MOT Test for Electric Vehicles

You are probably wondering if electric cars need an MOT. Yes, any car after the age of 3 needs an MOT. Just because you are saving the environment, by switching to electric cars, does not mean that your car can not be road-safe.

MOT examinations ensure that automobiles are roadworthy. After three years, electric vehicles, like any other vehicle, must pass an MOT.

The key distinction between MOTs for EVs and those for gasoline or diesel vehicles is that there are no emissions tests or noise tests.

How do they do MOT on electric cars?

An electric automobile, like an internal combustion engine, must be entered into the approved MOT test computer system. While a diesel or petrol automobile will be subjected to emissions and noise tests, as previously stated, there is no such need for EVs. Therefore, you may go to the next phase.

The tester will ensure that all of your lights are operational.

Following that, they will inspect the seatbelts, wipers, and windscreen for cracks or chips.

Following that, your vehicle will be lifted into the air on an MOT test lift.

They will then inspect your steering to ensure it is in good working order. The tester will also free spin each wheel to examine the tires and test for proper bearing operation, as well as a comprehensive suspension check.

The MOT tester will now check for corrosion at any crucial mounting points and brackets. Interestingly, MOT inspectors are not permitted to dismantle anything to check for the possibility of rust, so most EVs' large aerodynamic underbody panels will remain in place.

Finally, brake testing is done, similar to that for petrol and diesel automobiles.

Checklist for Electric Cars’ MOT

Like petrol and diesel cars, an electric car does not have a long list of MOT requirements. Given below are a few important things that need to be checked.

Headlights, windshield wipers, and a horn

Headlights are checked to ensure that they are properly aligned and have the appropriate brightness, height, and distance from other headlights so that they do not dazzle approaching vehicles but serve their goal of lighting up the road ahead.

Following a check of the headlights, all other lights on the vehicle, including the brake and taillights, fog lights, and danger lights, are tested. It is also critical to have a working horn, as a malfunctioning or non-existent trumpet would result in an immediate MOT failure.

Checking all the mechanics

The mechanical components are tested as the final and most complex portion of the MOT test. Steering, suspension, breaks, shock absorbers, and wheel bearings are all included. For example, the steering is checked, and all of the wheels are rotated to look for excessive wear and tear.

So, aside from the primary distinction that there is no emissions test done on electric cars, you should be able to see that your vehicle still has to be tested for a variety of things. So, if it has reached its third birthday, arrange an appointment with your local garage as soon as feasible.

Checking for corrosion of car parts

The entire car will next be inspected for rust using a specially developed tool. The overall goal is to inspect the components for rust, which includes those under the hood and below the automobile, thus the vehicle will need to be elevated. When inspecting underneath the car, the chassis, mounting brackets, sills, and hinges will be checked to ensure they are in excellent shape.

Things You Need To Do If You Want To Pass Your EV MOT Test

Examine the lights' functionality.

If you're doing this alone, smart advice is to reverse up near a reflecting surface, such as a window on your house, preferably in low light or at night. Next, check your sidelights, indicators, reverse lights, fog lights, and brake lights. Front lights are the easiest to inspect; turn them all on, then go outside and inspect. Just ask for someone's help if you find it difficult to do it on your own.

Perform exterior visual inspections.

Check your license plate, as well as your windscreen and wipers. Check that they are all in good condition. Check that your tires have adequate tread. The required minimum is 1.6mm across the center of 34 of your tires, for most EVs.