Do electric cars need an MOT?

ELECTRIC cars have become increasingly popular in Britain as motorists are keen to reduce their carbon footprint.

So if you are thinking of buying one, it is a good idea to know what is involved and how it would vary from other cars.

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Do electric cars need an MOT?

An MOT test is a yearly inspection that ensures your vehicle meets the minimum acceptable road safety and environmental standards as required by law.

It was introduced by the Ministry of Transport (where it gets its name from) in 1960 and was initially for motors that were ten years or older before being reduced to three years or older in 1967.

Electric cars do need to have an MOT just like any other car.

The test is similar to petrol and diesel vehicles, however there are some differences.

Checking the vehicle’s battery is a crucial part of an electric car’s MOT, but they would not need an emissions test.

Petrol cars with an internal combustion engine will have an exhaust system that needs to be tested, but this will not be necessary for an electric car.

The MOT test will check:

• Tyres
• Wheels
• Bodywork
• Brakes
• Battery condition
• Charging equipment
• Seatbelt
• Steering
• Windscreen
• Lights

Do electric cars need servicing?

Electric cars do need servicing just like any other motor vehicle.

The service will change brake fluid, replace the windscreen wiper and check tyre wear and tear, as well as a tyre pressure check.

Do electric cars need road tax?

Zero-emission battery electric cars do not need to pay road tax.

According to the Government’s website: “The electricity must come from an external source or an electric storage battery not connected to any source of power when the vehicle is moving to be exempt”.

They are tax exempt from the first year and subsequent years.

However, you must still tax your car each year even if exempt.

The form can be filled out online at the gov.uk website or at a post office.