Automotive
Electric cars show higher reliability than petrol models at high mileage, UK study says
An analysis of millions of British roadworthiness tests indicates that electric vehicles fail less often as odometer readings rise.
The short version
- An analysis of 47.4 million UK vehicle inspection tests found that high-mileage electric cars remain roadworthy longer than petrol equivalents, with the durability advantage expanding as mileage climbs.[Electrek · The Guardian]
- Vehicles driven between 90,000 and 120,000 miles showed an MOT failure rate of 16.5% for electric cars compared to 22.1% for petrol models, widening to 16% versus 23.5% past 120,000 miles.[Electrek · The Guardian]
- The analysis does not evaluate battery degradation or charging health because standard British inspection data omits battery metrics.[Electrek]
Key facts
- Consultancy New AutoMotive conducted an inspection study on behalf of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association analyzing 47.4 million MOT tests.[The Guardian]
- At 90,000 to 120,000 miles, electric cars recorded an MOT failure rate of 16.5% versus 22.1% for petrol vehicles of the same age.[The Guardian]
- By 120,000 miles, petrol vehicles are 7.5% more likely to fail an MOT test than electric cars, with failure rates of 23.5% and 16% respectively.[Electrek]
- British MOT tests assess roadworthiness elements including suspension, tires, and brakes, but they do not record battery health.[Electrek]
What remains uncertain
- The operational lifespan and degradation rates of electric vehicle batteries remain unmeasured by the study because British MOT tests do not track battery metrics.[Electrek · The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.