Lots of new larger electric vans offer a 4250kg (or 4.25 tonnes) gross vehicle weight (GVW). This is to increase the payload of the van due to the weight of the electric battery.
Normally, you wouldn’t be permitted to drive a van of this GVW with a normal category B UK driving licence – but the rules are different for electric vans.
In 2019, the Government approved a change to driving licence legislation designed to make it easier for people to drive electric vans.
The New Ford E-Transit is available with a GVW up to 4.25 tonnes, whereas the ICE equivalent has a maximum GVW of 3.5 tonnes. Under the new legislation, you can drive both with a normal UK licence.
What does the new driving licence legislation mean?
The change was designed to make it easier for manufacturers to sell fully electric vans to the UK market, and easier for the end user by taking the hassle out of applying for more complex licences.
It means van operators can drive a heavier than usual van with a conventional licence – provided it’s not fuelled by petrol or diesel.
Motorists with a Category B licence, which is the conventional type you receive when you pass your UK driving test, are already allowed to drive most normal vans with a gross vehicle weight no heavier than 3.5 tonnes.
Under the new legislation, Category B licence holders can drive alternative fuel vans that weigh up to 4.25 tonnes.
Usually, drivers would be required to obtain a Category C licence (also known as a HGV licence) to drive a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tonnes.
What types of vans are permitted for Category B licence holders?
Category B licence holders are permitted to drive alternative fuel vans up to 4.25 tonnes.
The new legislation stipulates that alternative fuel vans must be powered by “electricity, natural gas, biogas or hydrogen or a combination of hydrogen and electricity”.
Why are electric vans heavier than petrol and diesel vans?
In short, the batteries that power electric vehicles are heavy.
Due to the battery weight – and size of battery needed to power a van – it’s difficult for manufacturers to fit them to LCVs and keep the weight beneath the traditional 3.5 tonne level.
Is a normal driving licence all I need to drive an electric van?
If the electric or alternative fuel van is over 3.5 tonnes, there are some conditions you’ll need to adhere to in order to drive one with a normal Category B licence.
Category B licence holders are not automatically allowed to drive electric vehicles heavier than 3.5 tonnes. They must first complete a minimum of five hours’ training behind the wheel of such a vehicle with a registered instructor.
The legislation also states that the van has to be driven for the purpose of transporting goods, only within the territory of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales – not including Northern Ireland). You’re also not permitted to tow a trailer.
Anyone caught driving an alternative fuel van with a standard Category B licence that hasn’t completed the training, or flouts any of the other rules, could be subject to a level three fine of £1,000.
Looking to switch to an electric van? Check out our Best Electric Van Deals.
