The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has called on the Labour Party government to introduce new weight rules for electric HGVs, warning that outdated regulations are costing operators thousands of pounds and hindering the shift to net zero.
Costly disparity between electric and diesel lorries
According to RHA research, operating an electric 44-tonne 6x2 tractor unit costs £28,282 more each year than a diesel equivalent. The association says this is due to weight restrictions that reduce payload capacity for electric vehicles, which are heavier because of their batteries.
Richard Smith, managing director of the RHA, said: "This is not a technology issue. It is a regulatory issue. Rules must evolve alongside the industry's decarbonisation efforts."
Three key changes demanded
The RHA has urged the Department for Transport to implement three major reforms:
- Increase the maximum authorised weight for electric HGVs from 44 tonnes to 46 tonnes.
- Raise the driving axle weight limit from 10.5 tonnes to 12.5 tonnes, allowing operators to maintain carrying capacity.
- Create a technical working group involving operators, manufacturers, highways authorities, enforcement agencies and local councils to review the rules.
The association argues that these changes would remove what it describes as a "structural barrier" preventing electric lorries from matching the performance of diesel vehicles.
Urgent need for regulatory update
The RHA reiterated that outdated electric HGV payload rules are obstructing the switch to net zero fleets. The warning came last week, with ministers urged to act swiftly. Smith added: "Outdated rules are stopping the freight sector from moving towards net zero because battery-powered heavy goods vehicles weigh more than diesel models."
The government is now under pressure to reform weight restrictions for popular vehicles amid electrification struggles. The RHA said the changes are essential to ensure the freight sector can decarbonise effectively without incurring prohibitive costs.
