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Dutch logistics association calls for extension of licence exemption for electric vans

Prospective Dutch legislation that will allow B-licence holders to drive zero-emission delivery vans up to 4.25 tonnes has been postponed in the Netherlands, and won't come into effect in 2024. As a result, the temporary transition period allowing this to happen at the moment will end before the new legislation becomes active. Dutch haulage association TLN has thus called for the status quo to be extended and for the legislative process to be accelerated.

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Gregor Gowans

Gregor Gowans

Journalist Trans.INFO

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14.08.2023

Fot. Novalife

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As explained by TLN, from the beginning of this year, drivers with a B driving license have been able to drive zero-emission delivery vehicles up to a maximum of 4.25 tonnes.

This has been made possible through a temporary arrangement that is now due to end before the full and proper legislation comes into effect.

These vans and their drivers have also been exempt from tachograph obligations that normally apply to vans above 3.5 tonnes. The driver must have held a B driving license for at least 2 years and must also be in possession of a document demonstrating the extra weight of their vehicle is due to its battery.

In theory, due to the delay in the introduction of the legislation, from January 1st 2024, driving an electric van weighing over 3.5 tons will require a truck driver’s license. As it stands now, the legislation will not be ready until mid-2024, says TLN.

For companies that use many delivery vans, such as parcel couriers, TLN warns the delay could have major consequences. The organisation has thus called for the legislative process to be sped up, and for the existing transition period to be extended.

Among other things, TLN is concerned about the huge cost increase of having to install and use tachographs, as well as the difficulty of recruiting drivers with C licences.

In addition, TLN stresses that the situation will influence purchase decisions as electric vans will ultimately have to have lower payloads:

“Companies that now want to purchase new zero-emission vans will have to opt for models up to 3 [tonnes] due to the long production times and the uncertainty. That means a lower payload of 500 kilos. The weight of these vehicles cannot be increased later once the new legislation is in place.”

The organisation added:

“TLN takes the position that companies that make high investments and are at the forefront of choosing zero-emission vehicles should not be disadvantaged by the postponed regulations. TLN therefore believes that the government should hurry with the new legislation.”

Photo: / Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0