The Department for Transport has set out new proposals on electric vans, following a consultation on regulations
Transport + Energy reports that the main proposals include transferring zero-emission vans (ZEGVs) with a weight of 3.5 tonnes to 4.25 tonnes away from the heavy vehicle testing system and into the MOT network – with the tests used for 3t to 3.5t goods vehicles put in place used.
This decision follows such vans having a higher mass compared to their petrol and diesel equivalents, due to the additional weight of their powertrain, including the battery in most cases. Despite this extra weight, these vehicles are equivalent in function and appearance to petrol and diesel vans.
In addition, the DfT said it would amend annual testing schedules for ZEGVs of 3.5t to 4.25t, so their first test is after three years from first registration, and annually thereafter. It will also remove ZEGVs of 3.5t to 4.25t – and when used with a trailer in a combination up to 7t – from the requirements for tachograph use. The news follows the announcement in October 2023 of the response to a consultation about driving licence flexibility for alternatively-fuelled vehicles.
In 2019, the UK committed to meeting net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to ensure that it ends its contribution to climate change.
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