Electric Vehicle Owners, Here's a Breakdown of the New UK Driving Rules 🚗⚡️
Millions granted legal right to operate larger vehicles on roads, under revised driving license regulations, subject to a condition.
The UK government has recently announced a significant change in driving license rules, enabling millions of motorists to operate larger, heavier electric vehicles. But there's a catch 🤐
Starting from June 10th, category B driving license holders – the most common category in the UK – can legally drive vehicles with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of up to 4,250kg, trumping the previous 3,500kg restriction. However, the new rules only apply to zero-emission cars such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-powered models 🌱✨.
For petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars, the 3.5-tonne MAM limit remains.
Why the change, you ask? Well, the increasing popularity of electric SUVs with sizeable battery packs pushed DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) to amend the limits to ensure drivers won't need an additional driving test to operate larger battery-powered family cars 🚗💡.
The 750kg allowance specifically for electric vehicles should provide relief for those drawn to hefty electric SUVs, the latest models of which are coming dangerously close to the previous MAM limit 🚧.
So, if you're under 45 and driving one of the largest electric cars, the recent changes in driving licence rules should come as good news. But the same can't be said for older motorists, whose "grandfather rights" permit them to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes due to passing their driving tests before 1997 🏎️🌟.
Here are some examples of electric SUVs that were dangerously close to the category B licence weight limit:
- Mercedes EQS SUV: With a kerb weight of up to 3,081kg, this luxury electric vehicle is a hair's breadth away from reaching the previous category B threshold of 3,500kg.
- Volvo EX90: This new seven-seat electric SUV has a quoted kerb weight of 2,780kg for its high-end 'Twin-Motor' model. While it's still shy of the new category B limit by 110kg, it was previously teetering on the brink of breaching the 3.5-tonne MAM restriction.
- BMW XM: BMW's luxury electric SUV weighs 2,795kg, making it just 100kg away from the previous category B MAM threshold.
- Kia EV9: This electric SUV has a kerb weight of 2,664kg and a maximum load weight of 3,240kg, putting it uncomfortably close to the old category B limit.
There are already some battery vehicles on UK roads that have exceeded both the old and new category B licence weight thresholds for EVs, such as:
- Hummer EV: Imported from the US, this luxurious electric SUV has a weight in excess of 4.1 tonnes, surpassing the previous category B weight restriction.
- Tesla Cybertruck: Although banned in the UK due to failing to meet safety standards, this electric pickup truck has a maximum laden weight in excess of 4 tonnes, easily surpassing the category B licence threshold.
Don't worry about replacing your photocard license just yet, as the new MAM rules will be applied automatically, with no need for a new card 📸. However, drivers are encouraged to check their driving license information online to understand exactly what they are now allowed to drive.
The new rules also offer greater flexibility for towing. With the changes, drivers can tow a trailer as long as the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 7,000kg. For instance, if your electric vehicle weighs 4,250kg, the trailer must not weigh more than 2,750kg 🔗️.
- The new driving license rules in the UK allow category B license holders to operate electric vehicles with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of up to 4,250kg, which is beneficial for the insurance industry as more people can afford these larger electric cars.
- The finance industry might also see a boost due to the increase in demand for electric vehicles, specifically electric SUVs, as a result of the relaxed driving license rules.
- The automotive industry, particularly manufacturers of electric vehicles and electric SUVs, stand to gain from this change as more consumers might opt for these vehicles given the flexibility in terms of their driving license.
- The transportation industry may experience a shift towards electric vehicles and electric SUVs as the new rules make it easier for more people to drive and own these vehicles, potentially reducing the carbon footprint of transportation in the UK lifestyle.
