Introduced in 2018, the 4.25-tonne derogation has opened the door for drivers with a standard category B licence to operate heavier alternative fuel vans, up to 4.25 tonnes. This extra allowance accounts for the added weight of batteries in zero-emission vehicles, which would otherwise push them beyond the usual weight limit. For fleets transitioning to electric, this change has been crucial, enabling them to adopt cleaner vehicles without compromising on payload or performance.
What Are the Conditions of the 4.25-Tonne Allowance?
While the 4.25-tonne derogation offers greater flexibility for electric van operators, it originally came with extra requirements.
These included:
- An MOT from year one
- Potential tachograph use to monitor drivers’ hours
- Five hours of additional driver training
- A towing restriction
- A speed limit capped at 56mph
These measures were designed to ensure safety and compliance as fleets adapted to heavier, battery-powered vehicles.
Since its launch, uptake has been slow. The industry is calling for some of the additional considerations to be removed. On 10th June 2025, the 5 hours additional training were removed, and the rules around towing were amended. You may now tow a trailer provided the combined weight of the van and trailer does not exceed 7 tonnes.
The rules around MOT and tachograph use are currently being considered following a consultation.
How Has This 4.25-Tonne Derogation Helped Fleets?
For fleet operators facing challenges in switching to electric vans due to weight limits, the 4.25-tonne derogation has been a game-changer. To understand its impact, we conducted a year-long study of 20 identical Ford E-Transit vans, each equipped with telematics to monitor real-world performance.
The data revealed valuable insights into mileage, battery efficiency, seasonal range variations, and charging behaviours. By tracking how these vehicles performed across different conditions and driving styles, the study highlights how fleets are successfully adapting to electric mobility without compromising on operational demands.
Results
The study revealed a highly productive fleet, averaging an impressive 60,883 miles annually. Efficiency is strong across all vans, with an average of 2.21 miles per kWh, translating to a practical range of around 143 miles using the 65 kWh usable battery.
Seasonal variations showed expected changes, with summer performance peaking at 2.41 miles per kWh (156-mile range), while winter dips to 1.84 miles per kWh (119-mile range), highlighting the importance of planning for colder conditions.
Charging habits were smart and consistent, with depot charging starting when the battery was at an average of 39% and rapid DC charging used effectively to add an average of 31 kWh per session, minimising downtime, and maximising productivity.
Overall, the fleet showcased excellent usage, efficient driving, and strong charging practices.
To learn more about the full study, click here.
The Future of Mobility
Some fleet operators may reject the idea of electric if they believe they cannot complete an entire day without charging. The study proves that even with high mileage routes and payload demands, the 4.25t electric vehicle can perform and be operationally fit for purpose with drivers who understand the technology and have correct charging strategies in place.
If you want to learn more about how these vehicles, or any other electric vehicles, can fit into your daily operations, please contact us.
