The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has introduced a new temporary exemption allowing drivers with a Class 1 licence to operate heavier electric trucks. This change aims to support the growing shift to cleaner transport while removing barriers for electric vehicle (EV) adoption in commercial fleets.
As of February 28, 2025, Class 1 licence holders, who are usually limited to vehicles up to 6000kg, can now drive electric trucks weighing up to 7500kg. This is made possible through the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999: Drivers of Electric Trucks Exemption Notice 2025.
The change addresses a major challenge for electric truck adoption. Due to the weight of EV batteries, electric trucks often exceed the 6000kg limit for Class 1 licences. Without the exemption, drivers needed a Class 2 licence, making it harder for businesses to transition to electric trucks.
“The land transport system is facing a challenge between the availability of cost-efficient heavier electric vehicles and our current driver licensing system,” NZTA stated.
“Keeping battery electric trucks below the 6000kg weight threshold greatly reduces payload due to the weight of the batteries.”
Which Electric Trucks Are Eligible?
The exemption will likely benefit fleet operators looking to decarbonise their transport. Without the need to upgrade licences, businesses can introduce electric trucks more easily, reducing their carbon footprint. However, fleet managers must still ensure vehicles meet specific criteria to qualify for the exemption.
The exemption only applies to electric trucks that meet certain safety and design criteria. To qualify, electric trucks must:
- Be part of the same model range as a diesel equivalent.
- Have integrated batteries within the chassis.
- Include advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, electronic stability control, and regenerative braking.
The truck’s size must also match the largest diesel version of the same model under 6000kg.
A Step for Reducing Transport Emissions
NZTA sees this change as a step towards reducing transport emissions. “The purpose of this class exemption is to improve commercial operators’ access to BEVs (battery electric vehicles) with improved safety features and provides the sector an opportunity to make gains in the decarbonisation of their fleet,” the agency stated.
The exemption is set to expire on February 28, 2028. However, NZTA may amend or extend it depending on the market’s response.
This move offers fleet managers an opportunity to upgrade their fleets without the added cost or hassle of advanced driver training. It also encourages quicker adoption of electric trucks, aligning with New Zealand’s sustainability goals.
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