New Rules Simplify Electric Vehicle Adoption
New driving license rules, launched today, are designed to make it simpler for van drivers and businesses to switch to electric vehicles. This initiative follows a government funding package of £120 million aimed at supporting the transition to electric vehicles, which includes an extension of the plug-in van grant until April 2026.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has removed regulatory hurdles, previously in place, that might have prevented businesses from adopting zero-emission vans. This includes the end of supplementary training requirements previously mandated for those driving electric vans. These changes, announced by Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood, aim to expedite and reduce the expenses associated with the switch to electric transport for both drivers and businesses.
These measures are part of a broader £2.3 billion government investment to facilitate the automotive industry and consumers in moving to electric vehicles, as part of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate. The mandate requires 28% of new car sales to be electric this year, rising to 100% by 2035.
Today’s changes, as outlined in secondary legislation presented to Parliament, allow holders of a standard category B license to drive zero-emission vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes. Previously, these drivers would need to complete five hours of additional training, but under the new changes this will be removed and subject to parliamentary approval will come into effect this spring. This change covers vans, minibuses, SUVs, trucks, and all vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes when powered by petrol or diesel. The new rules accommodate the added weight of electric vehicle batteries, thereby aligning licensing prerequisites for heavier electric vans with their lighter petrol and diesel equivalents.
Fleets and van drivers will continue to benefit from grants of up to £5,000 for the purchase of larger electric vans, weighing up to 4.25 tonnes. Those buying smaller vans, up to 2.5 tonnes, can still apply for grants up to £2,500. Additional support is planned for various other vehicle types, including £4,000 for zero-emission black cabs and a £500 grant for electric motorbikes. Moreover, the cap for the plug-in wheelchair-accessible vehicle grant has been increased from £35,000 to £50,000, widening the range of accessible vehicles for disabled passengers.
Greenwood was quoted as saying, “From van drivers and businesses to drivers with accessibility needs, bikers and cabbies, today we are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles. By making the transition to zero emissions a success, we’re helping to drive growth all over the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets and rebuilding Britain to deliver our Plan for Change.”
The government is looking to further simplify regulations for zero-emission vans by consulting to relax MOT testing requirements so as not to create obstacles to achieving net zero emissions. The charging infrastructure in the UK is also constantly expanding, with over 74,000 public charge points now available nationwide.
