Electric Van Proposal Is A “Victory For Common Sense”, Says Logistics UK

  |   Road Transport   |   Electric Van Proposal Is A "Victory For Common Sense", Says Logistics UK

09:00 Wed 26th Nov 2025 | Posted By UKHAULIER

27 mins ago

The government's proposals to stop treating electric vans as HGVs is a "victory for the environment and common sense," says business group Logistics UK. The comments follow the outcome of the consultation on regulatory flexibility for zero-emission vans that recommends changing legislation which classifies electric vans as HGVs due to extra battery weight. Chris Yarsley Senior Policy Manager - Road Freight Regulation at Logistics UK said:

"The current situation where standard size electric vans are treated as HGVs, in terms of MOT and driver hours requirements, is nonsensical and is limiting the adoption of cleaner electric vehicles. It is only the extra weight from the batteries that moves electric vans into the same category as HGVs, and from an operational point of view, the vehicles are the same as diesel and petrol equivalents. "The proposals published in the consultation response will give operators the confidence to invest in cleaner electric vans as they remove the additional costs from adhering to legislation designed for HGV operators - it is a victory for the environment and common sense.

"Logistics UK has long been campaigning for full regulatory alignment between 4.25 tonne electric vans and 3.5 tonne diesel, and as part of the Zero-Emission Van Plan coalition we work to remove regulatory barriers and improve fiscal support for adopting electric vehicles.

The outcomes from the consultation are a clear indication that the government is listening to the sector's concerns, and it is now essential for the recommendations to be adopted in law as quickly as possible.

"We also welcome recognition of our long-standing policy position on expanding the current light goods vehicle N1 classification to include electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes, and this will form part of our continuing discussions with the Department of Transport."