Electric Car MOTs – What You Need to Know
Electric Car MOTs – What You Need to Know
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, many drivers are wondering how MOT testing differs for electric cars compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. While EVs don’t require emissions tests, they still need a full safety check to ensure roadworthiness.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we provide MOT testing for electric cars, ensuring they meet all DVSA safety and legal requirements. In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ How an MOT for an electric car is different from a petrol or diesel MOT
✅ What’s tested during an electric car MOT
✅ Common reasons for electric vehicle MOT failures
✅ How to prepare your EV for its MOT
If you own an electric vehicle, here’s everything you need to know about keeping it road-legal.
1. Do Electric Cars Need an MOT?
🔋 Yes! Just like petrol and diesel cars, an electric vehicle must pass an MOT once it reaches three years old.
📌 The only difference? EVs don’t require emissions testing, as they have no exhaust system.
🚗 What’s the same?
✔️ Brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, and safety systems are all inspected just like on a traditional car.
✔️ An MOT is still required every 12 months after the first three years.
2. What’s Tested During an Electric Car MOT?
Even though EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, they still go through a full MOT test, covering:
✅ Brakes – Since EVs use regenerative braking, testers check for wear on the braking system.
✅ Suspension & Steering – Ensuring stability and control while driving.
✅ Tyres – EVs are heavier, causing increased tyre wear, so tread depth and condition are checked.
✅ Lights & Indicators – All external lights must work correctly.
✅ Windscreen & Wipers – Any cracks or worn wipers can lead to failure.
✅ Seatbelts & Safety Features – Must be in working order.
✅ Structural Integrity – Checking for rust or damage to the car’s body and chassis.
📌 EVs do NOT require:
❌ Exhaust & emissions testing – No combustion engine, no emissions!
❌ Fuel system checks – No petrol or diesel system to inspect.
3. Common MOT Failures for Electric Cars
Even though EVs skip emissions testing, they still fail MOTs for common wear-and-tear issues.
🚨 Most common MOT failures for electric vehicles:
❌ Braking system wear – Since EVs use regenerative braking, the brake discs and pads can develop rust if they’re not used enough.
❌ Tyre wear – EVs are heavier than petrol cars, causing faster tyre degradation.
❌ Lights & indicators – Faulty bulbs are still one of the most common MOT failures.
❌ Windscreen damage – Chips and cracks in the windscreen can lead to an MOT failure.
❌ Suspension issues – Heavier battery packs put more strain on suspension components, causing premature wear.
📌 Tip: Regular servicing can prevent MOT failures by catching these issues early!
4. How to Prepare Your Electric Car for an MOT
✅ Check your lights – Test all indicators, headlights, and brake lights before your MOT.
✅ Inspect your tyres – Make sure your tyre tread is above 1.6mm and check for cracks or bulges.
✅ Use your brakes – Drive occasionally without regenerative braking to keep brake pads and discs in good condition.
✅ Top up windscreen washer fluid – A simple issue that can cause an unnecessary failure.
✅ Check for warning lights – Any dashboard warning lights could result in an MOT failure.
📌 Book a pre-MOT check at Andrews Car Centre to ensure your EV passes first time!
5. How Much Does an Electric Car MOT Cost?
💰 An MOT for an electric vehicle costs the same as a petrol or diesel MOT.
🔧 Price: £29 at Andrews Car Centre – one of the most affordable MOTs in Lincoln!
📌 If your EV fails its MOT, we offer full repair services to get you back on the road quickly.
6. Why Choose Andrews Car Centre for Your EV MOT in Lincoln?
At Andrews Car Centre, we provide:
✔️ MOT Testing for All Electric Vehicles – Including Tesla, Nissan Leaf, VW ID models, and more.
✔️ EV-Specific Expertise – Our technicians are trained in electric vehicle servicing and repairs.
✔️ Fast, Efficient MOTs – We aim to get you back on the road quickly.
✔️ Transparent Pricing – No hidden costs, just straightforward service.
✔️ Affordable EV Repairs & Servicing – Ensuring your electric car stays roadworthy.
🚗 Book your EV MOT with us and drive with confidence!
Book Your Electric Car MOT at Andrews Car Centre Today!
📞 Call Andrews Car Centre now or book online for a professional electric car MOT in Lincoln.
🚗🔧 Andrews Car Centre – Lincoln’s Trusted EV MOT & Servicing Specialists.