Do Electric Cars Need an MOT?
If you own a car or vehicle there is a good chance you will have had to put it through an MOT test. But while we know that cars using petrol or diesel must pass a yearly MOT check, is this rule still the same for electric cars?
After all, electric cars so far have managed to avoid paying road tax so perhaps they are exempt from other motoring rules. Let’s take a close look at whether electric cars need to pass an MOT test.
What is an MOT?
An MOT is an essential test carried out by garages across the UK to examine the roadworthiness of a vehicle that is at least three years old (four in Northern Ireland). A series of checks are completed by MOT-certified garages, ranging from the effectiveness of seatbelts and windscreen wipers to the level of emissions produced and brake performance.
These checks determine whether a vehicle is safe for the driver, their passengers, other road users and pedestrians. It is also performed to monitor the environmental impact of a car. If a vehicle fails an MOT test and its current one has expired, the issues must be fixed before it is allowed back on the road.
Does an electric car need an MOT test?
As an MOT test is in place largely for the health and safety of road users and pedestrians, it is therefore essential that EVs undertake an electric car MOT. The same rules apply to electric vehicles as petrol and diesel, so if an EV is over three years old it must pass an annual MOT test to stay on the road.
While many electric cars are not yet three years old, it is important to be aware that this could be on the horizon for your EV so it’s worth reviewing using the government’s MOT due date checking system. You can help your MOT to pass its test by regularly checking your lights and electrical system, looking after your tyres and using slow charging periodically to help elongate the lifetime of your car’s battery.
Is an MOT cheaper for electric cars?
Regular maintenance is essential for helping any vehicle to pass its MOT test and the same applies to EVs. The MOT price typically remains the same, but the process is quicker as there are fewer moving parts and no emissions to check. There is still a need to maintain your electric car to ensure that regular wear and tear isn’t reducing its performance.
This could be anything from worn brake pads and discs to a faulty electrical system or malfunctioning steering system. Electric car servicing is a great way to help your EV pass its MOT test and, with fewer components to maintain, it is cost-effective too.
Prepare your EV for its MOT
Here at Basingstoke MOT and Servicing Centre, we are well-equipped to perform essential maintenance and servicing for electric vehicles. If you would like to book your electric car in for a service or MOT, get in touch via 01256 321 012 or sales@mot-basingstoke.co.uk.
