The proposed reforms follow the government’s zero-emission vans consultation and would stop standard-size electric vans being treated like HGVs simply because battery weight pushes them above 3.5 tonnes. Logistics UK says the current rules unfairly subject many 4.25-tonne electric vans to HGV-style MOT and drivers’ hours requirements, despite being used for the same work as diesel and petrol vans.  

Chris Yarsley, Senior Policy Manager – Road Freight Regulation at Logistics UK, said the legislation is “finally catching up with operational reality” and should be approved as a matter of urgency so operators and consumers can benefit from cleaner vehicles sooner. He argued the changes would remove unnecessary cost and paperwork for logistics businesses trying to electrify their fleets.  

Logistics UK, as part of the Zero-Emission Van Plan coalition, has long campaigned for full regulatory alignment between 4.25-tonne electric vans and 3.5-tonne diesel equivalents. Draft statutory instruments were laid before Parliament on 26 January 2026, signalling progress, but the sector is pressing for rapid implementation.  

The business group says the reforms would support cleaner transport adoption while reducing compliance burdens for operators. It also views the draft legislation as evidence that government is listening to industry concerns as logistics businesses work to meet the UK’s wider decarbonisation goals. 

Photo: Chris Yarsley, Logistics UK.