The short version
- Electric vehicles with between 90,000 and 120,000 miles are approximately 25% less likely to fail roadworthiness tests than petrol cars of the same age.
- The study highlights that mechanical simplicity contributes to longevity, but electric models show higher rates of tyre defects and brake corrosion due to reduced usage.
- Industry experts warn that while high mileage is not a reliable indicator of poor condition for EVs, buyers must still assess battery health separately from standard inspections.
A comprehensive analysis of vehicle reliability data has challenged long-held assumptions about the durability of electric vehicles with significant mileage. Research conducted by the consultancy New AutoMotive on behalf of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association reveals that electric cars are more likely to pass mandatory roadworthiness tests than their petrol counterparts once they have accumulated substantial distance. This finding carries particular weight for the used car market, where a growing influx of former fleet vehicles is making electric mobility accessible to a broader segment of consumers who may be hesitant about purchasing high-mileage units.
The study examined nearly 47.4 million inspection records to compare failure rates across different fuel types and mileage brackets. The data indicates that the divergence in reliability becomes pronounced after vehicles have been driven between 90,000 and 120,000 miles. In this range, electric vehicles were approximately 25% less likely to fail than petrol models of the same age. Specifically, the failure rate for electric cars stood at 16.5%, compared to 22.1% for petrol vehicles. This gap suggests that the mechanical advantages of electric drivetrains become increasingly apparent as wear and tear accumulate over time.
The trend continues beyond the 120,000-mile mark, where the disparity in failure rates remains significant. The analysis found that 16% of electric vehicles failed inspections after exceeding this threshold, whereas 23.5% of petrol cars did not pass. At lower mileage levels, however, the difference between the two fuel types was relatively minimal. This pattern supports the argument that the reduced number of moving parts in an electric powertrain contributes to greater long-term mechanical stability, a factor that becomes more valuable as vehicles age and cover greater distances.
Despite these positive findings regarding overall roadworthiness, the study identified specific areas where electric vehicles underperformed compared to petrol cars. Tyre defects were nearly twice as common in electric models, likely due to the instant torque delivery and heavier weight associated with battery packs. Additionally, older electric cars with lower mileage showed increased instances of friction-brake defects. Researchers attributed this issue to corrosion resulting from infrequent use, as regenerative braking systems reduce the reliance on traditional mechanical brakes.
It is crucial to note that standard roadworthiness tests do not evaluate battery health, degradation, or charging performance. These inspections focus on statutory safety components such as brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, and lights. Consequently, a passing grade does not guarantee that an electric vehicle’s battery is in optimal condition. Industry experts emphasize that potential buyers must consider these unmeasured factors alongside mechanical roadworthiness when assessing the value and longevity of a used electric car.
Toby Poston, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, highlighted the psychological barrier that high mileage presents to many consumers. He noted that passing 60,000 or 70,000 miles often negatively impacts how a vehicle is perceived in the secondhand market. The data aims to counter this perception by demonstrating that a well-maintained electric car with high mileage can be an extremely durable option. Poston stressed that confidence in these vehicles is critical for creating a healthy and affordable used market, which is essential for the broader transition to electric mobility.
Ben Nelmes, chief executive of New AutoMotive, reinforced the idea that high mileage should not be viewed as a proxy for poor condition in the same way it traditionally has been for internal combustion engine vehicles. The mechanical simplicity of electric drivetrains means that wear patterns differ significantly from those of petrol engines and transmissions. However, Nelmes cautioned that this does not eliminate the need for due diligence. Buyers are advised to scrutinize the vehicle’s history, physical condition, tyre state, and battery health with the same rigor applied to checking engine and gearbox service records in conventional cars.
The implications of these findings extend beyond individual consumer decisions to the broader automotive industry landscape. As more electric vehicles enter the used market, primarily from corporate and leasing fleets, understanding their true reliability profile is essential for pricing and valuation models. The study suggests that while high mileage alone should not deter buyers, it also does not absolve them from conducting thorough inspections. The challenge now lies in educating consumers to look beyond the odometer reading and focus on specific maintenance indicators relevant to electric powertrains.
Looking ahead, the availability of reliable data on long-term vehicle performance will likely influence insurance premiums, warranty offerings, and resale values for electric models. If the trend of lower failure rates at high mileages holds true across diverse driving conditions and climates, it could accelerate consumer adoption by reducing perceived risks associated with used electric vehicles. However, until standardized testing methods incorporate battery health assessments into routine inspections, buyers will need to rely on third-party diagnostics and detailed service histories to make informed purchasing decisions.
This research provides a nuanced view of electric vehicle durability, balancing the benefits of mechanical simplicity against specific maintenance challenges like tyre wear and brake corrosion. It underscores the importance of adapting traditional automotive evaluation metrics to suit the unique characteristics of electric powertrains. As the market matures, these insights will help bridge the gap between consumer skepticism and the actual performance capabilities of high-mileage electric vehicles.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗High-mileage electric cars are more reliable than petrol ones, study finds
