OZEV Updates Fleet Managers on Rules for 4.25-tonne Electric Vans
The update comes after no legislation has been introduced following the announcement over six months ago.
- Last year, the government announced several changes to rules on operating electric HGVs.
- These included removing the additional five hours of training for drivers of 4.25-tonne vehicles. As well as changes to towing restrictions
- More than six months later, and no changes to legislation have yet been introduced.
- Abdul Chowdhury, who leads the vehicle policy team at OZEV, has provided an update ahead of growing speculation.
In October 2023, the government announced some changes for drivers of electric HGVs. These included removing the additional five-hour training for drivers of 4.25-tonne vehicles. Plus, changes to towing restrictions to support electric van uptake.
After six months, however, no new laws have yet been introduced. Read on for the latest update from OZEV.
Electric vans remain a priority
From the latest update, it’s been assured that electric vans remain high on the government’s priority list.
Adbul Chowdhury, Head of Vehicle Policy at OZEV, spoke of this at the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) annual conference.
Chowdhury said that new legislation is currently being worked on and should be taken to Parliament later in the year.
He also stated that OZEV is working on changing operator rules for 4.25-tonne electric vans. With changes to MOT requirements, as well as others like speed limiters, drivers’ hours, and tachographs.
Currently, electric vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are still considered HGVs, requiring an MOT test every 12 months. These are speed-restricted, and subject to tachograph monitoring if travelling beyond 100 kilometres.
In Northern Ireland however, the rules are different. Vehicles travelling from north to south of the border must simply be covered by an international O license.
Safety considerations for heavier vehicles
Chowdhury also said that any changes will need to consider the impact on safety. Though they look and feel the same as 3.5-tonne vans, 4.25-tonne vans are heavier and likely to cause more damage in an accident.
The government is looking into more evidence to help with decisions, so we can expect to hear more news in the coming months.
How has the government supported electric vans?
In the conference, Chowdhury also shared insight on how the government has supported the EV movement.
Spending over £2 billion, the government has:
- Helped offset the higher upfront costs of EVs with grants and incentives.
- Supported the rollout of public charging infrastructure around the UK.
- Created a regulatory framework to continue supporting the movement.
The Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG) will be available until March 2025. This offers up to £5,000 towards a brand-new electric van, making them more accessible to businesses.
It’s hoped that the grant, plus continuing work to expand public charging access will help accelerate electric van uptake.
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