The Association of Fleet Operators (AFP) is urging a deferral for MOT tests on 4.25-tonne electric vans, citing difficulties in booking tests due to a shortage of test centres equipped to handle these vehicles.
These vans are classified as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for MOT purposes, requiring a test at one year old rather than three, and a more rigorous examination. This classification, combined with limited HGV testing capacity and a scarcity of centres capable of testing electric vehicles, is creating a bottleneck.
Aaron Powell, fleet and logistics director at Speedy Hire, reports that his company faces having to take vehicles off the road due to the inability to secure MOT appointments. He explained that their lease provider has spent three months trying to find suitable garages and test slots with little success.
Lorna McAtear, vice chair of the AFP, acknowledged the importance of MOT tests for vehicle safety. However, she questioned the necessity of HGV tests for these 4.25-tonne electric vans, which are essentially 3.5-tonne vans with larger batteries. She noted that the category was intended to facilitate the adoption of electric equivalents to 3.5-tonne panel vans.
The AFP is calling for a temporary dispensation, similar to that introduced during the pandemic, allowing a deferral of six or twelve months for first and second-year tests on these vans. This would provide fleets with the time needed to locate and book testing facilities.
Ms. McAtear also highlighted ongoing confusion surrounding the regulations for 4.25-tonne vans, particularly regarding their exemption from operator responsibilities typically applied to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. While the government is aware of these issues and is consulting on potential solutions, progress has been slow. The AFP believes the 4.25-tonne van concept is valuable for accelerating van electrification, but the current practical challenges need to be addressed.
Source: Logistics Business
Hooters
And how long have DVSA known that this was going to become an issue?
mark mitchell
dvsa dont listen to any body they just dont care about the service they provide