DfT consults on relaxing rules for electric vans

The application of tachograph rules to light commercial EVs is among the focuses of the consultation

The Department for Transport (DfT) has opened a consultation into proposals that would reduce the regulatory burden on operators of zero-emission vans in terms of drivers hours’ rules and roadworthiness testing.

DfT is seeking views from interested parties on plans that it says would make it easier and cheaper for operators to use zero-emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs) – including feedback on whether such vehicles whose maximum authorised mass is 3.5t to 4.25t should be tested by MOT garages rather than authorised testing facilities (ATFs).

“Moving these vehicles from HGV testing (at an ATF) into the class 7 MOT testing system would reduce costs and administrative burdens for vehicle owners,” said the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in a bulletin announcing the consultation last month.

The department is also garnering views on whether ZEGVs with the same maximum authorised mass should be taken out of scope of: the requirements for tachograph use; the assimilated drivers’ hours rules (Regulation (EC) 561/2006, as it has effect in the UK); and specific road transport working time rules when used within Great Britain.

While the department is not proposing any changes on speed limiters at this stage, DVSA said it is seeking evidence about the effects of this requirement and whether there may be benefits to removing it.

Logistics UK said the consultation would provide the opportunity to deliver regulatory alignment between 4.25-tonne electric vans and 3.5-tonne diesel vans, as well as preventing legacy legislation from inhibiting the future uptake of electric vehicles.

“The current situation, where 4.25-tonne electric vans are treated as HGVs in terms of MOT and driver hours requirements, is nonsensical and is limiting the adoption of cleaner electric vehicles,” said the organisation’s head of infrastructure and planning policy, Jonathan Walker.

“The vehicles are the same size and used to perform the same tasks as traditional vans: it is only the extra weight from the batteries which moves them into a heavier weight category.

“From an operational point of view, the vehicles are the same and aligning regulations will make it easier to integrate electric vehicles into fleets. Removing the requirement for tachographs and drivers’ hours restrictions that are intended for HGVs means there would be no disruption to shift patterns.

“In addition, annual roadworthiness checks could be carried out in the comprehensive MOT network instead of the heavy vehicle testing system.”

Mr Walker added: “We have long been campaigning for full regulatory alignment between 4.25-tonne electric vans and 3.5-tonne diesel vans, and this consultation is a clear indication that the government is listening to the sector’s concerns.

“Alongside its main proposals, we continue to press the government to remove the requirement for five hours’ additional training to drive an electric van, and lift the prohibition on the towing of a trailer.

“Vans are the workhorses of the UK economy and all barriers to their use need to be removed so drivers can use a zero-emission van just as easily as a petrol or diesel equivalent.”

Interested parties can respond to the consultation here. It closes at 23:59 on Monday 3 March.