Drivers who passed their test after 1997 will soon be able to get behind the wheel of heavier electric vans—without needing extra training.

The UK Government has scrapped the five-hour training requirement that used to apply to anyone wanting to drive an electric van weighing between 3.5 and 4.25 tonnes. That means if you’ve got a standard Category B licence (the one most people have), you’ll now be allowed to drive electric vans in this weight range—something that previously needed additional steps.

Why the Change?

Electric vans tend to be heavier than their petrol or diesel equivalents, mainly because of the size and weight of the batteries. That extra weight was eating into the van’s allowed load, making it harder for businesses to use them effectively.

For example, a van like the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter with a large battery could be left with as little as 200kg of payload under the old 3.5-tonne limit. That’s barely enough to carry more than a couple of passengers and a few boxes.

By raising the limit to 4.25 tonnes without any extra red tape, the government hopes to make it easier for more people and businesses to switch to electric vehicles.

What’s Changing Exactly?

• The five-hour mandatory training is gone.

• Anyone with a standard car licence (Category B) will be able to drive electric vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes.

• The new rule still needs formal approval in Parliament but is expected to come into effect this spring.

What Else is in the Pipeline?

The government is also consulting on a few other ideas to make running electric vans simpler, including:

• Moving annual tests for these vans to the same MOT system as cars, rather than the more complex HGV process.

• Exempting them from using a tachograph (which tracks driving hours).

• Letting them operate under normal drivers’ hours rules if they’re staying within Great Britain.

Industry groups have largely welcomed the change. Logistics UK called the update a “step in the right direction,” saying it will help businesses roll out more zero-emission vans without unnecessary hoops to jump through.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) also praised the move but warned that more still needs to be done, especially when it comes to improving public charging points and offering financial support.

Verdict: Style-first, but still a worker

The Peugeot Expert Sport doesn’t claim to be faster or more agile than the regular model — and it’s not pretending to be a track van. What it does offer is head-turning looks, a well-equipped interior, and a choice between diesel or fully electric power. It’s designed to stand out in a crowded van park and appeal to drivers who want a bit of flair without giving up day-to-day usability.

Yes, the bodykit and bigger wheels mean a small dip in electric range, and you’re paying a premium for the styling — but if you’re after a van with a bit more presence, the Expert Sport brings something different to the table.