High‑mileage EVs 25% less likely to fail MOT than petrol

Analysis of 47.4 million MOT examinations reveals that electric cars with high mileage are roughly 25% less likely to fail an MOT than comparable petrol vehicles. The finding highlights the reliability advantage of used EVs, a factor that can influence dealer stocking and pricing strategies.

Key takeaways

• EVs with high mileage fail MOTs 25% less often than petrol equivalents.
• The conclusion is based on 47.4 million MOT records.
• Reliability advantage may affect used‑car demand and valuation.
• Dealers can market high‑mileage EVs as lower‑risk purchases.

Scope of the analysis

The study examined MOT outcomes for vehicles across the UK, aggregating data from over forty‑seven million tests. It compared results for electric and petrol models that had accumulated significant mileage, ensuring a like‑for‑like assessment of wear and tear.

Both groups covered a broad range of makes and models, from compact city cars to larger family vehicles. The large sample size gives the results statistical weight and reduces the impact of outliers.

Performance of high‑mileage electric cars

Electric vehicles showed a lower incidence of MOT failures in areas such as brakes, exhaust emissions and lighting. Since EVs lack internal combustion engines, they avoid many of the wear points that commonly cause petrol cars to fail.

The data also indicated fewer serious safety defects among high‑kilometre EVs, suggesting that electric drivetrains retain their integrity even after extensive use.

Comparison with petrol models

Petrol cars with similar mileage were more prone to fail due to engine‑related issues, emissions problems and component fatigue. The study found that these factors contributed to the higher overall failure rate.

While both vehicle types met the basic legal standards for MOT, the gap in failure rates underscores a reliability edge for electric models.

What this means for dealers

Dealers can use the reliability data to reassure customers about buying high‑mileage EVs, potentially expanding the market for used electric cars. Highlighting the lower MOT failure risk may also justify premium pricing or reduce the need for costly pre‑sale reconditioning.

Stocking a broader range of high‑kilometre EVs could improve inventory turnover, as the perception of reduced risk may attract cost‑conscious buyers seeking reliable used vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

Why are high‑mileage electric cars less likely to fail an MOT than petrol cars?

Electric vehicles lack many of the components that cause wear in petrol cars, such as exhaust systems and complex engine parts. This reduces the number of potential failures in areas inspected during an MOT, leading to a lower overall failure rate for high‑mileage EVs.

How can dealers leverage this MOT data when selling used EVs?

Dealers can promote the lower MOT failure risk as a selling point, emphasising reliability and lower ownership costs. This can help justify pricing, attract buyers hesitant about used EVs, and potentially reduce the need for extensive pre‑sale servicing.