Government relaxes rules on Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vans until 2035

Yesterday the Government announced it was making changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate that included a relaxation of rules on the sale of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vans until 2035. This is alongside full hybrid and plug-in hybrid vans.

The NCC is currently in the process of securing confirmation that the changes will apply to chassis cabs, as well as vans and special purpose vehicles such as ‘M1 motorhome’ together with N1 and N2 base vehicles. Our current understanding is this will apply but please be aware we cannot confirm at this stage and are seeking further clarification from Department for Transport officials.

The NCC had previously called for motorhomes as special purpose vehicles to be exempt from the ZEV mandate , as part of an earlier consultation. Yesterday’s Government statement suggests the exemption could be at least a further ten years with the possibility of a bespoke derogation for such vehicles, but we are unable to confirm details at this stage.

How does it affect motorhome manufacturers?

Although the NCC is seeking further clarification, these statements are taken from the official announcement, which can be read in full here:

• Vans with an internal combustion engine (ICE) will also be allowed to be sold until 2035, alongside full hybrids and plug-in hybrid vans

And:

• The exemption of all micro vehicle manufacturers (MVMs), small vehicle manufacturers (SVMs), special purpose and kit vehicles from the requirement to end the sale of pure ICE cars by 2030. SVMs will need to apply for a bespoke derogation to reduce their emissions across their fleets.

Next steps:

The Government has stated its next steps as this: “We want to restore much-needed certainty and stability to the automotive sector. We will bring forward regulations to implement the policy changes proposed to the ZEV mandate promptly and will engage relevant stakeholders on the draft regulations as soon as possible.

“We will continue to work to define regulatory mechanisms for the continued ZEV transition post-2030, including technology definitions for non-ZEV cars and vans, and non-ZEV fleet CO₂ reduction requirements. These will be subject to further consultation prior to implementation.”

Please again note this is a preliminary assessment of yesterday’s announcement. The NCC is seeking clarification from the Government on the scope of the changes and will keep members informed of further developments at the earliest opportunity.

In addition

We also learned this week that the Plug-in Van Grant has been renewed and will remain in place for at least another year. Parliament also voted to remove the five-hour training requirement for driving 4.25 tonne electric vans, which may be welcome news to any members with such a vehicle on their sales forecourt or work fleet.

You can read a further NCC submission to Government on the topic of ZEVs and electrification here.