Do Electric Cars Need An MOT?

An electric car needs an MOT, just like any petrol or diesel car (ICE). It is a vital check that ensures your vehicle is safe and roadworthy for the year ahead.

 

However, electric cars are very different from traditional ICEs. This means that their MOT test is different as well.

 

Read on to find out what makes an electric vehicle MOT different to one performed on a traditional petrol or diesel car.

 

Why Does My Electric Vehicle Need an MOT?

Electric vehicles are made up of fewer parts than traditional petrol or diesel cars. Even so, electric vehicles still need to be serviced regularly, and by law require an MOT check every year once they are at least three years old.

 

Your electric vehicle needs an MOT to make sure that it is safe to drive, so that you don’t lose control of your vehicle and put yourself and others at risk on the road - not to mention the fine that you would have to pay if caught driving after your MOT is due.

 

Stay safe and fine-free by booking your MOT well in advance of the expiry date.

 

What Makes an Electric Vehicle MOT Different?

Whilst there are a lot of similarities between an MOT test for a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle, and that of an electric vehicle, there are a few key differences.

 

A petrol or diesel vehicle will have an exhaust system and internal combustion engine - or ICE - that needs to be checked during an MOT.

 

As an electric vehicle does not have an ICE, it will not need to go through an emissions or noise test. Likewise, an electric vehicle MOT will also not require any fluid changes - like engine oil or transmission fluid - as an EV has a single-speed gear setup.

 

What is Checked During an Electric Vehicle MOT?

However, electric vehicle MOTs are very similar to conventional MOTs, and there are several parts of your car that will be checked during the test:

 

• Seatbelts

• Windscreen and windscreen wipers

• Lights

• Steering

• Wheels

• Suspension

• Tyres

• Brake pads and discs

• Number plates

 

Your vehicle will also be checked for rust on any mounting points or brackets.

 

When it comes to electric vehicles, MOT testers are not allowed to remove parts to check for rust. Instead, they will leave the underbody panel of your electric vehicle in place.

 

Some vehicles are exempt from an MOT check, so it is worth finding out whether or not your vehicle requires one.

 

Invest in electric car servicing and remember to book your MOT when it is due, so that you can easily keep on top of electric car maintenance.

 

How Do I Get My EV’s MOT?

Booking an electric car MOT is no different to booking any other MOT. As long as your mechanic is EV qualified, the process is exactly the same, whether you phone the garage directly to book, or book online.

 

Can I Get My Electric Car MOT at Any Garage?

It is important to check with your garage that they are qualified to carry out electric car MOTs before you book. It can be dangerous for a mechanic to work on an EV if they do not have the correct training.

 

When you book your electric car MOT with BookMyGarage, we will only show you garages in your local area which are suitable for your vehicle’s needs, so you don't have to worry about finding an EV-friendly garage. 

 

How Much Does an Electric Car MOT Cost?

Your electric car's MOT should not cost any more than an MOT for an ICE vehicle. The most a garage can legally charge you for an MOT is £54.85. Some garages charge less than this or may offer a discount when you book your electric car MOT at the same time as a service.

 

What Happens If I Fail my Electric Car MOT?

If your EV fails its MOT, it is imperative that you have any faults rectified before you drive away. After the work has been undertaken, the car will need to be retested.

 

Many garages will do your retest for free if you have the repair work done with them.

 

There is more information about MOT retests on the GOV.UK website.

 

Tips For Passing Your Electric Car MOT

Check Lights Function

Checking all your lights are working is a simple job you can you carry out before your MOT.

 

Turn on all your lights and walk around the car. Look for any cracks in the lights and ask someone to stand behind the car when it is safe to do so to make sure that the brake lights shine when you press the brake pedal.

 

Clean Your Registration Plate & Car

Giving your registration plate a clean to ensure that it is fully visible.

 

It can also be useful to give the inside of your vehicle a quick clean – for the mechanics sake and yours.

 

Check Your Car’s Tyres

Check your EVs tyre’s tread depth and condition. The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the middle quarter of your tyres.

 

It is also worth having a look over your windscreen and your wipers to ensure everything is in good condition and working correctly.

 

Read More

When is My MOT Due?

If you’re not sure when your electric car’s MOT is due, enter your reg and postcode into our free checker tool. Then, you can book a test or sign-up for MOT reminders so you never forget again!

 

Electric Car Service

Find out more about what an electric car service includes, what maintenance an electric car needs, how much an electric car service costs and more in this article.

 

How Much Does Electric Car Insurance Cost On Average? (UK)

On average, an electric car is more expensive to insure than a petrol or diesel model – usually because a brand-new EV is equipped with expensive, complicated technology. Of course, car insurance isn’t a straightforward figure and will depend on a wide variety of factors.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Car? (Vs an ICE)

Whilst an electric car service costs more than that of a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle, maintenance costs overall are cheaper as there are fewer parts to look after. Read this article if you want to learn how you can take care of your electric vehicle, and what kind of expenses you can expect.