The Association of Fleet Operators (AFP) is calling for a deferral of MOTs for 4.25-tonne electric vans, as many fleets struggle to secure test bookings. These vans are classified as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), requiring annual tests rather than the three-year period applied to lighter vans.
Aaron Powell, fleet and logistics director at Speedy Hire, highlighted the challenge, stating that limited availability of HGV testing, combined with a lack of test centres equipped for electric vehicles, has made booking tests practically impossible. This could force companies to take vehicles off the road, impacting operations.
A Government consultation, Zero Emission Vans: Regulatory Flexibility, aims to clarify testing and operational regulations for this category.
AFP vice chair Lorna McAtear argues that these vans are essentially 3.5-tonne models with larger batteries and should not face HGV-level testing.