Do Electric Cars Need an MOT?
Ellie Dyer-Brown, 18 days ago
5 min read
- Electric vehicles
- MOT
FixMyCar explains why EVs require an MOT and how the test is different.
As we head towards the 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, more drivers are starting to consider what’s involved in owning an electric car, including whether an annual MOT is still a legal requirement.
The answer, in short, is yes. UK regulations outline that all cars over three years old - including EVs - must have an MOT to ensure safety. However, the test differs slightly for non-combustion engine vehicles. Find out about the key differences in this guide.
Contents
EV MOTs vs combustion engine MOTs
EV MOTs vs combustion engine MOTs
Like any petrol, diesel or hybrid car, an electric vehicle still has components such as brakes, tyres, steering and suspension that must be checked for safety reasons. These tests are carried out the same way, no matter how the car is powered.
The main difference between an EV MOT and a conventional MOT is the lack of emissions and noise tests. Petrol and diesel cars have their exhaust system examined as part of the test; electric cars don’t produce emissions, so this part of the MOT is left out. There is also a greater emphasis on testing the battery of an EV.
What happens during an electric car MOT?
The following checks are carried out when you take your electric car for an MOT.
1. The car is logged.
The first step in any MOT, whether for a petrol or electric car, is to log it in the official MOT test computer system.
2. The lights are checked.
All front and rear lights are inspected to ensure they are working correctly.
3. Other essential components are checked.
Additional checks are carried out on components, including the windscreen wipers, seatbelts and windscreen. Read this guide for a comprehensive list of MOT checks.
4. The car is raised on a ramp.
The steering, tyres, suspension, and wheels are checked during this part of the MOT.
5. A visual inspection is carried out for rust.
Careful attention is paid to important brackets and mounting points for signs of rust. However, the technician cannot remove any components, so the aerodynamic panel beneath the EV will stay in place.
6. The brakes are tested.
The final step is to check the brakes. After that, the technician logs any findings and creates an MOT certificate.
Where can I get an EV MOT?
You can take your electric car to any MOT test centre. They don’t have to specialise in EVs or have any additional qualifications. Legally, test centres cannot turn you away because they are unfamiliar with your vehicle.
How much is an EV MOT?
An EV MOT will cost you no more than any other vehicle. The maximum a garage can charge you for an MOT is £54.85, excluding any additional work or parts that may be required for your car to pass.
| Model | Average MOT Cost |
|---|---|
| BMWi3 | £45.52 |
| BMWi8 | £42.93 |
| Hyundai Ioniq | £45.33 |
| Nissan Leaf | £45.66 |
| Renault Zoe | £45.47 |
| Tesla Model S | £47.18 |
| Tesla Model X | £46.96 |
Did you know?
There are around 975,000 EVs on UK roads as of the end of December 2023 with 53,906 charging points.
In 2023, over 452,000 plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles were registered in the UK
One in five people have an EV.
Over 40% of the UK’s youngest drivers have an electric car.
Looking for a reliable test centre for your MOT? FixMyCar can help you find the right garage at the right price.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers in a language they understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.