Do Electric Cars Need an MOT?

Structural and performance differences mean that electric cars have different legal requirements in the UK. If you drive one, you're probably already familiar with some. Like every other car on the road, you'll need a valid MOT certificate to drive yours.

The UK government has passed (and doubled down on) legislation that favors EV adoption. In addition to banning the sale of diesel and petrol cars in 2030, they've introduced financial incentives, scrappage schemes and tax benefit packages to get UK citizens aboard the EV revolution sooner rather than later.

Since electric vehicles don't run on gasoline, they don't directly contribute to CO2 emissions on the road. UK road tax is determined by a vehicle's emissions level. So, while EV owners need to tax their vehicles, they don't have to pay road tax.

In fact, practically all the exemptions electric vehicle owners enjoy are directly related to their cars' lack of emissions.

So... Do electric cars need an MOT?

The answer is yes. The MOT certificate is tied to vehicle and road safety, not just emissions. Since safety is a concern for every car on the road — regardless of what powers it — electric cars must pass an MOT test just like any other.

In fact, some would argue electric vehicles need an MOT test more than diesel/petrol models. The auto community is divided on whether or not EVs are safer and more reliable than traditional vehicles (plenty of experts say they're not), but it's widely accepted that they're definitely less experienced.

In fact, some would argue electric vehicles need an MOT test more than diesel/petrol models. The auto community is divided on whether or not EVs are safer and more reliable than traditional vehicles (plenty of experts say they're not), but it's widely accepted that they're definitely less experienced.

Electric vehicles also have unique performance and safety issues that could pose a threat to the driver and others on the road, such as:

• Battery overheating and flammability
• Charging hazards
• Software system failures
• Brake pad wear with regenerative braking

Plus, EV cars are around 30% heavier than regular sedans and electric trucks weigh almost double (batteries are a lot heavier than engines). The sheer weight difference would make a safety hazard that results in an accident with a regular car significantly more dangerous for the other driver.

The good news is that, as EV technology improves, so does its safety rating. And with the right preparation, an electric vehicle MOT can be a breeze.

Electric Car MOT vs. Petrol Car MOT

The MOT test for an electric vehicle is very similar to that of a diesel/petrol car. But there are a few key differences.

• If your vehicle has an internal combustion engine (ICE) the MOT inspector will have to check the exhaust system for leaks and emissions. EVs don't have exhaust systems, so they can't receive an emissions test.
• On regular MOT tests, the car's battery is a small section in the overall inspection. With an EV, it's one of the main sections, with inspectors checking its connections, terminals and potential fire risks.
• Since EVs don't make any noise, it isn't a checklist item for an electric vehicle MOT like it is for a regular one.

Other than that, the two safety checks are practically the same. The inspector will check the wheels, tyres, brakes, seatbelts, lights and mirrors for both kinds of cars. They'll also check the windscreen wipers and washers and all the controls inside the vehicle.

Electric Car MOT Checklist

To help you prepare for an upcoming MOT check for your electric vehicle, here's a quick MOT checklist you can use:

Exterior Checks

• Bodywork — Your inspector will check for signs of corrosion, damage or rust. Key focal points are the number plates, doors and bonnet.
• Brakes — Brakes are extremely important to EVs because they use regenerative braking. The MOT inspector will make sure your brakes work without overheating. They'll also look at your brake fluid, which runs out quicker when regenerative braking is overused.
• Lights — Expect to prove your hazards, brake lights, indicators, reflectors, registration plate lamps, headlights and lights work at the right brightness. If they're too dull or too bright, they make your car more dangerous to others on the road.
• Mirrors — Your sideview mirrors must be adjusted to the right angle so you can correctly see objects outside and behind your car. They cannot have any cracks or shattered glass.
• Tyres — Since electric vehicles are heavier, they require different tyres. In addition to checking the tread and overall condition, they'll verify you're driving with the right tyres for your vehicle. The inspector will also make sure your tyre pressure is correct.
• Wheels — To pass your MOT test, your wheels will have to be in working condition (no cracks or splits). To avoid an MOT advisory, your nuts and bolts will need to be tightly secured.
• Windscreen — Impaired visibility on your windscreen can be a safety hazard. The inspector will check for any scratches, chips or cracks that could obstruct your view.
• Windscreen washers and wipers — Your windscreen wipers should be in good enough condition that they cleanly move across the windscreen, and your windscreen washer should have enough fluid to clean it.

Interior Checks

• Horn — To check your horn works, the inspector will honk it a few times and make sure it can reliably make an audible noise from inside the vehicle.
• Locks — If your doors cannot lock properly, they can’t pass the MOT. At the garage, the inspector will test each lock button from inside the car to verify they all perform the function.
• Seats — Any seats that move back and forth in the car (like a driver's seat) must move freely without clunking or jamming up.
• Seat belts — All seat belts must be in full working condition. They should fit comfortably and have no tears or rips. Any defect on the seat belt could be cause for failing your MOT.
• Steering wheel/column — The steering wheel cannot wobble when you turn it left to right. The steering column shouldn't have any signs of excessive wear and tear or damage.
• Switches — Buttons to activate your hazard lights, blinkers, headlamps and positioning lights must all work properly and respond as soon as you press them.
• View — From the inside, if you have any flaws that impair your visibility, such as obstructive decorations or a dirty windsheld, you'll be asked to remove them for a passing grade.

Under the Bonnet

• Bonnet catch — Since EVs don't have engines, there's nothing under the hood. The only thing your inspector might check is the bonnet catch, making sure it has no rust or damage and that it securely holds your bonnet down.
• Structure — During your MOT test, the instructor might also check the frame of your vehicle. They'll note any structural flaws that could make your car unsafe to drive on the road.

