The Government’s long-awaited legal reforms to streamline fleet use of heavier electric vans have edged closer to becoming law.

The major changes to MOTs, tachographs and speed limiters for zero-emission vans weighing 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes in Britain are now progressing through Parliament, with the publication of the draft legislation that will make the proposals a reality.

The BVRLA welcomed the reforms, which deliver on a key ask of the Zero Emission Van Plan. The campaign, first launched in February 2024, highlights where action is needed to support the transition to electric vans.

Catherine Bowen, head of decarbonisation & future mobility at the BVRLA, said: “Once implemented, these changes will mean 4.25t e‑vans will no longer be treated like HGVs for MOTs or face restrictive distance limits. This removes a major headache for operators and a barrier to making the transition a success. We are grateful to our industry partners and the team at DfT who have worked hard behind the scenes to bring this change forward.”

The BVRLA is also running a Van Plan Reception in the House of Commons next week, marking the two-year anniversary of the Zero Emission Van Plan.

As well as celebrating regulatory changes for 4.25t vans, the event, which takes place on the evening of Wednesday 4 February 2026, will be a celebration of all the Van Plan has achieved to date, which also includes the extension of the Plug-in Van Grant and infrastructure support through the depot charging scheme. It also presents an opportunity to discuss remaining transition barriers, especially around infrastructure.

Bowen added: “If you run vans or have a stake in the transition – this is your chance to speak directly to policymakers about the barriers that still stand in the way and what needs fixing next. Fleet professionals and stakeholders interested in attending should email [email protected].”

The rule changes for heavier electric vans were pledged by the Government in November 2025, following a consultation held earlier in the year on delivering regulatory alignment between 4.25-tonne electric vans and 3.5-tonne diesel vans.

Due to the extra weight of the battery or other zero-emission technology, electric vans are often heavier than an equivalently sized, and equivalently used, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. This extra weight may move the vehicle above the 3.5-tonne threshold, over which additional regulatory requirements for heavy goods vehicles apply.

Changes to driving licence entitlement for zero-emission vehicles came into effect from June 2025, making it easier to switch to electric vans. The changes mean that standard category B driving licence holders are now able to drive zero-emission electric- or hydrogen-powered vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 4.25 tonnes.

But fleets running such vehicles still face restrictions on annual vehicle testing, drivers’ hours and tachographs, and speed limiter devices, which are impacting take-up of electric vans.

The new regulations, laid in draft, will tackle this. The draft legislation will require approval from both houses of Parliament before they can come into force. Progress of the legislation can be followed via the Parliament website: Statutory Instruments – UK Parliament. Until the Regulations come into force, the existing rules in this area continue to apply.