Proposed Changes to MOT Testing for Electric Vans
The UK government has launched a consultation on changing the MOT testing regime for electric vans, sparking debate among industry experts. The proposed changes include allowing heavier electric vans to be tested at MOT centers rather than through the HGV testing network, and potentially extending the first MOT test to three years after registration.
Experts at Holman, a fleet management company, have expressed concerns about the proposed extension of the first MOT test to three years. Dominic Hutchinson, Holman’s head of operations, argued that annual testing should continue until there is sufficient evidence that the extra weight of electric vans is not affecting their safety. “The issue with moving to a three-year first MOT regime is that we’re not going to get any statistically relevant data from the DVSA until the end of this decade at the earliest. That’s too long to wait to find out what’s going on in terms of compliance,” he said.
Hutchinson advocated for a hybrid testing approach that utilizes the MOT network’s capacity while maintaining annual testing frequency. “We believe these vans should be subject to a hybrid regime, taking advantage of the capacity of the Class 7 MOT network while applying the annual testing of the HGV regime,” he added.
The consultation also proposed removing tachograph requirements for certain electric vans. Holman supports this move, arguing that it would benefit operators financially and that modern in-cab safety systems make heavier vans as safe as lighter models.
The government’s consultation aims to reduce barriers to electric van adoption by clarifying regulations for vehicles within the 4.25-tonne derogation. The proposed changes are part of the UK’s efforts to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles and reduce carbon emissions.
The Department for Transport has yet to respond to the findings of the consultation. Industry experts are awaiting the outcome, which could have significant implications for the testing and maintenance of electric vans in the UK.
