Electric vehicle owners across the United Kingdom are encountering a surprising hurdle as new data reveals their cars have some of the lowest first-time MOT pass rates on record. A comprehensive analysis of vehicles undergoing their initial mandatory MOT test in 2025 has uncovered that electric models are disproportionately represented among those failing their first assessment.
Popular EV Models Among Worst Performers
Research conducted by vehicle history platform carVertical, using official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) data, found that five of the top ten makes and models with the highest first-time failure rates were electric vehicles. This concerning trend highlights potential issues with EV maintenance and real-world wear that may be developing faster than many drivers anticipate.
Tesla Models Show Significant Failure Rates
Two of Britain's most popular electric cars, the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3, recorded particularly disappointing results. Both models demonstrated first-time MOT failure rates of just under 15%, based on nearly 20,000 Model Y tests and more than 13,000 Model 3 tests conducted throughout last year.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC, an electric SUV, topped the list with the worst performance, showing a first-time MOT fail rate of 17.2%. Of just over 4,000 EQC vehicles checked for their initial MOT last year, a substantial 717 failed to pass. Other electric vehicles featuring prominently in the top ten worst performers included the BMW i4 and Citroën e-C4 models.
Expert Analysis of MOT Results
Matas Buzelis, a motoring expert at carVertical, provided insight into these surprising findings. "People often assume a first MOT is a formality because the vehicle is 'only three years old', but these results show that real-world wear can build up faster than many drivers expect," he explained.
"A three-year-old car can look spotless on the forecourt, yet still fail on tyres, brakes, suspension or visibility faults. It's also notable how prominently electric models feature. As EVs become more popular, the number of them reaching their first MOT will increase. We will see this trend reflected in the data."
Long-Term Implications for Electric Vehicles
Buzelis further noted that electric vehicles face the same rigorous inspection standards as traditional petrol or diesel cars during MOT testing. "They're assessed against the same inspection standards as any petrol or diesel car, but have fewer moving parts, so it will be interesting to see how they hold up in the long-term," he commented.
The expert also cautioned that "'nearly new' doesn't always mean low risk," referencing previous carVertical research that found the mileage of two-year-old vehicles could be rolled back by an average of over 20,000 miles.
Advice for Prospective Car Buyers
For those considering purchasing a used vehicle, Buzelis offered practical guidance: "For anyone buying used, the MOT history is a useful starting point, but it's not the full picture. Check the wider story for mileage patterns, recorded damage and any outstanding finance - and don't rely on a single option at the end of the search."
He recommended that prospective buyers "compare multiple cars earlier in the process, so you can spot the differences that matter and choose the best example. It pays to leave no car unchecked." This advice becomes particularly relevant as electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity and more enter the used car market following their initial ownership periods.
