Mercedes G580 (Electric G Wagon) - Nearly Illegal in the UK!
Discussion
So in the UK the maximum authorised mass for a passenger car is 3500kg - this includes the cars weight plus any passengers or luggage. This aligns with a category B driving licence. Anything above this weight and you will need a Category C1 licence which are for LGVs or Light Goods Vehicles eg small vans and trucks.
If you are driving a car weighing more than 3500kg in the UK roads without the C1 licence then you could get 3 points and a maximum fine of £1000!
The G580 Electric G Wagon weighs 3218Kg.
It has 5 seats
3500-3218 = 282kg
The average weight of a UK adult as per chat gpt is 85kg
Stick 5 adults in the car at 85x5 = 425kg add some luggage and - go figure
So the electric G is bascially a 2 seater SUV
Crazy or what!
If you are driving a car weighing more than 3500kg in the UK roads without the C1 licence then you could get 3 points and a maximum fine of £1000!
The G580 Electric G Wagon weighs 3218Kg.
It has 5 seats
3500-3218 = 282kg
The average weight of a UK adult as per chat gpt is 85kg
Stick 5 adults in the car at 85x5 = 425kg add some luggage and - go figure
So the electric G is bascially a 2 seater SUV
Crazy or what!
Does EV-Database have an error? It lists the unladen weight as a dainty 3085kg: https://ev-database.org/uk/car/2192/Mercedes-Benz-...
PetrolHeadInRecovery said:
Does EV-Database have an error? It lists the unladen weight as a dainty 3085kg: https://ev-database.org/uk/car/2192/Mercedes-Benz-...
Even if that's true the sums still dont add up as leaves 415kg left to carry 5 adults and thats without Luggage.Even a couple with their kids and luggae would exceed or be very close to the 415kg left!
They had to up the GVW of electric vans to 4,250kg from the usual 3,500kg.
Would this fall under the same category?
https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/new-driving-licen...
Would this fall under the same category?
https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/new-driving-licen...
RicksAlfas said:
They had to up the GVW of electric vans to 4,250kg from the usual 3,500kg.
Would this fall under the same category?
https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/new-driving-licen...
The G is classified as a passenger car not a van Would this fall under the same category?
https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/new-driving-licen...
W4NTED said:
PetrolHeadInRecovery said:
Does EV-Database have an error? It lists the unladen weight as a dainty 3085kg: https://ev-database.org/uk/car/2192/Mercedes-Benz-...
Even if that's true the sums still dont add up as leaves 415kg left to carry 5 adults and thats without Luggage.Even a couple with their kids and luggae would exceed or be very close to the 415kg left!
Four powerful director types would still be a squeeze, I admit. However, the maximum occupancy I've seen in a G63 (they're common here) has been a driver and one passenger.
Sales are hard to predict: you could get a G580 and an Ioniq 5N for the price of a G63 (or the same price as G500). On the other hand, G63s are common, but I don't remember seeing any G500s on the road in ages.
W4NTED said:
RicksAlfas said:
They had to up the GVW of electric vans to 4,250kg from the usual 3,500kg.
Would this fall under the same category?
https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/new-driving-licen...
The G is classified as a passenger car not a van Would this fall under the same category?
https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/new-driving-licen...
Yes, if ChatGpt is correct:-
“ Yes, the UK is updating its driving licence regulations to accommodate the additional weight of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), particularly benefiting drivers of heavier electric vans and similar vehicles.
New Driving Licence Flexibility for Electric Vehicles
As of April 2025, the UK government has approved changes allowing Category B licence holders (standard car licences) to drive zero-emission vehicles—such as electric or hydrogen-powered vans, minibuses, and SUVs—weighing up to 4.25 tonnes, up from the previous 3.5-tonne limit.
Key updates include:
• Removal of Additional Training: The prior requirement for five hours of extra training to operate these heavier vehicles has been eliminated.
• Expanded Vehicle Types: The new rules extend beyond goods vans to include minibuses, SUVs, and trucks, provided they are zero-emission vehicles.
• Towing Allowance: Drivers can now tow trailers with these vehicles, as long as the combined weight does not exceed 7 tonnes.
• Accessibility Considerations: For vehicles equipped with specialist equipment for disabled passengers, the weight limit increases to 5 tonnes.
