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  "path": "/lifestyle/cars/electric-car-mot-heavier-vehicles-drivers-road-safety-checks",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-14T05:00:02.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Motability announces major update for customers ahead of new rule changes next month",
    "Britons risk being stripped of driving licences amid fresh fly-tipping warning",
    "Motorists face fines and penalty points as council cracks down on drivers ignoring lollipop patrols",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nElectric vehicles are more likely to fail their MOTs than many motorists may expect, according to an expert, with new data revealing a significant 25 per cent difference in pass rates between some EV and hybrid models.\n\nThe figures highlight major variations between manufacturers and models at a time when EV adoption is accelerating across the UK, as part of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWhile electric cars are often promoted as requiring less maintenance than their petrol and diesel counterparts, experts have warned that the reality could be more nuanced.\n\nClaire Wills-McKissick, temporary insurance expert at Tempcover, told GB News that the data should be treated as a useful indicator rather than a definitive measure of reliability.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"The figures highlight a striking 25 per cent performance swing between models, but they don't give us the full story as to why they differ,\" she said, noting that mileage, driving habits and servicing history remain critical factors in determining whether a vehicle passes its MOT.\n\nMs Willis-McKissick added: \"In reality, variables like mileage, usage patterns and routine upkeep affect any car's MOT success, and electric and hybrid vehicles are no different.\"\n\nThe findings follow a growing concern that some motorists may be assuming electric vehicles require little attention once they leave the showroom.\n\n\nWhile EVs eliminate the need for many traditional servicing tasks, such as oil changes, they introduce a different set of maintenance considerations that can directly affect MOT outcomes, the expert explained.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe top concern is vehicle weight, with modern battery packs adding hundreds of kilograms to a vehicle, increasing the load placed on tyres, suspension components and steering systems.\n\nAccording to Ms Wills-McKissick, these variations serve as a clear reminder of why drivers must continue with a proactive maintenance mindset, especially regarding unique issues such as tyre and suspension wear caused by heavier electrified models.\n\nTyre wear also emerged as a particular issue for EVs, with instant electric torque delivering rapid acceleration, but also capable of increasing stress on tyres, potentially shortening their lifespan compared with those fitted to conventional vehicles.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Motability announces major update for customers ahead of new rule changes next month\n  * Britons risk being stripped of driving licences amid fresh fly-tipping warning\n  * Motorists face fines and penalty points as council cracks down on drivers ignoring lollipop patrols\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMs Wills-McKissick said drivers should not assume that regenerative braking, one of the technology's key benefits, removes the need for ongoing checks.\n\nAnother challenge facing EV owners is the \"near-silent\" operation. Unlike petrol and diesel cars, where developing faults are often highlighted by unusual engine noises, problems in electric vehicles can be harder to detect.\n\nThis could allow minor issues to develop into more serious faults before drivers realise something is wrong, potentially increasing repair bills and contributing to MOT failures.\n\nBeyond the financial implications, a poorly maintained car can also impact car insurance premiums and the safety of everyone on the road, the expert warned.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nShe shared: \"MOT performance data is a useful guide; it can empower buyers to ask better questions, and budget more accurately for maintenance costs.\n\n\"For anyone buying a used EV or hybrid, checking the specific vehicle's MOT history is one of the most practical steps you can take before committing.\n\n\"With EV and hybrid adoption at record levels and interest continuing to grow, it's vital that servicing expertise and consumer awareness keep pace, so drivers are equipped to maintain their vehicles properly and keep them road-legal.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "EV MOT mayhem: Heavier vehicles could cause drivers to fail major road safety checks"
}