An MOT for an electric car costs on average between £40 and £80, depending on the garage and the region. That is comparable to what you pay for a petrol car. The inspection itself typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the MOT for electric cars, so you know exactly what to expect.
Does an MOT for an electric car differ from one for a petrol car?
An MOT for an electric car differs in several ways from one for a petrol car, but the fundamentals are the same. The same inspection requirements apply to all passenger cars, but the checklist has been adapted to the technology of electric vehicles. Components such as the exhaust and fuel system are no longer relevant, but specific checks for the high-voltage system are added in their place.
For a petrol car, the inspector checks items such as exhaust emissions, the fuel system, and the bodywork. For an electric car, extra attention is paid to the condition of the high-voltage cables, the battery pack, and the electric drivetrain. Beyond that, the checks are largely the same: brakes, lighting, steering, tires, and bodywork are assessed for both types of vehicle.
In practice, you will notice little difference as a driver. You drive to the garage, the inspector does their work, and you leave with either an approval or a list of items that need to be repaired.
What does an MOT for an electric car cost on average?
The average cost of an MOT for an electric car is between £40 and £80. That is comparable to the price for a petrol or diesel car. The exact price depends on the garage, the region, and whether any additional checks are required.
Some garages charge a slightly higher rate for electric cars, because the inspector needs specific knowledge of high-voltage systems and must be certified for this. In practice, however, this difference is limited. When comparing prices, always check whether the costs are listed with or without VAT.
If your car fails the inspection, you pay the repair costs separately. If you have the repairs carried out at the same garage, in many cases you will not need to pay the full MOT fee again for the retest.
What components are checked during an electric car MOT?
During an MOT for an electric car, the inspector checks both the standard components and a number of specific parts associated with electric drivetrains. The inspection is comprehensive and covers both safety and technical condition.
- Brakes: braking performance, brake discs, and brake pads
- Lighting: headlights, tail lights, indicators, and brake lights
- Tires: tread depth, wear, and tire pressure
- Steering: play and functionality
- Bodywork and chassis: rust and structural condition
- Windows and wipers: visibility and functionality
- High-voltage system: cables, connections, and insulation
- Battery pack: housing and mounting
- Electric drivetrain: visible condition and safety provisions
What is not checked for an electric car is exhaust emissions, because there simply are none. The fuel system and catalytic converter are also not applicable. This makes the inspection simpler in those areas, but the additional high-voltage checks more than compensate for that.
Can any garage carry out an MOT for an electric car?
No, not every garage is permitted to carry out an MOT for an electric car. An inspector who tests electric vehicles must hold an additional certification for high-voltage vehicles. Without that certification, the garage is not authorized to perform the inspection.
This is an important difference from a standard MOT. Most approved MOT stations are by now certified for electric cars, but it is wise to check this in advance. Particularly with smaller or older garages, it cannot be taken for granted that they hold the required credentials.
When booking your MOT, always ask whether the garage is certified for electric vehicles. It will save you an unnecessary trip.
How often does an electric car need an MOT?
An electric car follows the same MOT intervals as a petrol car. The first MOT is required after 4 years, after which you must return for an inspection every year. This applies to all passenger cars, regardless of the type of drivetrain.
Many people assume that electric cars require less maintenance and therefore need to be inspected less frequently. That is true for routine maintenance, but the same legal requirements apply to the MOT as for any other car. No exceptions are made for electric vehicles.
Also keep in mind that outside of the MOT, you should pay attention to the condition of your brakes. Electric cars make extensive use of regenerative braking, which means the brake discs wear more slowly. However, this also means they stay less clean and are more prone to rust. Have them checked periodically, even when your MOT is not yet due. You can visit our repair and maintenance services for this.
What are common MOT failure points for an electric car?
The most common MOT failure points for an electric car are largely the same as for other vehicles. Lighting, tires, and brakes top the list. Specific to electric vehicles, problems with the battery pack housing or damaged high-voltage cables occasionally arise as well.
- Lighting: a blown bulb or a headlight that is not properly aligned
- Tires: insufficient tread depth or uneven wear
- Brakes: rusted brake discs or worn brake pads
- Windows: a chip or crack in the driver’s field of vision
- Bodywork: rust through the body or structural damage
- High-voltage system: damaged insulation or loose connections
Many of these issues are easy to prevent with regular maintenance. Check your tires and lighting yourself from time to time, and have your brakes inspected periodically. That way, you won’t be caught off guard at your MOT.
How Autobedrijven Verdonk helps with your electric car MOT
At Autobedrijven Verdonk in Veldhoven, we carry out official MOT inspections, including for electric and hybrid cars. We are specifically trained and equipped for the particular requirements of electric vehicles, from high-voltage systems to battery housings. After the inspection, we always give you a clear explanation of what we found and what your options are — no fuss, no jargon.
- Official MOT inspections for all car makes, including electric and hybrid
- Certified inspectors for high-voltage vehicles
- Immediate repair of failed items possible, so you don’t need to book a separate appointment
- Honest explanation of what was inspected and what may need attention
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
Autobedrijven Verdonk also carries out maintenance and repairs for all other car makes.
Would you like to book your MOT or do you have questions about the inspection of your electric car? Feel free to get in touch or visit us in Veldhoven. Read more about our history and discover why we have been a trusted name in the region for over 95 years.