The UK is set to implement new driving licence rules for heavier electric vans starting June 10, bringing them in line with their lighter petrol and diesel counterparts. The changes, first announced in February, will allow standard category B licence holders to drive zero-emission vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tonnes.
Key Changes
This rule change applies to various vehicle types, including vans, minibuses, SUVs, and trucks, that can be driven up to 3.5 tonnes if they are petrol or diesel. The additional weight allowance accounts for the vehicle’s batteries. The previously required five-hour training for drivers will also be removed.
Towing Allowances
The regulations also modify towing allowances for zero-emission vehicles weighing up to 4.25 tonnes. Drivers will be permitted to tow a trailer as long as the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of the vehicle and trailer combination does not exceed 7,000kg. For instance, if a vehicle has a MAM of 4,250kg, the trailer’s MAM will be limited to 2,750kg, with the trailer’s MAM never exceeding 3,500kg.
Impact and Future Changes
For those who passed their category B driving test before January 1, 1997, they can drive vehicle and trailer combinations up to 8,250kg. The weight limit for category B licence holders driving zero-emission vans was temporarily increased from 3.5 tonnes to 4.25 tonnes in 2018.
Further regulations regarding the operation of 4.25-tonne electric vans, including annual vehicle testing, drivers’ hours, tachographs, and speed limiter devices, are expected to be addressed in the future. The Department for Transport (DfT) stated that their response to the consultation on additional regulatory flexibility for zero-emission vans will be communicated ‘in due course’.
Industry experts welcome these changes, with Toby Poston, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), stating, “Out-of-date regulations are hampering the transition to a cleaner, greener van fleet, so we welcome any modernisation to reflect the profiles of today’s vehicles.” The BVRLA continues to advocate for the elimination of remaining regulatory barriers.
Registrations of electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs) up to 4.25 tonnes increased by 77.5% in April, reaching 1,686 units and now represent 8.3% of the market, up from 4% a year ago. However, electric vans weighing between 3.5-4.25 tonnes accounted for only 4.4% (75 units) of this monthly total.
The changes are seen as a positive step towards van fleet decarbonisation, although challenges remain, including the lack of fiscal support and concerns over charging infrastructure.