Under the Vehicle

• Drive shaft — Some EVs use a drive shaft to connect their motors and wheels. If yours is one of them, your inspector will make sure the CV joints are secure.
• Suspension — EVs are heavier than regular cars, so their suspension is especially important to an inspector. They'll look at your car's shock absorbers and springs for any sign that they need replacement or fixing.
• Wheels, rims, tyres and brakes — Everything about your wheels the inspector can't see on the surface, they will evaluate once they're underneath your car. This includes examining your wheel bearings and the inside of your wheels, as well as inspecting the condition of the brake lines.
• Structure and general vehicle condition — Your MOT inspector will assess your vehicle's structure (including wheel alignment and steering geometry) in its entirety. The inspector will also note any rust or signs of external damage (e.g., dents or broken parts) that may compromise the safety or performance of your vehicle.

Additional Electric Car-Specific Checks

• Battery capability — To pass your MOT, your battery will have to turn on and provide enough power to start four headlamps.
• Battery condition — Every MOT test involves a battery check. For EVs, this happens under the vehicle rather than under the bonnet. The inspector will look for signs of corrosion, damage and wear across the entire surface area of the bottom of your car.
• Charging apparatus — Your charging port cannot be damaged or have leaks because that would pose an electrocution risk.
• Electric connections — Connectors, posts and terminals underneath your vehicle need to be securely attached to prevent them from being a fire hazard.
• In-wheel motors — If your EV has tiny motors that turn your wheels, the inspector will check the casing to make sure they aren't exposed and that there are no loose wires or parts.

Electric Car MOT Costs

MOT costs vary slightly depending on the type of car you have. Most EV brands actually average slightly higher than many diesel and petrol models when it comes to MOT test costs.

The UK government places a maximum fee of £54.85 for all regular cars, though many garages charge less than this. This fee maximum applies to electric vehicles as well.

To understand the full cost of an MOT test, there are a few other costs you have to be aware of:

• Some test centres charge up to a £70 service fee, which is the maximum they're legally able to charge.
• If you don't pass your first MOT, you will have to take a retest at up to 50% of the cost of your full test.
• A failed test means you'll need to make fixes before you can retest. These will cost you money (usually £100 to £200, but it really depends on what the issue is).
• Business owners and fleet managers may spend up to £124.50 per electric vehicle MOT test, depending on the size and class of their vehicle.
• It's illegal to drive without an MOT certificate, so you'll most likely need to pay the garage you had your test at to fix it. Do your research ahead of time to ensure they charge fair prices, even if you're 'certain' you'll pass.

Time is also money. You can expect the MOT test itself to take around 45 to 60 minutes. But many test centres have you leave your car first thing in the morning. If your test is in the late afternoon, you could be without a car all day.

Is the MOT Test for an electric vehicle different from non-electric vehicles?

As we covered, the MOT test is largely the same for electric and non-electric vehicles. Your MOT test centre will use the same checklist for both.

However, they'll skip over the noise, exhaust and emmissions tests for EVs and focus on other areas of your vehicle, like battery condition, electric connections, charging apparatus and in-wheel motors (if your car has them).

They'll also double-check you're using tyres specifically designed to withstand the additional weight and torque of an electric car.

What happens if I fail my electric car MOT?

If you fail your MOT test, it could go one of two ways:

1. If last year's MOT certificate is still valid, you can drive it to whichever garage you like to carry out the repairs.
2. If your MOT expires before you'll have the chance to do so (i.e., in the next few days), your car is stuck at the test centre until you have them fix and retest it.

You cannot have a retest done at a different centre. The original garage will always be the one to retest your car.
The good news is the garage will offer you a free retest if you fix the problems within 10 working days. If you have your fixes done at a different garage, however, you will have to pay for the retest (up to 50% of the original test fee).

To ensure you get the best deal in the event of a failed MOT test, we suggest you look at online reviews before heading to the garage with the lowest MOT test fee.

Want to learn more? These are the questions our customers ask us the most.

How often do electric cars need an MOT?

Electric cars need an MOT just as often as regular vehicles do. Every vehicle, electric or not, must renew its MOT certificate annually. You can renew your MOT at any time in the month leading up to its expiry date and still keep the same expiry date for your next certificate.

Where can I get my electric car MOT done?

The only place you can book your MOT done is at an authorised testing facility (ATF). Look for the blue sign with the three triangles when looking for a garage. You can also check the active MOT test stations page on the government's website to double-check your centre is authorised.

How long does an electric car MOT usually take?

MOT tests usually take between 45 and 60 minutes. However, the full MOT test duration is never exactly that long. Depending on the number of cars at your centre, it could take longer for them to complete your test. They will usually ask you to leave your car earlier and come back to reclaim it when they're finished. So you can expect to spend a day (or at least a half a day) without your car.

Can I drive my electric car if it fails the MOT?

You can not drive your electric car if it fails its MOT. A car that fails its MOT is deemed unroadworthy and the garage cannot let you drive off with it. The only exception to this rule is if your previous MOT certificate is still valid. If so, you can drive it to another garage and have them fix it for you.

Can I use a regular car service station for my electric car's MOT?

You can only use an authorised testing facility (ATF) for your electric car's MOT test. ATFs are garages that also specialise in MOT tests. They have all the required equipment to do an inspection on your EV. Some garages may offer lower prices for the test than others, but be careful. They may recoup the money by charging more for labour and fixes for vehicles that fail.

Are electric cars exempt from specific MOT requirements?

Electric cars are exempt from MOT requirements regarding emissions and noise levels. EVs don't use a combustion engine, so they naturally produce no emissions or loud noises. Instead, your inspector will pay closer attention to your battery, electric connections and in-wheel motors. Regardless of your situation, your EV will still need to comply with MOT regulations regarding your vehicle structure, steering, braking system, suspension and tyres.