Contrary to long-standing industry assumptions, an analysis of 47.4 million British MOT tests reveals that electric cars with high mileage are roughly 25% less likely to fail their roadworthiness checks than equivalent petrol models, challenging traditional concerns over secondhand EV durability.
For years, prospective buyers browsing the secondhand market have treated high odometer readings as a warning sign. Crossing 60,000 or 70,000 miles typically triggers deep skepticism about a vehicle’s remaining lifespan, particularly when dealing with complex internal combustion engines. But new data analyzed from millions of official MOT tests shows that battery-electric vehicles behave entirely differently as they age.
The research, conducted by the consultancy New AutoMotive on behalf of the industry group the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), examined Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency records to track how well vehicles maintain roadworthiness over time. The findings indicate that while petrol and diesel failure rates climb steadily with mileage, electric vehicle failure rates plateau at roughly 16% once vehicles pass the 60,000-mile mark.
How Mileage Alters the Reliability Gap
At lower mileages, the performance gap between powertrains is virtually nonexistent. Between 20,000 and 40,000 miles, 12% of battery-electric cars failed their MOT tests, compared with 11.7% of petrol vehicles of a similar age and mileage bracket. But once vehicles push past 60,000 miles, petrol cars begin losing ground in reliability, with the divergence widening substantially at higher thresholds. Up to their first MOT test on their third birthday, EVs cover a higher median annual mileage, with 27,072 miles compared to 20,499 miles for petrol-powered cars, according to Auto Express.
Among vehicles aged three to eight years with 90,000 to 120,000 miles on the odometer, 16.5% of electric cars failed their MOT, compared to 22.1% of equivalent petrol vehicles. That performance spread makes the electric cars roughly 25% less likely to fail when accounting for both age and mileage. Beyond 120,000 miles, the gap persists: 16% of EVs failed their tests, while petrol failure rates climbed to 23.5%.
“At lower mileages there is very little between petrol and electric cars, but beyond around 60,000 miles the failure rate for EVs flattens while the petrol failure rate continues to rise.”
Ben Nelmes, New AutoMotive chief executive
Analysts attribute this divergence to the mechanical simplicity of an electric drivetrain. According to New AutoMotive chief executive Ben Nelmes, high mileage isn’t a proxy for poor condition in the way buyers have traditionally assumed,
because the mechanical simplicity of an electric drivetrain starts to become increasingly valuable as cars accumulate miles.
The Secondhand Market Stakes
Many electric vehicles entering the used market today began their working lives in company car and leasing fleets, accumulating substantial mileage before changing hands. Industry leaders suggest that shifting public perception around high-mileage EVs is essential to building a healthy, affordable secondhand market that makes zero-emission driving accessible to mainstream motorists.
“That matters because the used market is where the transition to electric becomes accessible to millions more motorists. Giving buyers confidence in these cars will be critical to creating a healthy and affordable secondhand EV market.”
Toby Poston, BVRLA chief executive
BVRLA chief executive Toby Poston also noted that mileage is one of the first things people look at when buying a used car, and passing 60,000 or 70,000 miles can have a big impact on how a vehicle is perceived,
adding that mileage alone should not put consumers off
and that a well-maintained, higher-mileage electric car can be an extremely durable used vehicle.
Researchers also tracked vehicle longevity by observing whether older models returned for subsequent MOT tests over a 30-month monitoring period. At 15 years old, 94.6% of electric cars returned for testing, compared with 88.1% of petrol vehicles. Furthermore, electric cars recorded higher median annual mileages than petrol cars across every age bracket examined between four and 16 years old, demonstrating that older EVs remain active primary vehicles rather than being relegated to low-mileage second-car status.
Tyre Wear and Brake Maintenance Realities
Despite their strong mechanical performance, electric cars did not outperform combustion vehicles across every category. The study recorded that EVs suffered roughly 1.8 times as many tyre defects as petrol models. Researchers linked this issue to higher vehicle kerbweights and torque output putting additional strain on rubber, with some earlier EVs adapted from combustion-engine platforms exhibiting more severe wear.
Brake system results highlighted a split behavior caused by regenerative braking. High-mileage EVs experienced fewer brake defects because regenerative systems reduce physical pad wear. However, older, low-mileage electric cars covering fewer miles recorded increased friction-brake defects. Researchers attributed this counterintuitive finding to surface corrosion caused by physical brakes being left underused for prolonged periods.
“This isn’t an argument for buying a used EV without doing your homework. 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.”
Toby Poston, BVRLA chief executive
Unresolved Questions on Battery Longevity
While mechanical roadworthiness data from MOT tests provides a clear picture of suspension, steering, and structural integrity, statutory testing in the United Kingdom does not measure battery capacity degradation or internal health. Prospective buyers must still evaluate battery health alongside standard mechanical inspections when purchasing a secondhand vehicle.
