If you own an electric car you enjoy various exemptions offered by the government including road tax, the Congestion charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). If you recently bought your electric car you may be wondering if electric cars need an MOT.

The answer is yes all types of electric vehicles need to go through an MOT test, whether battery electric cars or hybrid electric cars both need to do an MOT test just like petrol and diesel vehicles. 

In this blog post, we discuss the ins and outs of electric car MOT Rugby, including electric car MOT costs, what’s included in an electric car MOT and the difference between an electric car MOT and a diesel and petrol MOT.

Do Electric Cars Need an MOT?

Electric vehicles do need to pass the MOT test in order to drive in the UK. In the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, electric vehicles are subject to the same legal MOT requirements as other petrol and diesel vehicles. 

MOT tests evaluate a vehicle’s safety and road worthiness which includes factors such as lights, brakes, tyres and emissions, so they are essential for any vehicle whether electric or not. For some reason, if your electric vehicle fails its MOT test, you will be unable to drive it on the roads.

Just like new petrol and diesel vehicles, new electric vehicles are also not required to do an MOT for the first three years from the vehicle’s registration date. After that, your electric vehicle will have to go through an annual MOT. 

Once the initial three-year period has been completed, used electric cars must undergo an annual MOT test. This regular inspection ensures the vehicle complies with safety and environmental standards as the vehicle continues to be used on the road.

The Cost of an Electric Car MOT

Electric vehicle MOT cost is same as other petrol and diesel vehicle MOT. The maximum and standard charge for an MOT is £54.85. However, this is a standard fee and does not include any work or parts your model might need. 

It’s just one of the costs of maintaining an electric vehicle. Plus you will get incentives to drive electric vehicles, such as the UK government electric vehicle grant. Many electric vehicle owners debate the prices of MOT for EVs as few moving parts need to be checked compared to petrol and diesel vehicles. 

What is Checked During the MOT Test of an Electric Vehicle?

Suitably functioning wipers.

Suitably functioning seatbelts.

Steering in suitable working conditions.

Fully functioning lights.

Clean, legal, visible number plates.

Windscreen free from chips and cracks.

Tyres are legal, and each wheel spins freely.

Suspension adequate.

Rust checks on brackets and important mounting points. (Testers have no authorization to remove vehicle parts to rust check, so the aerodynamic panel under most EVs will remain unchecked).

Condition of brake pads and disc.

To pass the MOT of an electric vehicle, these are some of the checks you need to pass. These checks are quite similar to petrol and diesel vehicles but the only difference for an electric vehicle MOT is the removal of the emission test.

What to Expect from Electric Vehicle MOT?

The Difference Between an ICE MOT and an EV MOT is Minimal

Although electric vehicles have some differences compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, the electric vehicle MOT process remains mostly the same. Important safety inspections on parts such as discs, brake pads, windscreen wipers, and seatbelts are still checked during the test. 

The only big difference between an MOT for an electric vehicle compared to a traditional MOT is that emission and noise tests do not apply to electric vehicles as they do not produce carbon and other harmful gases. So they are not undertaken for emission during an electric vehicle MOT.

The Duration of an Electric Vehicle MOT Test is Shorter

Since electric vehicles have a battery which has fewer moving parts, the duration of an electric vehicle MOT is likely to be shorter compared to an internal combustion engine vehicle. This simplified process is due to the reduced number of parts required for inspection. On average, an electric MOT test will take 10 to 15 minutes faster than a petrol and diesel vehicle MOT.

Maintenance and Repair Costs for an Electric Vehicle MOT in the UK

While electric vehicles normally have lower maintenance and repair costs due to their fewer mechanical parts, some repairs and maintenance need to be done. Issues such as windscreen damage or tyre tread issues may require special attention that is similar to those for petrol and diesel vehicles. Some people think that Car Servicing Rugby and MOT are the same but this isn’t true at all, there are major differences between them.

Does My Electric Lease Car Need an MOT?

Your lease car needs an MOT after the first three years from its registration date just like other vehicles need. Ensure to check with your lease provider whether they require you to take an MOT at some test center because sometimes they may not recognise your MOT if the test has been carried out at an unapproved center. When you are sorting out your electric and hybrid vehicle leasing, ensure you clarify your lease vehicle’s MOT date.