Certain zero-tailpipe-emission trucks have received an increase in the maximum permitted Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) by 2 tonnes.
The recent amendment to the Authorised Weights Regulations 1998 introduces a flat 2-tonne increase for specific zero-emission vehicles. This update applies to all battery electric 2- and 3-axle tractors and rigids, as well as 4- and 5-axle artic combinations and 5 or more axle drawbar combinations.
In light of these new regulations, which are applicable in England, Wales, and Scotland, the maximum GVW for a 2-axle rigid truck rises from 18 tonnes to 20 tonnes. Similarly, 3-axle rigids now have a GVW of 28 tonnes, up from the previous 26 tonnes, subject to axle load design weights. Electric 4-axle artic, 2+2 combinations, can legally operate at 40 tonnes, an increase from the previous maximum of 38 tonnes. Additionally, both 5-axle artic combinations and drawbar combinations see their maximum GVW go up from 40 to 42 tonnes.
However, the update does not include any changes in GVWs for 4-axle rigids or 6-axle artics and drawbars, and the maximum axle loads and bogie loads remain unchanged.
Despite the changes, there remains only a 2-tonne difference in GVW between 5- and 6-axle electric artics. As a result, these revisions may not significantly enhance the popularity of electric 6×2 tractors, which already face challenges due to a longer wheelbase, preventing them from legally pulling standard length semi-trailers.
Mark Collins, the e-mobility and body builder product manager at Volvo Trucks UK, expressed approval for the changes to the Authorised Weights Regulations. He emphasized that Volvo Trucks is actively working to ensure that their electric range has sufficient axle design capacity and tyre load indices to maximize payload opportunities. However, in some cases, achieving the maximum vehicle or combination mass limit might be challenging, as legal axle load and bogie load limits, which remain unchanged, become the constraining factor.
