An electric car must first go for an MOT after 4 years, just like petrol cars. After that, the MOT test is mandatory annually. It doesn’t matter whether you drive a Tesla, Nissan Leaf or another EV – the MOT requirement is the same for all electric cars. The inspection does differ on certain points, because electric cars don’t have an exhaust system but do have high-voltage systems.
When must an electric car first go for an MOT?
An electric car is first subject to MOT after 4 years, and then every year thereafter. This applies to all passenger cars with electric drive, regardless of make or model. The rules are exactly the same as for petrol cars.
Say you buy a new electric car in January 2024. Then you must first go for an MOT in January 2028. From that point on, the test is mandatory every year: January 2029, January 2030, and so on. You get one month before and after the expiry date to have the test carried out.
It doesn’t matter whether you drive a Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Leaf or another electric car. Hybrid cars also fall under the same MOT rules: first test after 4 years, then annually. Some people think that electric cars are subject to MOT later because they have fewer parts, but that’s not correct.
Note: diesel cars do have different rules. They must first go for an MOT after 3 years. For electric and petrol cars, the 4-year rule applies.
What exactly is checked during an MOT for electric cars?
During an MOT for electric cars, the same basic items are checked as for other cars: brakes, lighting, tyres, bodywork, steering system and safety equipment. The difference lies in what is not checked and what receives extra attention.
What is not checked during an electric car MOT? There is no check on exhaust emissions (logical, as there’s no exhaust), no engine oil, no coolant for the combustion engine and no exhaust system for leaks or rust. This saves time during the inspection.
What is checked on electric cars?
- Brakes and brake system – extra important because EVs are heavier due to the batteries
- Tyres – tread, pressure and wear pattern
- Lighting – all lights front, rear and side
- Windscreen wipers and mirrors
- Bodywork for rust and damage
- Steering system and play
- Safety equipment such as seat belts
- High-voltage systems – visual check for damage
- Battery housing – check for visible damage or leaks
- Orange high-voltage cables – must not be damaged
The MOT tester may not touch the high-voltage systems themselves. It’s a visual check to see if everything looks good. If there is damage to the battery housing or orange cables are visibly damaged, you’ll get a failure.
The regenerative braking function (where the car brakes through the motor) is not tested separately. However, the normal brake system is checked, as this must always work properly as a backup.
Does an MOT for an electric car cost more than for a regular car?
No, an MOT for an electric car costs the same as for a petrol or diesel car. The legally established MOT rate is the same for all passenger cars. So you don’t pay extra because you drive electric.
MOT costs consist of a fixed amount determined by the government. A garage may not simply increase this rate. With us, you pay the same for the MOT test, regardless of whether you come with a Renault Zoe, Tesla or a petrol car.
Why do people think that an electric car MOT is more expensive? This often comes from confusion with maintenance. Electric cars do indeed have different maintenance costs (often lower because there is less wear), but the MOT test itself simply costs the standard rate.
What can bring extra costs? If defects are found during the MOT, you naturally pay for the repairs. With electric cars, it can sometimes be more expensive to replace certain parts, such as specific sensors or cameras. But the test itself remains the same amount.
A misunderstanding is also that you have to go to a special garage for an electric car MOT. That’s not correct. Any authorised MOT testing station may test electric cars. The tester must be trained for high-voltage systems, but that’s standard nowadays.
How do you prepare your electric car for MOT?
You can prepare your electric car for the MOT by doing a few simple checks yourself. Most checks are the same as for a regular car, so it’s not more complicated because you drive electric.
Check lighting – Turn on your car and walk around it. Check if all lights work: main beam, dipped beam, rear lights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights. Ask someone to press the brake while you stand behind the car. A broken bulb is a common reason for failure.
Check tyres – Check tyre pressure (stated in the door or instruction manual) and look at the tread. The legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but for your safety 3 mm is better. Also watch for irregular wear. Electric cars sometimes wear tyres faster due to the higher weight and direct power transmission.
Test windscreen wipers – Turn them on and see if they wipe properly without streaks. Worn windscreen wipers are easy to replace and prevent a failure.
Check mirrors and windows – Are all mirrors still properly attached? Are there no large cracks in the windscreen? A crack in the driver’s field of vision results in a failure.
What often causes failure in electric cars specifically?
- Damaged battery housing – check if there are no dents or cracks under the car
- Visible damage to orange high-voltage cables
- Worn tyres – due to the weight of the batteries
- Broken lighting – just like with other cars
You really don’t need to be a technical expert to do these checks. Just walk around your car before the MOT and test the basic things. If you’re unsure about something, you can always come by for a pre-scan. Then we’ll check if everything is in order before you officially go for the MOT.
Another tip: don’t plan your MOT at the very last moment. If something needs to be repaired, you’ll then still have time to arrange that before your test expires.
Conclusion
The MOT test for electric cars is less complicated than many people think. Your electric car must first go for an MOT after 4 years and then every year, exactly like petrol cars. The costs are the same, and many checks correspond with what happens with other cars.
The main difference is that no exhaust gases or engine oil are checked, but a visual check on the battery housing and high-voltage systems does take place. By checking the lighting, tyres and windscreen wipers yourself beforehand, you increase the chance of passing the test in one go.
At Autobedrijven Verdonk we carry out MOT tests for all car brands, including electric and hybrid cars. We always explain what we check and why, so you know exactly where you stand. Wondering if your car is MOT-ready? Feel free to drop by for advice. We’re happy to help you with repairs and maintenance, whether you drive a Tesla, Renault Zoe or another electric car.
Need help with MOT for your electric car?
Want to be sure that your electric car is MOT-ready or do you have questions about the test? At Autobedrijven Verdonk in Veldhoven we’re here for you. We carry out MOT tests for all brands of electric cars and are happy to help you with any repairs.
Make an appointment and drive to your MOT test with peace of mind.