Does an electric car need an MOT?

An MOT Test is an annual test of vehicle safety, roadworthiness and emissions that is required in the UK for vehicles over three years old. It will determine if your vehicle meets the minimum road safety and environmental standards required by law.

To find out more about MOTs, read our comprehensive guide to MOT tests. 

Electric cars are still relatively new to the market, although there will be plenty on the roads now that are over 3 years old, so do these electric cars require an MOT Test? And is this test the same as an MOT for a standard petrol or diesel car?

Read on to find out all about EV MOT Tests.

In short, the answer is yes.

As an active vehicle on the road, once your electric car reaches 3 years old it will need an MOT. The MOT test is designed to assess the safety of your car for the safety of yourself, your passengers and other cars on the road.

Don't be fooled into thinking you can escape the test just because you have an EV, as the penalties for driving without a valid MOT certificate can be up to £1000, with the potential of points on your licence or even disqualification.

The overall MOT test is very similar for all car, as the main aim is to ensure the vehicle is safe.

The main difference is that there is no emissions test for an electric car and more focus on the battery condition.

Simple; they don't need to.

EVs emit no, or very little, emissions thanks to their electric power rather than traditional fuel types. Electric cars don't have an exhaust system, which is usually where the emissions are tested in petrol or diesel vehicles.

1. Battery - there is a more thorough battery check on an electric vehicle MOT, and the battery must be capable of storing enough power to start the car and run at least 4 headlamps
2. Charging equipment - the charging port will be checked for damage, leaks or any signs of a potential electrical fault
3. Tyres - your tyres must be roadworthy with enough tread depth and no damage or bulges. They must also be the correct size and speed rating for the vehicle. 
4. Brakes - The condition of your brakes and the brake fluid levels will be checked on your MOT
5. Seatbelts - this is a key safety feature, so they must be able to retract and buckle in properly
6. Lights - every light on your vehicle must be in good working order
7. Bodywork - any signs of rust and corrosion or damage will be noted. Anything severe will cause your car to fail the MOT
8. Steering and suspension - this needs to be in good condition to ensure the vehicle handling is optimal 
9. Windscreen and visibility - driver's having excellent visibility with nothing that can interfere is vital to vehicle safety

If your car fails the MOT, you may not be able to drive your vehicle until the issues are resolved.

Any major faults and fails will need to be fixed and then the car will need to be retested.

We would recommend booking your MOT around 1 month in advance of the expiry to ensure you have the time to repair anything without having to take too much time off the road.

If you'd like to give your car the best chance of success, read our guide to the most common MOT failures and how to avoid them.

At both Bumpers Farm and MRG, on Bath Road, we are authorised MOT Test Centres in Chippenham.

We are authorised service centres for Citroen, Peugeot, SEAT, Kia, Ford, Volvo and Polestar, but all makes and models are welcome.

Click the button below or call us to book.

Bumpers Farm: 01249 444000

MRG: 01249 443300