Study: High-Mileage EVs More Reliable Than Petrol Cars

High-Mileage Electric Cars Outperform Petrol Vehicles in Reliability, Study Shows

Key Findings from the Study

The analysis revealed that EVs maintained lower failure rates even beyond 120,000 miles, with 16% of EVs failing MOTs versus 23.5% of petrol cars. At lower mileages, the difference was minimal, but the gap widened as vehicles aged. For example, between 90,000 and 120,000 miles, EVs showed a 25% lower failure rate, according to the BVRLA.

EVs outperformed petrol cars in roadworthiness tests, particularly in suspension and brake systems. However, EVs faced higher tyre wear, with nearly twice as many tyre defects as petrol cars. This discrepancy was attributed to the added weight of EVs, which strained tyres more than petrol vehicles.

Why EVs Outperform at High Mileage

The mechanical simplicity of electric drivetrains appears to be a key factor in their durability. Ben Nelmes, chief executive of New AutoMotive, noted that EVs’ fewer moving parts reduce the likelihood of mechanical failure as mileage increases. “The data suggests the mechanical simplicity of an electric drivetrain starts to become increasingly valuable as cars accumulate miles,” he said.

At age 15, 94.6% of EVs returned for subsequent MOT tests compared to 88.1% of petrol cars. This suggests EVs are less likely to be scrapped or exported, even at higher ages. However, older EVs (over 10 years) showed increased brake issues due to underuse and corrosion, a challenge that could be mitigated with regular maintenance.

Challenges and Limitations

While the study highlights EVs’ reliability, it does not account for battery health, as MOT tests do not assess battery degradation. However, a separate study found that EV batteries retain 90% of their capacity after 90,000 miles, suggesting long-term viability.

Another limitation is the study’s focus on roadworthiness, not overall performance. Buyers should still check tyre condition, brake systems, and battery health, as advised by Toby Poston of the BVRLA. “Mileage alone should not put consumers off,” he said, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive inspections.

What This Means for Buyers

The findings challenge the traditional belief that high-mileage vehicles are inherently less reliable. For buyers, this means EVs with 80,000–100,000 miles could be a viable option if well-maintained. “A well-maintained, higher-mileage electric car can be an extremely durable used vehicle,” Poston said.

For fleet operators and leasing companies, the data supports the growing used EV market. Many high-mileage EVs come from corporate fleets, making them accessible to a broader audience. However, buyers must remain vigilant about tyre wear and brake maintenance, particularly for older models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are high-mileage EVs more reliable than petrol cars?

Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, reducing mechanical failure risks. The study found EVs’ failure rates stabilize at higher mileages, while petrol cars continue to deteriorate.

What should buyers check when purchasing a used EV?

Inspect tyre condition, brake systems, and battery health. MOT tests do not cover battery performance, so additional checks are necessary.

Do EV batteries last long enough for high-mileage use?

Studies show EV batteries retain 90% of capacity after 90,000 miles, indicating durability. However, age and usage patterns can affect longevity.

Pro Tip

When evaluating a high-mileage EV, ask for maintenance records and consider hiring a mechanic to inspect the brakes and tyres. These components are critical for long-term reliability.

For more insights on EV trends, explore our coverage of sustainable transportation and used car market analysis.