A comprehensive study analysing 47 million MOT tests has revealed that electric vehicles (EVs) outperform petrol cars in reliability after surpassing 60,000 miles. The research highlights the importance of rethinking traditional perceptions around vehicle mileage, particularly for used electric cars.
Commissioned by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and conducted by New AutoMotive, the study compared MOT failure rates across various mileage bands for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and petrol cars.
Between 20,000 and 40,000 miles, the MOT failure rate for BEVs stood at 12%, slightly higher than the 11.7% failure rate seen in petrol vehicles. However, the data showed a significant shift after the 60,000-mile mark. Beyond this mileage, the failure rate for electric cars stabilises at around 16%, whereas petrol and diesel vehicles continue to experience increasing rates of MOT failures.
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For vehicles aged between three and eight years, with mileages ranging from 90,000 to 120,000 miles, one in six electric cars (16.5%) failed their MOT compared with almost one in four petrol cars (22.2%). This suggests that electric cars are approximately 25% less likely to fail their MOT within this age and mileage bracket.
Toby Poston, Chief Executive of the BVRLA, explained: “Mileage has traditionally been a major factor for buyers when evaluating used cars, often impacting the perceived value once a vehicle hits 60,000 or 70,000 miles. Our research suggests a need to change this mindset, especially regarding electric vehicles.”
He added: “Many EVs entering the used car market have already covered significant miles through company fleets or leasing arrangements. This data demonstrates that mileage alone should not deter consumers. Well-maintained, higher-mileage electric cars can be highly durable, which is crucial as we seek to make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience through the used market. Building consumer confidence is key to fostering a sustainable and affordable second-hand EV market.”
Ben Nelmes, Chief Executive at New AutoMotive, commented on the significance of the findings: “By separating age from mileage, we get a clearer picture. The UK’s electric car fleet is younger on average than its petrol and diesel counterparts, but EVs tend to have higher mileage due to their usage in fleets. When comparing vehicles of similar age and mileage, the failure rates for EVs plateau after 60,000 miles, whereas petrol vehicle failure rates continue climbing.”
He concluded: “This provides compelling evidence for potential used EV buyers that high mileage is not necessarily indicative of poor condition, as has often been assumed. The mechanical simplicity of electric drivetrains becomes increasingly advantageous as mileage accumulates, highlighting the durability of electric vehicles.”