Scrapping regulations could ‘unlock 160k electric van registrations’

Addressing restrictive regulations, which have been the subject of a Government consultation, could unlock an estimated 160,000 electric van registrations over the next two years.

That’s according to a survey from the coalition behind the Zero Emission Van Plan, which saw 70% of fleet operators confirming that regulatory barriers are the single biggest barrier to adopting 4.25t electric vans.

Fleets are now eagerly waiting on the outcome of an ongoing electric van consultation – ‘Zero emission vans: regulatory flexibility’ -  which relates to annual vehicle testing, drivers’ hours and tachographs, and speed limiter devices, currently required for 4.25-tonne electric vans. It closed on Monday (March 3). 

The main proposals in the consultation include, transferring the annual testing of zero emission goods vehicles, with a GVW of 3.5t to 4.25t, from the heavy vehicle testing system to the MOT network, with the tests used for 3t to 3.5t goods vehicles put in place. 

It also sought views on amending annual testing schedules, so their first test is after three years from first registration (and annually thereafter), and removing zero-emission vehicles, with a GVW of 3.5t to 4.25t (and when used with a trailer in a combination with a MAM up to 7t), from the requirements for tachograph use, the assimilated drivers’ hours rules and specific road transport working time rules when used within Great Britain.

The coalition responsible for the Zero Emission Van Plan engaged with Government officials during the process and will continue to do so. 

The team also submitted an official response as part of the consultation, putting the case for the sector forward and highlighting the critical role positive action would have in driving uptake of electric vans.

A spokesperson for the Zero Emission Van Plan, said: “Regulatory hurdles based on historic parameters and yesterday’s vehicle parc are not suitable for the transition to cleaner, greener vehicles. 

“Red tape is the single biggest barrier preventing electric van adoption. It is holding back hundreds of thousands of registrations. 

“We know the Zero Emission Van Plan is getting heard; it has already helped to secure an extension to the plug-in-van grant and the trimming of some red tape just last week. 

“Now is the time for the Government to go further and faster to show it is taking our sector seriously.”

The Zero Emission Van Plan survey was completed by fleets representing nearly 200,00 vans currently on UK roads. 

An overwhelming majority confirmed that the removal of the regulations for heavier electric vans would motivate them to start purchasing them. 

Applying that intention across the full sector, changing the regulations is estimated to account for 160,000 additional electric vans coming to market between now and 2027.

Seeing these regulatory barriers addressed has been a key ask of the Zero Emission Van Plan since its launch in Parliament in February 2024. 

The Zero Emission Van Plan spokesperson added: “Electric van registrations are standing still. Market share remains at a single-digit percent and has been flat for two years. 

“February figures show that large electric vans are barely a blip on the radar. Infrastructure, cost and vehicle suitability all need to see improvements. 

“Seeing them addressed and achieving EV parity with ICE will move the dial over time, but realigning restrictive red tape will help to accelerate uptake overnight.”

The Zero Emission Van Plan coalition includes the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), Logistics UK, the REA and its EV forum REcharge UK, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), The EV Café and is supported by Fleet News.