Simplifying Rules For Electric Vans

Currently, drivers hours and other rules apply to work-related driving if the maximum weight of your vehicle or vehicle combination is more than 3.5 tonnes. These rules cover topics such as the maximum time a driver can drive for, what breaks they have to take, the records that drivers and employers must keep, vehicle maintenance, roadworthiness testing, and the fitting of tachographs. Exactly what rules apply depends on the vehicle and the particular circumstances.

 

It has been estimated that approximately 26% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions are produced by the transport sector, with vans being responsible for 17% of these emissions.

 

The additional weight of the powertrain required for battery electric vehicles means that to achieve the same functionality as their petrol or diesel equivalents, zero-emission vehicles are significantly heavier. Potentially bringing an equivalent zero-emission vehicle above the weight threshold at which the additional rules would apply.

 

Moving to zero-emission goods vehicles is a key part of the UK’s net-zero strategy; however, concerns have been raised that the additional costs and administration required for a battery electric vehicle when compared to their traditional counterparts are putting people off from adopting the new technology.

 

The government recently launched a consultation on proposals to simplify the rules for electric vans and reduce costs for operators and users. The proposals include increasing the threshold at which zero-emissions goods vehicles would fall under drivers hours and tachograph rules from a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3,500 kg to 4,250 kg (including when used with a trailer in a combination with a MAM up to 7,000 kg).

 

They also propose moving zero-emissions goods vehicles with a MAM of 3,500 kg to 4,250 kg from the goods vehicle testing regime to the MOT system. Meaning that the first test would be three years after first registration and that test could be carried out at an MOT test station that already caters to 3,000 kg to 3,500 kg vans rather than requiring annual HGV testing from the first year after registration.

 

Although it doesn’t make any proposals in this area, the consultation is also seeking views on removing the requirement to fit speed limiters to these vehicles.

 

You can view and respond to the full consultation document on the Gov.UK website.

 

If you have any questions or would like support with managing issues at your workplace, please speak to your usual contact or get in touch using the form below.