Book Online

Electric Vehicle MOT

Do electric vehicles need an MOT?

Yes – just like petrol and diesel cars, electric vehicles need an MOT once they are three years old. After that, they must be tested every 12 months to make sure they remain safe and roadworthy.

An EV MOT is very similar to a standard MOT, with checks on tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, and seatbelts. The difference is that EVs don’t require an emissions test, but testers will carry out additional inspections specific to electric vehicles, such as the high-voltage battery, charging port and cabling.

At Eden Tyres & Servicing, an EV MOT costs just £44.95 including VAT, and if your vehicle doesn’t pass first time, we’ll provide a free retest. The test usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour, giving you a quick, straightforward way to keep your electric car legally compliant and safe on the road.

When Is My First MOT Due for My Electric Vehicle?

Your electric vehicle’s first MOT is due three years after it was first registered, just the same as any petrol or diesel car. For example, if your EV was registered in September 2022, it will need its first MOT in September 2025.

After this, your electric vehicle will need an MOT every 12 months to make sure it remains safe and roadworthy. The test covers all the essentials such as brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights and safety systems. Unlike petrol or diesel cars, there’s no emissions test, but MOT testers will carry out inspections specific to electric vehicles, including checks of the high-voltage battery, charging port and cabling.

At Eden Tyres & Servicing, an Electric Vehicle MOT costs just £44.95 including VAT, with a free retest if required. With trained MOT testers at every branch, booking your electric vehicle MOT is simple, affordable, and hassle-free.

What Is Checked in an Electric Vehicle MOT?

An Electric Vehicle MOT covers many of the same safety checks as a petrol or diesel MOT, with a few EV-specific areas included. During your MOT, our testers will inspect the following:

  • Tyres – checked for tread depth, cuts, bulges and correct fitment. Tyre condition is especially important on EVs, as it affects efficiency and handling.
  • Wheels – inspected for cracks, splits or damage to rims, and to ensure all nuts and bolts are secure.
  • Bodywork – checked for rust, corrosion or damage to lights, mirrors and number plates.
  • Brakes – tested for correct performance and overheating. Brake fluid levels are also inspected, as regenerative braking can affect fluid use.
  • Battery Condition – must store enough power to start the vehicle and run essential functions such as headlamps.
  • Charging Equipment – charging port and connections are checked for damage or leaks to avoid electrical faults.
  • Seatbelts – every seatbelt is tested for safety; any faults could cause an MOT failure.
  • Steering & Suspension – tested to make sure the vehicle handles and steers safely.
  • Windscreen & Wipers – inspected for cracks and chips; wipers are tested to ensure good visibility.
  • Lights – all lights are checked, including indicators, brake lights, hazard lights and headlights, to ensure correct brightness and alignment.

At Eden Tyres & Servicing, our MOT testers are fully trained to carry out electric vehicle MOT tests, so you can be confident your EV is safe, compliant and road-ready.

Electric vehicle MOT

Electric Vehicle MOT FAQs

How is an EV MOT different from a petrol or diesel MOT?

An Electric Vehicle MOT is very similar to a petrol or diesel MOT, as it’s designed to make sure every vehicle on the road is safe and roadworthy. Most of the checks are the same – tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, seatbelts, lights, mirrors, bodywork and windscreen are all inspected to the same standard.

The main difference is that electric vehicles don’t need an emissions or exhaust test, because they produce zero tailpipe emissions and don’t have exhaust systems, catalytic converters or fuel tanks to inspect. Instead, an EV MOT includes additional checks that are unique to electric cars:

  • High-voltage battery condition – to confirm it stores enough power and operates safely.

  • Charging equipment and port – checked for signs of damage, leaks or wear that could cause electrical faults.

  • Electrical cabling – visual inspection of high-voltage cables for damage or risk.

So while the overall MOT process is the same, the focus for EVs is on the unique electric powertrain components rather than fuel or exhaust systems.

When is my first MOT due for my electric vehicle?

Your first MOT is due three years from the date your electric vehicle was registered. For example, if you registered your EV in September 2022, it will need its first MOT in September 2025. After this, MOTs are required annually. 

How much does an electric vehicle MOT cost?

At Eden Tyres & Servicing, an Electric Vehicle MOT costs just £44.95 including VAT, and we also provide a free retest if your car doesn’t pass first time. We believe in clear, simple pricing with no hidden extras – just great value MOT testing carried out by trained professionals.

How long does an EV MOT take?

An EV MOT usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete. Because there are fewer moving parts than in a petrol or diesel engine, the process is often straightforward – but the same strict safety standards apply. At Eden, you can either wait in-branch while your MOT is carried out, or drop off your car and collect it later in the day.

Can I book an EV MOT online?

Yes – you can book your Electric Vehicle MOT online in just a few clicks. With branches across the region and EV-trained testers at every site, it’s easy to choose a time and location that suits you.