Are you in the process of electrifying your fleet? Or do you already manage a fleet of electric vans? If so, you should know that the government recently announced new driving licence rules for electric vans.
In this post we will outline what these new rules entail, and explore how they might affect your fleet.
If you would like some advice and support on the risk management and insurance implications of electrifying your fleet, our friendly team of commercial motor experts are always on hand to help. Call us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
New Driving Licence Rules for Electric Vans
In February 2025, the Department for Transport announced new laws for heavier electric vans. Under the new rules, drivers with standard category B licences can drive electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes. These new rules apply to all zero-emission vans, minibuses, SUVs, and trucks.
Under the previous rules, drivers with standard category driving licences could only drive vans of up to 3,500 kg, or 3.5 tonnes.
On top of this, the DfT is dropping the five-hour training requirement for electric vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes. There will also be changes to the towing allowance for electric vans.
When Will The New Electric Van Rules Come In?
This new secondary legislation is currently awaiting parliamentary approval. If parliament approves the new driving licence rules, they will come into play by summer 2025.
The previous government announced a similar legislation in October 2023. Yet the General Election happened before these rules could come into force. The Labour government has only recently got round to tabling the necessary legislation for this rule change. There is no reason to suggest that parliament will not approve the legislation.
Further Grants and Consultations for Electric Vans
On top of these new licence rules, the government has also extended the plug-in van grant. You can now get up to £5,000 off an electric van until April 2026.
Also, the government’s Zero Emission Vans: Regulatory Flexibility consultation closed on 3 March 2025. This consultation explored the regulations relating to annual vehicle testing, drivers’ hours, tachographs, and speed limiting devices for electric vans and other zero emission goods vehicles.
There does not yet seem to have been any government announcements following this consultation. However, the consultation itself demonstrates the direction the government is moving in: They seem committed to making it as easy and straightforward as possible for drivers and fleets to switch to electric vehicles.
What Do The New Electric Van Rules Mean For Your Fleet?
Essentially, it’s never been easier to electrify your fleet. Thanks to the new driving licence rules, more of your drivers can now drive a wider range of zero-emission vehicles, without the need for any extra training. The extension of the plug-in van grant may accelerate your electric vehicle acquisition strategy, while the recent consultation suggests that fleet management for electric vehicles could soon become significantly easier too.
If you’re looking to electrify your fleet, we have some guides to help streamline the process:
- EV adoption strategies for fleets.
- EV charger installation strategies for electric fleets.
- Installing electric charge points for fleets – grants, risks, and targets.
Are You Covered For an Electric Fleet?
Electrifying your fleet will affect your commercial motor insurance. We’re here to help you ensure you have the cover you need at a price you can afford.
If you would like some advice and support on the risk management and insurance implications of electrifying your fleet, our friendly team of commercial motor experts are always happy to help. Call us on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
