Despite industry calls, only two more Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) for electric vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have opened in nine months. Venson Automotive Solutions’ FOI request to the DVSA revealed 565 ATFs at the year’s start.
Venson notes battery weight often classifies electric vans as HGVs, straining ATFs. HGV testing has a one-year initial test, higher fees, and fewer test centres than the three-year initial test for lighter vehicles, causing more downtime and costs for fleets. Fleets with mixed electric and ICE vans face scheduling burdens. While all ATFs and DVSA stations can test these electric vans, site design can restrict some. The DVSA has not noted access issues.
Between 2022 and 2025, only 5.5% of tested 3.5-4.25t vehicles failed. The DVSA states these are usually well-prepared, unlike light vehicle MOTs. Headlamp aim was the top defect.
Venson urges the Government to expedite its Zero Emission Van Consultation outcome, suggesting reclassifying electric vans for MOTs could ease stringent testing. Lee O’Neill from Venson argues the current framework hinders EV adoption, causing downtime and higher fees. He suggests allowing these electric vans to undergo Class 7 MOT testing instead of HGV testing as a practical solution, while maintaining safety.
Source: Fleet News