From 1 June 2026, electric vans weighing up to 4,250kg are now tested under the Class 7 MOT scheme rather than the HGV testing regime.
While the change is good news for operators running heavier electric vehicles, it also raises some important questions for MOT Test Stations around equipment suitability, authorisation and safe working practices.
As more electric commercial vehicles enter service, MOT Managers should take the opportunity to review whether their facilities, equipment and authorisations remain suitable for the vehicles they may soon be seeing on test.
What Has Changed?
Historically, electric vans weighing over 3,500kg were treated as Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) for testing purposes. This meant:
- Annual HGV testing from one year old
- Testing at authorised HGV facilities
- Higher testing costs
- Increased downtime and administrative requirements
From 1 June 2026, zero-emission goods vehicles with a gross vehicle weight between 3,501kg and 4,250kg are now classified as Class 7 vehicles for MOT purposes.
As a result:
- The first MOT is due at three years old rather than one year
- Testing is carried out under the Class 7 MOT scheme
- Operators have greater flexibility when booking tests
- Testing costs are likely to reduce for many businesses
The change recognises that many electric vans exceed the traditional 3.5-tonne threshold because of battery weight rather than because they are fundamentally larger vehicles.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The change applies specifically to:
- Zero-emission goods vehicles
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight between 3,501kg and 4,250kg
This includes many battery-electric vans used in delivery, logistics, servicing and fleet operations where the additional weight of the battery system has previously pushed the vehicle into HGV testing requirements.
Not Every MOT Test Station Can Test These Vehicles
One of the most important points for MOT Test Stations is that the change in testing classification does not remove the physical realities of testing a vehicle weighing up to 4,250kg.
Although these vehicles now fall under the Class 7 MOT scheme, some existing Class 7 equipment may not be suitable or have sufficient Safe Working Load (SWL) to safely accommodate them.
Before accepting these vehicles for test, stations should review:
- Lift or inspection pit capacity
- Brake tester weight limits
- Play detector capabilities
- Jacking equipment
- Axle stands and lifting equipment
- Workshop access and manoeuvrability
- Safe working procedures
MOT Managers should be satisfied that all equipment is suitable for the vehicle’s weight and dimensions and that testing can be carried out safely and effectively.
Authorisation Requirements Remain
It is also important to remember that this change does not automatically allow every MOT Test Station to test these vehicles.
Only MOT Test Stations authorised to carry out Class 7 testing can test these vehicles under the new arrangements.
Stations authorised for Class 4 testing only cannot test these vehicles unless they obtain the appropriate Class 7 authorisation from DVSA.
Could Your Station Test a 4,250kg Electric Van?
Before accepting one for test, consider the following:
✅ Are you authorised for Class 7 testing?
✅ Is your brake tester rated for the vehicle weight?
✅ Are your lifts, jacks and axle stands suitable?
✅ Can your inspection area safely accommodate the vehicle dimensions?
✅ Have you considered the potential impact of higher EV axle loads?
✅ Are your technicians aware of any additional safety considerations?
A proactive review now could help prevent safety concerns, equipment issues and compliance problems later.
What Does This Mean for the Industry?
For operators, the change should make testing simpler, more accessible and potentially less expensive.
For MOT Test Stations, it may also create additional testing opportunities as more electric commercial vehicles enter service.
However, stations should avoid assuming that because these vehicles now fall within the Class 7 MOT scheme, existing facilities are automatically suitable. The weight and axle load characteristics of some electric vans can differ significantly from traditional Class 7 vehicles, making equipment suitability checks essential.
Pro-Tech Insight: Don’t Assume Your Existing Class 7 Equipment Is Suitable
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding this change is that because these vehicles are now tested under the Class 7 MOT scheme, any Class 7 MOT Test Station can automatically accommodate them.
While a station may hold Class 7 authorisation, operators should carefully review the Safe Working Load (SWL) and manufacturer specifications of all testing equipment before accepting a 4,250kg electric van for test.
Electric vehicles carry significant battery weight, which can result in substantially higher axle loads than many traditional Class 7 vehicles.
Particular attention should be paid to:
- ATL brake tester capacities
- Vehicle lift SWL ratings
- Inspection pits and pit jacks
- Axle stands and lifting equipment
- Play detectors and associated equipment
- Workshop access, manoeuvrability and bay dimensions
Failure to ensure equipment suitability could create safety risks for staff, damage equipment and potentially result in non-compliance with DVSA requirements and wider health and safety obligations.
Final Thoughts
This change reflects the growing number of electric commercial vehicles now entering service and the need for testing requirements to evolve alongside them.
For MOT Test Stations, now is the ideal time to review equipment specifications, workshop capabilities and Class 7 authorisation arrangements to ensure they are ready to safely test heavier electric vans as demand increases.
If you would like support reviewing your equipment, authorisation requirements or MOT compliance arrangements, the team at Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy is always happy to help. Whether through site reviews, quality control checks or practical MOT guidance, we can help ensure your station remains safe, compliant and ready for the future.
Call 01283 734427
Visit www.pro-techacademy.co.uk
