High-mileage electric cars are more reliable than petrol ones, study finds

An analysis of 47.4 million MOT tests by consultancy New AutoMotive for the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association shows high-mileage electric cars are more likely to pass roadworthiness tests than petrol equivalents. After 90,000-120,000 miles EVs failed MOTs at 16.5% versus 22.1% for petrol cars, a roughly 25% lower failure rate; beyond 120,000 miles EV failure fell to 16% compared with 23.5% for petrol. Differences at lower mileages were small. The study attributes EV durability to the mechanical simplicity of electric drivetrains and notes many used EVs come from company and leasing fleets, so high mileage alone should not be equated with poor condition.

The research also highlights specific weaknesses and limits: EVs recorded nearly twice as many tyre defects as petrol cars, and older or low-mileage EVs showed increased friction-brake faults tied to corrosion from infrequent use. MOTs assess brakes, tyres, suspension, steering and lights but do not measure battery health, degradation or charging performance, so battery condition must be checked alongside service history, tyres and vehicle records. Industry leaders say treating 80,000-100,000-mile EVs as inherently worn out is unjustified, and greater buyer confidence will support an affordable secondhand EV market.