High-mileage electric cars found to be more reliable than petrol models, analysis shows

An analysis of 47.4 million MOT tests indicates battery-electric vehicles with 90,000–120,000 miles on the clock are about 25% less likely to fail than petrol cars of the same age, with failure rates of 16.5% versus 22.1%. The finding could influence used-car buyers weighing high-mileage options.

Study findings

A large-scale analysis of 47.4 million MOT tests found that electric vehicles (EVs) with between 90,000 and 120,000 miles on the clock were substantially more likely to pass the roadworthiness test than petrol cars of the same age. The analysis compared failure rates and reported a 16.5% failure rate for EVs in that mileage band versus 22.1% for petrol-powered models — roughly a 25% lower chance of failure for the electrified vehicles.

What the MOT measures

The MOT is the annual safety and roadworthiness inspection used in the United Kingdom and focuses on items such as brakes, lights, steering, tyres and structural integrity. The tests do not typically measure battery state-of-health or the full range of conditions specific to electric powertrains, so the comparison relates to defects detected under the MOT regime rather than a complete assessment of long-term drivetrain durability.

Implications for used-car buyers and the market

For motorists considering a secondhand vehicle with high mileage, the results suggest EVs may present fewer immediate reliability issues as detected by standard safety inspections. That could affect depreciation patterns, buyer confidence and decisions in the used-car market, particularly for drivers prioritising low near-term maintenance needs.

Possible reasons and caveats

Electric cars have fewer mechanically complex components — for example no internal combustion engine or multi-gear transmission — which may reduce the number of failure points identified during MOT tests. However, the analysis does not provide a definitive cause-and-effect explanation, and factors such as vehicle usage patterns, maintenance history and model-specific durability are not detailed in the aggregated figures.

Further information and context

Readers should note the findings are based on MOT test outcomes and reflect defects that trigger a fail under that inspection framework. Prospective buyers should continue to consider a full service history and, where relevant, specialist checks of electrical systems and battery condition when evaluating high-mileage EVs.