Though there are some variations, the MOT test for electric cars is generally similar to the MOT test for petrol and diesel vehicles.

With an electric car, this is not required. The primary distinction is that an internal combustion engine car has an exhaust system that needs to be tested.

In addition to not requiring an emissions test, electric vehicles differ from other types of vehicles in terms of features. An electric car's MOT Newbury, for instance, largely consists of checking the battery.

MOT Checklist for Electric Vehicles

An electric car's MOT test is intended to make sure that it satisfies the legal minimum requirements and is safe to drive, just like a car powered by petrol or diesel. It will examine:

Tyres: these need to be in good driving order, with sufficient tread depth, no cuts or bulges, and the right kind of tyre for the car. Regular drivers should take extra care to perform this test because the efficiency of your tyres can be affected by their condition.

Wheels: Check that the wheels (or tyre rims) are free of cracks and splits and that all of the nuts and bolts are tight.

Bodywork: Check for rust, corrosion or damage to the number plates, lights or mirrors.

Inspect that the brakes are not overheating and that they are functioning properly. It is also advisable to check the level of the brake fluid, as it can get low if regenerative braking—which recharges the battery—is used excessively.

The state of your battery is important to demonstrate that it has the capacity to start the car and run at least four headlights.

Equipment that needs to be charged: Inspect the charging port for leaks or damage, as these could result in an electrical malfunction.

One important safety precaution that we often overlook is the seatbelt. That's why it's crucial that any broken or malfunctioning seat belt component could result in your vehicle failing its MOT.

How can I obtain a MOT for my electric car?

In the same manner as a new car MOT. Make an appointment and bring your car in for a test at your neighborhood MOT station. The main distinction is that before you bring the car in for a checkup, you'll need to make sure the battery is fully charged and the car is in good working order.

What happens if the MOT on my electric car is failed?

You won't be able to use your electric vehicle until a mechanic fixes it if it fails the MOT test due to an issue that could compromise its roadworthiness or safety. You must have these problems resolved right away if this occurs and you wish to keep driving the electric car in order for it to be safe enough to resume driving.

You can take the following steps to ensure that your electric car passes its MOT if you're concerned that it won't pass:

• Ascertain that every light on the vehicle, including the number plates, brake, hazard, and indicator lights, is functioning properly.
• Verify the correct operation of all door locks and that no leaks occur from closed windows or doors.
• Verify that all seatbelts, including child seats if you have them, are securely fastened.
• Verify that the tyres are in good condition and that the proper pressure is applied to each one.

So, is a MOT required for electric cars? Yes. To make sure it is safe enough to drive, your electric car should undergo the same testing as any other car. This keeps the road safer for other drivers in addition to guaranteeing you have a smooth driving experience. Therefore, make sure to schedule an appointment for your electric car's maintenance and check your score using our checklist.

Cost of a MOT for an electric car

Servicing an electric car should cost about the same as servicing a petrol or diesel vehicle. Although it may seem strange because EVs don't have engines to inspect, they do have other parts that need to be looked at, like the battery and motor control systems. The suspension, steering, and braking systems also need to be checked out, just like any other car.

New EV buyers are frequently presented with the option to purchase a monthly or annual service plan package, which will pay for servicing for a predetermined amount of time (sometimes the duration of the financial contract).

You might have to stick with main-dealer servicing for EVs because only qualified technicians can safely work with their high-voltage systems during maintenance. There are more independent garages that can work on electric vehicles these days, but if you want to use one, you might have to drive a little bit. The Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair website can help you find the closest independent garage that is qualified to repair EVs.

Compared to EV Car Service Newbury costs,  a garage's maximum charge for a MOT test is £54.85. While some service plans (see above) cover the cost of a MOT, some service centres may offer discounted MOT tests in the event that they anticipate your car will need work and may be the chosen garage to complete that work. In addition to the fact that having the car serviced can serve as a "pre-check" for the MOT and involve scheduled maintenance like oil changes, many drivers combine their yearly inspections with their MOT tests.