Important Notes
• These changes apply only to zero-emission vehicles; traditional fuel vehicles remain subject to the 3.5-tonne limit for Category B licences.
• The updated regulations aim to support the transition to greener vehicles by removing barriers associated with the additional weight of electric powertrains.
These adjustments are expected to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles by aligning licensing requirements with the realities of electric vehicle weights, thereby promoting environmental goals and reducing administrative burdens for drivers and businesses.
“ Yes, the UK is updating its driving licence regulations to accommodate the additional weight of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), particularly benefiting drivers of heavier electric vans and similar vehicles.
New Driving Licence Flexibility for Electric Vehicles
As of April 2025, the UK government has approved changes allowing Category B licence holders (standard car licences) to drive zero-emission vehicles—such as electric or hydrogen-powered vans, minibuses, and SUVs—weighing up to 4.25 tonnes, up from the previous 3.5-tonne limit.
Key updates include:
• Removal of Additional Training: The prior requirement for five hours of extra training to operate these heavier vehicles has been eliminated.
• Expanded Vehicle Types: The new rules extend beyond goods vans to include minibuses, SUVs, and trucks, provided they are zero-emission vehicles.
• Towing Allowance: Drivers can now tow trailers with these vehicles, as long as the combined weight does not exceed 7 tonnes.
• Accessibility Considerations: For vehicles equipped with specialist equipment for disabled passengers, the weight limit increases to 5 tonnes.
Important Notes
• These changes apply only to zero-emission vehicles; traditional fuel vehicles remain subject to the 3.5-tonne limit for Category B licences.
• The updated regulations aim to support the transition to greener vehicles by removing barriers associated with the additional weight of electric powertrains.
These adjustments are expected to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles by aligning licensing requirements with the realities of electric vehicle weights, thereby promoting environmental goals and reducing administrative burdens for drivers and businesses.
Edited by RotorRambler on Friday 11th April 19:50
Link for the above - https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-04-02/d...
Hansard said:
These regulations will therefore enable the holder of a standard category B licence to drive a fully electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle up to a maximum weight of 4.25 tonnes
Since category B is the standard car driving licence most people hold, and it refers to 'vehicle' rather than being limited to commercial vehicles, I think that G580 drivers are in the clear.PetrolHeadInRecovery said:
Does EV-Database have an error? It lists the unladen weight as a dainty 3085kg: https://ev-database.org/uk/car/2192/Mercedes-Benz-...
525Wh/mile of claimed efficiency so real life use, 600Wh/mile?? Add in winter 700Wh/mile......That massive 110kWh+ battery suddenly seems tiny!!I thought EVs technology was suppose to be getting better not worse??!!
samoht said:
Link for the above - https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-04-02/d...
Good insight thanks mate..love forums great source of info! Hansard said:
These regulations will therefore enable the holder of a standard category B licence to drive a fully electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle up to a maximum weight of 4.25 tonnes
Since category B is the standard car driving licence most people hold, and it refers to 'vehicle' rather than being limited to commercial vehicles, I think that G580 drivers are in the clear.gangzoom said:
PetrolHeadInRecovery said:
Does EV-Database have an error? It lists the unladen weight as a dainty 3085kg: https://ev-database.org/uk/car/2192/Mercedes-Benz-...
525Wh/mile of claimed efficiency so real life use, 600Wh/mile?? Add in winter 700Wh/mile......That massive 110kWh+ battery suddenly seems tiny!!I thought EVs technology was suppose to be getting better not worse??!!
Talking of which, and on the subject of hugely expensive and enormous 3000KG SUV's, I happened to be driving through Knutsford last week and had my first BMW XM sighting. Pictures really don't do it justice, absolutely hideous.
RotorRambler said:
Yes, if ChatGpt is correct:-
“ Yes, the UK is updating its driving licence regulations to accommodate the additional weight of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), particularly benefiting drivers of heavier electric vans and similar vehicles.
New Driving Licence Flexibility for Electric Vehicles
As of April 2025, the UK government has approved changes allowing Category B licence holders (standard car licences) to drive zero-emission vehicles—such as electric or hydrogen-powered vans, minibuses, and SUVs—weighing up to 4.25 tonnes, up from the previous 3.5-tonne limit.
