A coalition behind the Zero Emission Van Plan claims that addressing regulatory restrictions could unlock an estimated 160,000 additional registrations of large electric vans within the next two years.
A survey conducted by the coalition found that 70% of fleet operators identify regulatory barriers as the primary obstacle to adopting 4.25-tonne electric vans.
The survey highlighted a discrepancy between regulations for larger electric vans and their diesel counterparts. Current regulations require 4.25-tonne electric vans to undergo an MOT in their first year and impose restrictions on driver travel distances, unlike 3.5-tonne diesel models.
The survey, involving fleets representing nearly 200,000 UK vehicles, indicated that removing these regulations would significantly increase the purchase of heavier electric vans.
The coalition estimates this could lead to 160,000 additional electric van registrations by 2027.
The Zero Emission Van Plan has advocated for the removal of these regulatory barriers since its launch in February 2024. A government consultation on the feasibility of aligning regulations for 4.25-tonne electric vans with those of equivalent diesel models closed this week.
The coalition has engaged with government officials throughout the consultation process and submitted an official response, emphasising the potential impact of regulatory changes on electric van adoption.
A spokesperson for the Zero Emission Van Plan, said: “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.
“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.”
