Book Electric Car MOT

Yes, electric cars need an MOT just like petrol and diesel vehicles. Once an EV is three years and older, it is required by law to pass an MOT test every year in order to remain road legal.

The process checks that the car is safe, roadworthy and meets the required DVSA standards. While electric vehicles are exempt from emissions testing, they are still subject to the same safety inspections as other car types.

The MOT test for an electric vehicle is largely the same as for petrol and diesel cars, with checks on tyres, brakes, lights, steering, suspension, and safety features.

The main difference is that EVs do not require emissions or exhaust checks. Instead, extra attention is given to components unique to EVs, such as high-voltage cables, battery mounting points, and charging ports.

The price of an EV MOT is the same as for other vehicles. The government cap is set at £54.85. Many garages, including Blackcircles partner garages, may offer lower prices than the cap.

It is important to note that the price you pay for an MOT test does not cover repairs if needed. If your car fails the MOT, any repair work required for a retest will need to be paid separately to the garage of your choice.

An EV MOT includes checks on key areas such as brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, seatbelts, lights, and mirrors. As an EV does not produce emissions or have a fuel system, those checks are skipped.

Instead, the test ensures that high-voltage components are properly insulated, cables are undamaged, and the battery is securely fixed in place. Charging ports are visually inspected to make sure they are safe to use.

On average, an EV MOT can take around 45 minutes – 1 hour. However, should issues be found during the test, repair work could extend this time.

As an EV does not require the emission test, the process can sometimes be slightly quicker than for petrol or diesel cars. Booking ahead ensures you get a convenient time slot at your chosen Blackcircles partner garage.

The MOT does not test the performance or health of your high-voltage battery (the one that powers the car). Instead, it checks the battery is securely mounted and is free from leaks. Visible cabling is also checked to confirm it is undamaged.

The 12V auxiliary battery – used for the lights and electronics – will also be checked to make sure it is working safely.

Yes. The tester will inspect the EV charging port for damage and confirm it is securely mounted and safe to use. If the port is cracked, loose, or unsafe, it could result in a failure.

Charging cables themselves are not usually included in the MOT, but they should be kept in good condition to avoid problems.

No, EVs do not produce tailpipe emissions. This means that they are exempt from exhaust and emissions tests.

The test instead focuses on safety systems, braking performance, tyres, lights, and EV-specific components such as battery safety and cabling.

Yes. Electric vehicles use high-voltage systems, so MOT testers are trained to carry out additional safety checks. These include inspecting orange high-voltage cables for damage, confirming the battery is securely fixed, and checking that the charging system is safe.

These checks are designed to ensure both the driver and garage staff remain protected.

You can book an EV MOT at any DVSA-approved garage that has the right equipment and training. Blackcircles makes this easy by connecting you with a wide network of trusted partner garages.

Simply enter your registration and postcode to compare availability, pricing, and services near you.

Many MOT test centres can MOT electric cars, provided their staff are trained and equipped to work safely around high-voltage systems. However, not every garage may have EV expertise.

Booking through Blackcircles ensures you can book with trusted garages that can test your EV correctly.

Not all MOT centres are currently equipped to handle electric vehicles. Some smaller garages may not have staff trained in EV safety.

When booking your MOT, it’s important to confirm that the garage can handle electric cars. When performing a search on Blackcircles, you will only see appropriate partners with the staff training and equipment to carry out EV MOTs.

The rules on MOT exemptions are the same for EVs as for any other car. Vehicles less than three years old do not need an MOT. Some classic cars over 40 years old may also be exempt.

Exemptions apply based on vehicle age and type, not whether the vehicle is electric or petrol-powered.

A new electric car requires its first MOT three years after registration, just like any other vehicle. After this point, it must have an MOT every 12 months.

For example, an EV registered in June 2022 would need its first MOT by June 2025. You can check your due date online using the DVSA MOT history checker.

In addition to EV MOT testing, Blackcircles offers a full selection of MOT and servicing solutions, including:

• • MOT
• • Hybrid MOT
• • Major Service
• • Full Service
• • Interim Service
• • EV Service
• • Hybrid Service ( Full & Interim)
• • Oil & Filter Change
• • Combined MOT & Service packages (coming soon)