A new announcement from the Government promises to open the large panel van market to alternative fuel commercial vehicles (AFCVs), says fleet financing group Arval.
The UK Government has announced a five-year derogation stating that drivers with a standard Category B licence will be able to drive AFCVs of up to 4.25 tonnes GVW rather than the normal 3.5 tonnes for a petrol or diesel commercial vehicle.
The rule applies most pertinently to electric commercial vehicles including range extender and plug-in hybrid technology but also covers hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas.
The higher limit reflects the fact that many alternative propulsion systems are heavier than conventional ICE powertrains.