Key updates include:
• Removal of Additional Training: The prior requirement for five hours of extra training to operate these heavier vehicles has been eliminated.
• Expanded Vehicle Types: The new rules extend beyond goods vans to include minibuses, SUVs, and trucks, provided they are zero-emission vehicles.
• Towing Allowance: Drivers can now tow trailers with these vehicles, as long as the combined weight does not exceed 7 tonnes.
• Accessibility Considerations: For vehicles equipped with specialist equipment for disabled passengers, the weight limit increases to 5 tonnes.
Important Notes
• These changes apply only to zero-emission vehicles; traditional fuel vehicles remain subject to the 3.5-tonne limit for Category B licences.
• The updated regulations aim to support the transition to greener vehicles by removing barriers associated with the additional weight of electric powertrains.
These adjustments are expected to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles by aligning licensing requirements with the realities of electric vehicle weights, thereby promoting environmental goals and reducing administrative burdens for drivers and businesses.
It's pathetic that the regulations need to change for this. Such a missed opportunity to turn around and say, no 3500kg is the limit, make your cars lighter. There is no need to encourage private vehicles in excess of this weight.“ Yes, the UK is updating its driving licence regulations to accommodate the additional weight of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), particularly benefiting drivers of heavier electric vans and similar vehicles.
New Driving Licence Flexibility for Electric Vehicles
As of April 2025, the UK government has approved changes allowing Category B licence holders (standard car licences) to drive zero-emission vehicles—such as electric or hydrogen-powered vans, minibuses, and SUVs—weighing up to 4.25 tonnes, up from the previous 3.5-tonne limit.
Key updates include:
• Removal of Additional Training: The prior requirement for five hours of extra training to operate these heavier vehicles has been eliminated.
• Expanded Vehicle Types: The new rules extend beyond goods vans to include minibuses, SUVs, and trucks, provided they are zero-emission vehicles.
• Towing Allowance: Drivers can now tow trailers with these vehicles, as long as the combined weight does not exceed 7 tonnes.
• Accessibility Considerations: For vehicles equipped with specialist equipment for disabled passengers, the weight limit increases to 5 tonnes.
Important Notes
• These changes apply only to zero-emission vehicles; traditional fuel vehicles remain subject to the 3.5-tonne limit for Category B licences.
• The updated regulations aim to support the transition to greener vehicles by removing barriers associated with the additional weight of electric powertrains.
These adjustments are expected to facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles by aligning licensing requirements with the realities of electric vehicle weights, thereby promoting environmental goals and reducing administrative burdens for drivers and businesses.
Edited by RotorRambler on Friday 11th April 19:50
leef44 said:
It's pathetic that the regulations need to change for this. Such a missed opportunity to turn around and say, no 3500kg is the limit, make your cars lighter. There is no need to encourage private vehicles in excess of this weight.
Isn't the issue that current vehicles above the 3500KG limit are all commercial and huge at 7m long, 2.5m wide and 3m tall as an example? It makes sense that someone would need specific training to drive one safely as so different to a passenger car.The Merc is very heavy, but still smaller than a range rover.
Edited by SWoll on Sunday 13th April 07:32
SWoll said:
Isn't the issue that current vehicles above the 3500KG limit are all commercial and huge at 7m long, 2.5m wide and 3m tall as an example? It makes sense that someone would need specific training to drive one safely as so different to a passenger car.
The Merc is very heavy, but still smaller than a range rover.
Perhaps, but allowing private cars to get even heavier still feels like a step in the wrong direction. The Merc is very heavy, but still smaller than a range rover.
kambites said:
SWoll said:
Isn't the issue that current vehicles above the 3500KG limit are all commercial and huge at 7m long, 2.5m wide and 3m tall as an example? It makes sense that someone would need specific training to drive one safely as so different to a passenger car.
The Merc is very heavy, but still smaller than a range rover.
Perhaps, but allowing private cars to get even heavier still feels like a step in the wrong direction. The Merc is very heavy, but still smaller than a range rover.
At the end of the day you can legally use your 2500KG Defender to tow a 3500KG trailer in the UK with a standard license so weight clearly not the issue?
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