Electric cars are more likely to FAIL their MOT test – here’s why and how to avoid it
ELECTRIC cars are more likely to fail their MOT test than hybrid and petrol vehicles the same age - here's why and how to avoid it.
EVs between three and six years old perform worse in the compulsory check up, according to new research by BookMyGarage.com.
All the vehicles had worst results as they aged, but six-year-old electric cars had the highest MOT failure rate of a staggering 21.8%.
Hybrids of the same age failed the test 15.4% of the time and petrol cars were 19.1% likely to fluff it.
Along with EVs, six-year-old diesel engines had a high failure rate of 21.4% and ranked worse than the others at younger ages too.
There was less difference between all the car types among newer models.
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For example, although three-year-old diesels were the least reliable at 15.1%, they were closely followed by electrics at a 11.4% failure rate, hybrids at 11.2% and petrol cars at 10.7%.
But it wasn't all bad news for electric car drivers, as the DVSA data showed a massive uptake in EV ownership in recent years.
In 2021, 76,000 electric cars were MOT tested - 36% more than in 2020 and 68% more than in 2019.
Karen Rotberg, Co-founder of , said: “One of the benefits of driving an electric vehicle is the reduction in maintenance required.
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“Service intervals are typically longer than the interval for many petrol or diesel vehicles, and fewer components or fluids need replacing during the service itself.
"However, this doesn’t mean electric vehicles are immune to safety defects.
"In fact, because electric vehicles are generally much heavier than vehicles with internal combustion engines, wear on some components – such as tyres – can be greater.”
Why are electric cars more likely to fail their MOT?
Tyres are actually the reason for 22% of all electric vehicle MOT failures, compared to just 12% for all fuel types.
Karen added: “With electric vehicles requiring less maintenance, it’s likely they’re making fewer visits to workshops, which means fewer safety inspections are being carried out to check for potential defects.
"This data highlights the importance of regular servicing and safety checks on electric vehicles, even though their service schedules are simpler, to ensure any defects are found before they become dangerous."
With 337,000 EVs registered in the last three years alone, garages should prepare to take on a boom in electric car MOTs, services and repairs.
Karen said: “Our EV servicing badge helps customers find and book with garages that are equipped to service EVs.
"Consumers should remember that even if they’re only booking their EV in for a MOT test, it’s possible that repairs may be required as a result of a failed test, and this is where more specialised electric vehicle knowledge and training might be needed.”
“This data isn’t a reflection of electric vehicles being any less reliable than other fuel types, but with them generally making fewer visits to garages it does highlight the importance of owners carrying out regular checks to ensure their vehicle is always in a roadworthy condition.”
How to avoid failing your MOT test?
Drivers should regularly carry out the basic checks on their cars themselves - to prevent big issues building up unnoticed.
For example, check components such as your tyres, lights, windscreen wipers and windscreen.
Keeping on top of this maintenance can reduce the chances of failing an MOT test later down the line.
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From checking your tyres to warning lights, MOTs can cost stressed-out Brits money - so it's good to be prepared with these handy tips.
recently launched a , providing motorists with a comprehensive overview of electric vehicle ownership and purchasing advice. It also added the ability to compare local prices for servicing electric vehicles.
