New MOT rules for electric vans set for 1 June
The government has announced that new MOT rules for electric vans weighing 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes will come into force on 1 June.
The reforms mean that new electric vans within this weight category will require their first MOT after three years instead of one.
MOT fees will also reduce significantly, with estimates suggesting Class 7 tests will cost up to 60% less than the current heavy vehicle testing regime.
The changes form part of a wider £1bn package from the government to encourage businesses to move to zero-emission vehicles.
Keir Mather, aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister at the Department for Transport, said: “We’re backing UK businesses to expand and decarbonise their fleets, and that’s why we’re investing over £1bn to support businesses to roll out e-vans, trucks and the charging needed to support them.
“This announcement goes even further. As well as saving up to £5,000 off the cost of a new electric van, businesses will now no longer face unnecessary red tape when they make the switch, cutting costs, reducing bureaucracy and driving growth up and down the country.”
Positive development
Lee O’Neill, operations director at Venson Automotive Solutions, added: “This is an extremely positive development for fleet operators. he previous testing framework placed unnecessary administrative and financial burdens on businesses operating heavier electric vans, despite these vehicles being fundamentally equivalent to their internal combustion engine counterparts, with battery weight being the only differentiating factor.
“Bringing 3.5 to 4.25 tonne electric vans into the Class 7 MOT system removes a major obstacle to adoption and sends a strong signal that government is listening to the practical challenges businesses face when transitioning to zero-emission fleets.”
