A recent study has revealed that electric vehicles (EVs) with mileage between 90,000 and 120,000 miles demonstrate greater reliability than petrol cars of comparable age. Analysis of 47.4 million MOT test results showed that EVs in this mileage bracket had a failure rate of 16.5%, compared with 22.1% for petrol cars, marking about a 25% lower failure likelihood.
Furthermore, for vehicles exceeding 120,000 miles, 16% of EVs failed their MOT, while petrol cars exhibited a 23.5% failure rate. This research was carried out by consultancy New AutoMotive on behalf of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).
Toby Poston, chief executive of the BVRLA, emphasised that mileage is a key consideration for purchasers of used cars, with milestones such as 60,000 or 70,000 miles often impacting perceptions of a vehicle’s condition. He highlighted that the findings suggest consumers should not be deterred by high mileage alone, as a well-maintained electric vehicle with significant mileage can be exceptionally durable.
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“This is particularly important as the used car market plays a crucial role in making electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of motorists,” Poston noted. “Building buyer confidence will be essential to developing a healthy and affordable second-hand EV market.”
Ben Nelmes, chief executive of New AutoMotive, explained that high mileage does not necessarily indicate poor vehicle condition, as previously assumed by many buyers. He added that the straightforward mechanical design of electric drivetrains becomes increasingly beneficial as mileage accumulates.
Poston cautioned that prospective EV buyers should still conduct thorough checks on vehicle history, condition, tyres, and battery health, just as they would examine the engine, gearbox, and service history of a petrol or diesel car.
“This data enables us to challenge the notion that electric cars with 80,000 or 100,000 miles on the clock are automatically worn out,” he concluded.