# Electric cars and MOTs: what the latest reliability data really shows

> Recent UK MOT analysis has renewed the debate about older electric cars. Here is what the data can and cannot tell you.

Canonical: https://motorbook.uk/articles/ev-mot-reliability-data-2026/
Last updated: 2026-09-25

MOT: EVs

Recent UK MOT analysis has renewed the debate about older electric cars. Here is what the data can and cannot tell you.

Nathan James · Published 25 September 2026 · Last checked 25 September 2026

TL;DR

MOT data is useful evidence, but it is not a complete reliability test. It does not predict every future repair or measure battery health in detail.

Recent analysis of millions of UK MOT records has renewed the debate about whether older electric cars are more reliable than petrol equivalents. The useful conclusion is more measured: powertrain type is only one part of an MOT result.

## What the data suggests

The analysis reported by Auto Express found that high-mileage electric cars in the dataset had lower MOT failure rates than comparable petrol cars. At lower mileages, the difference was much smaller.

## What to check on a used EV

- MOT history and advisories
- Evidence of scheduled servicing
- Battery warranty terms and remaining coverage
- A battery health report, where available
- Tyre condition and replacement cost
- Charging cable and adapter condition

## Does an EV need less maintenance?

Electric cars have fewer engine-related service items, but they still need tyres, brakes, suspension, steering, lights, wipers and other roadworthiness items checked. Regenerative braking can also mean brake components need attention for age or corrosion.

**Motorbook tip:** Save MOT advisories and service entries as soon as you receive them. A clear record is useful when deciding what to repair now and when selling later.

**Source:** [Read the original source](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/370485/electric-cars-are-more-reliable-petrol-cars-25-better-mot-pass-rates)

Motorbook is independent and is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or GOV.UK.

**Written by Nathan James**, the developer of Motorbook, an independent UK car-admin app for iPhone.

[Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanjamesnjoy/)