Toby Poston, Chief Executive of the BVRLA, said the changes “remove major operational hurdles for fleets”.
Electric vans still face challenges around price, charging, and payload, but this change addresses a specific problem that has made heavier zero-emission vans harder to operate than they need to be.
The Government says the measure forms part of a wider package of support for businesses switching to electric vans and trucks, including plug-in van grants worth up to £5,000.
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