The UK government has launched a consultation to review regulations around zero-emission vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes as it works to support businesses ahead of the upcoming 2030 ban on new diesel and petrol LCVs.
The initiative, entitled “Zero Emission Vans: Regulatory Flexibility”, is set to review the issues businesses face as they endeavour to electrify their fleets, with specific emphasis on the barriers within regulations which prevent an easy transition.
There will be a focus on clarifying rules around the exemption that allows drivers with a standard car driving licence to drive electric vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes.
The exemption was introduced in 2018, allowing drivers to operate heavier zero-emission vans without needing to upgrade their licences to adhere to previous weight rules, but it requires drivers to take a five-hour training course before being allowed to get behind the wheel of electric vans weighing more than the usual 3.5-tonne limit.
Another point of discussion within the consultation will be the annual testing requirements for zero-emission goods vehicles, which fall into the 3.5-tonne to 4.25-tonne weight range. Currently, such vehicles follow the requirements for heavy vehicle testing; however, the change under consideration could see them using the MOT testing framework used for lighter commercial vehicles. This would mean electric vans would adopt the same testing schedule as standard vans, requiring the first MOT test three years after the first registration and each year thereafter.
Also under review is a proposal to remove the requirements usually reserved for drivers of larger commercial vehicles, such as tachographs and driver’s hours logs. The aim is to simplify regulations for businesses using these vehicles for local operations and deliveries.
Previously, the government had announced intentions to extend the flexibility of the driver requirement exemptions, but promises to remove the requirement for five hours of additional driver training have yet to come to fruition. No legislation has been proposed to remove this, leaving operators uncertain about future steps.
The consultation will review these previous proposals. Public feedback will be accepted until 3 March 2025, and stakeholders, such as industry experts and van operators, are invited to share their views on the issues.
The government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which will ban the production of new diesel and petrol vans from 2030, underscores the importance of refining regulations. The government hopes that refining the current rules will make navigating the transition to cleaner electric vans a more practical and appealing option for businesses.
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