Key facts
- Electric vehicles (EVs) are about 25% less likely to fail MOT tests than petrol cars between 90,000 and 120,000 miles.
- After 120,000 miles, 16% of EVs failed compared to 23.5% of petrol cars.
- The study analyzed 47.4 million MOT tests.
- EVs recorded nearly twice as many tyre defects as petrol cars.
- Researchers attributed increased friction-brake defects in older, low-mileage EVs to less frequent brake usage.
A study analyzing 47.4 million MOT tests has found that high-mileage electric vehicles (EVs) are more reliable than their petrol counterparts. Between 90,000 and 120,000 miles, EVs were approximately 25% less likely to fail MOT tests, with a failure rate of 16.5% compared to 22.1% for petrol cars. This trend continued beyond 120,000 miles, where 16% of EVs failed versus 23.5% of petrol cars. The study, conducted by consultancy New AutoMotive for the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), suggests that the mechanical simplicity of EV drivetrains becomes increasingly valuable as cars accumulate miles.
However, the research also highlighted areas where EVs performed worse. They recorded nearly twice as many tyre defects as petrol cars. Additionally, older, low-mileage EVs showed an increase in friction-brake defects, which researchers attributed to corrosion from less frequent brake usage. MOT tests assess statutory roadworthiness but do not evaluate battery health or charging performance.
BVRLA chief executive Toby Poston stated that mileage is a key factor in used car perception, but this data indicates that higher mileage should not deter buyers. He emphasized that a well-maintained, higher-mileage EV can be a durable used vehicle, which is crucial for making electric cars accessible to more motorists through the secondhand market. Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, added that high mileage is not necessarily a proxy for poor condition, contrary to traditional buyer assumptions.