Uncertainty Remains Over Timing Of 4.25-Tonne Electric Van Reforms

Fleet operators are still waiting for clarity on when long-discussed regulatory changes affecting 3.5 to 4.25-tonne electric vans will come into force, as the Government has yet to confirm a timetable.

A consultation launched in December 2024 examined proposals to address the current position whereby rules designed for HGVs apply to heavier electric vans. Although a derogation allows these vehicles to be treated as light commercial vehicles for driving licence purposes, other regulatory requirements continue to limit their operational flexibility.

In its response, published in November, the Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed it would seek to move 3.5 to 4.25-tonne zero-emission vans into the class 7 MOT regime. The change would also extend the period before the first MOT test from one year after registration to three years.

The DfT said it also intended to amend the application of drivers’ hours rules, transferring these vehicles from assimilated EU rules to GB domestic rules and removing the requirement to use a tachograph.

At the time, the department made clear that primary legislation would be required to implement the reforms, which would effectively align 4.25-tonne electric vans with their 3.5-tonne petrol and diesel equivalents. It stated that it would “investigate ways to introduce this legislation when parliamentary time allows”.

The relevant Statutory Instrument was laid before Parliament in January, formally beginning the legislative process. However, when approached for an update, a DfT spokesperson said no further detail could be provided on how long the legislation might take to pass, adding that the timing of debates and formal introduction is dependent on parliamentary scheduling.

Industry bodies have continued to press for swift progress. When the consultation response was first published, Paul Hollick, chairman of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), said the organisation wanted to see the measures enacted “as soon as possible”.

Providing a further update, Hollick said: “We are expecting legislation linked to 4.25-tonne electric vans to be passed before the summer sessions but, while no firm date has been provided, we continue to double down on our lobbying, including the recent hiring of Dale Eynon as our first government and policy lead.”

Until the changes are confirmed in law, fleets operating or considering heavier electric vans remain in a holding pattern, awaiting clarity on when the revised regulatory framework will finally take effect.