A lack of key data on electric van MOTs is hampering government planning for how these vehicles are regulated, according to Venson Automotive Solutions.
The company has highlighted the issue while supporting a call by the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) for an official deferral for MOTs on 4.25t EVs, citing a lack of test availability.
Venson said its own Freedom of Information request last year revealed that only 2% of DVSA test centres could conduct MOTs on these vehicles.
Venson operations director Lee O’Neill said: “As well as highlighting a lack of test centres, the DVSA holds no data on historic and current lead times on MOTs for electric vans weighing 3.5t or above or how many have had an MOT already carried out.
“According to the DVSA, this data is only held by the Authorised Test Facilities (ATF).”
O’Neill said that with the results of a government consultation on the issue not due until 3 March, fleets were “really beginning to struggle”.
He added: “With no DVSA data existing on MOTs for these vehicles, and an obvious lack of testing facilities, how did government ever expect to plan for scheduled testing?
“Let’s hope the AFP’s call for special dispensation allowing fleets to defer testing is successful, to avoid those businesses, supporting UK environmental targets by going electric, from suffering commercially.”
