High-mileage EVs outperform petrol cars in UK roadworthiness study
Words: Kyle Cassidy
A big number on the odometer needn’t rule out a used electric car, with a UK study finding higher-mileage EVs were less likely to fail roadworthiness inspections than petrol models of the same age.
The analysis of 47.4 million MOT tests in the UK found the difference became more pronounced as kilometres accumulated. However, the results don’t tell buyers how well an EV’s battery is holding up.
For New Zealand used-car shoppers, that makes the research a useful challenge to assumptions about high-mileage electric cars, rather than a blanket verdict on their reliability.
The study was conducted by consultancy New AutoMotive for the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).
Among cars that had travelled approximately 145,000–193,000km, EVs recorded a failure rate of 16.5 per cent, compared with 22.1 per cent for petrol models of the same age. That made the electric cars roughly 25 per cent less likely to fail.
Beyond approximately 193,000km, the failure rate was 16 per cent for EVs and 23.5 per cent for petrol cars. At lower mileages, there was relatively little difference between the two.
The findings come as more electric vehicles enter the second-hand market, including former company and lease cars that may have covered substantial distances.
“What this data shows is that mileage alone should not put consumers off. A well-maintained, higher-mileage electric car can be an extremely durable used vehicle,” said BVRLA chief executive Toby Poston.
New AutoMotive chief executive Ben Nelmes suggested the simpler electric drivetrain becomes an advantage as vehicles accumulate kilometres.
“The data suggests the mechanical simplicity of an electric drivetrain starts to become increasingly valuable as cars accumulate miles.”
Tyres and brakes still need attention
Electric cars didn’t perform better across every category. The study found EVs recorded nearly twice as many tyre defects as petrol vehicles.
Older electric cars with low mileages also showed increased friction-brake defects. Researchers attributed this to corrosion associated with the brakes being used less frequently.
Those findings underline why a low odometer reading shouldn’t be treated as a guarantee of good condition either.
A roadworthiness pass doesn’t measure battery health
The important distinction is what the study actually assessed. UK MOT inspections examine roadworthiness items including tyres, brakes, suspension, steering and lights. They don’t measure battery health, degradation or charging performance.
A lower inspection failure rate therefore doesn’t establish that an EV will retain its original range, charge properly or avoid every potentially expensive fault.
For Kiwi buyers, the useful takeaway is to assess the whole vehicle, with battery condition considered separately from its mechanical roadworthiness.
“This isn’t an argument for buying a used EV without doing your homework,” Poston said. “Buyers should look at its history, condition, tyres and battery health just as they would scrutinise the engine, gearbox and service history of a petrol or diesel car.”
The research suggests a well-maintained EV with plenty of kilometres behind it can still deserve a place on the shopping list. The odometer is part of the story, but it shouldn’t make the decision on its own.
