The Government has confirmed that it’s removing restrictive MOT regulations for heavier electric vans, bringing them in line with petrol and diesel LCVs.

From 1 June, electric vans weighing between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes will be moved from HGV testing requirements to Class 7 MOT rules, ensuring they can be tested at standard MOT centres rather than dedicated authorised testing facilities (ATFs).This also means that new electric vans in this weight class will only need their first MOT three years after registration, rather than one year.

Previously, the weight of batteries in standard-sized electric vans meant they were treated as HGVs in certain aspects of legislation, restricting adoption by fleets.

The Department for Transport said the move would mean less strenuous tests, more flexibility and savings of up to 60% on MOTs compared to the current heavy vehicle testing regime. Other benefits include simplified fleet management, lower operating costs and improved vehicle availability.

A 2025 DfT consultation found that HGV roadworthiness testing for heavier electric vans hinders adoption. Operators stated that, due to advanced safety features and professional use, moving these vehicles to the Class 7 MOT regime would reduce administrative burdens without impacting road safety.

The changes also see 3.5- to 4.25-tonne zero-emission vans move into the GB Drivers’ hours rules, removing the requirement to use a tachograph and the existing ‘distance from base’ limit.

The DfT said the changes build on the Government’s £1bn commitment to back businesses to go electric, including the Plug-in Van and Truck Grants.

Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather 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.

“Today’s 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.”

The move follows widescale lobbying for full regulatory alignment between 4.25-tonne electric vans and 3.5-tonne diesel from campaigns. The Zero Emission Van Plan, run by the BVRLA and coalition partners, had called for MOT changes among other key asks, to tackle the barriers to large electric van uptake.

Toby Poston, BVRLA chief executive, said: “Following extensive collaboration between government and industry, these changes remove major operational hurdles for fleets and unlock a critical part of the UK’s transition to zero-emission road transport.”

Venson Automotive Solutions, which backed the Zero Emission Van Plan, described the decision as a “significant and pragmatic step forward” for UK fleet operators transitioning to zero-emission vehicles.

Lee O’Neill, operations director, said: “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.”

He added: “For many businesses, downtime is one of the biggest operational and financial pressures. Expanding access to testing centres and reducing reliance on limited heavy vehicle testing slots will make a tangible difference to fleet efficiency and business continuity.

“Importantly, this change has been introduced without compromising safety. The government consultation demonstrated strong industry support for the reforms, alongside widespread confidence that appropriate safety standards would continue to be maintained.”

Venson also said the change could help accelerate wider electric van adoption across the UK by improving the overall total cost of ownership proposition for fleets.

“Ultimately, the reforms represent a welcome example of practical policymaking that supports both sustainability goals and the operational realities facing UK fleet operators,” added O’Neill.

Logistics UK said the regulatory alignment was a “victory for the environment and common sense”.

Chief executive Ben Fletcher continued: “The new regulations correct the nonsensical situation that saw standard-size electric vans treated as HGVs when it came to MOTs, driver hours requirements and mandatory tachograph use, unless they were operated under tight geographical restrictions.”

Fletcher said the sector standardisation would give operators the confidence to invest in cleaner electric vehicles.

He finished: “As part of the Zero Emission Van Plan coalition, we will continue to work to improve fiscal support for adopting electric vehicles and accelerating change.

“As operators face growing pressure to decarbonise fleets, regulatory clarity and consistency are essential and the new regulations are a clear indication that the government is listening to the sector’s concerns.”