Electric vehicle drivers are being urged to stay tyre safe, as new research reveals more than half of the EVs that failed an MOT test last year did so because of their tyres.
Due to the lithium-ion batteries they carry, EVs tend to be heavier than their petrol or diesel equivalents and the instant torque EVs enjoy, can place an additional burden on their tyres.
Now a study by Select Car Leasing has revealed how 51% (34,179 vehicles) of the 66,772 EVs that failed on initial MOT test in 2024 did so because of tyre-related issues.
The data comes via a Freedom of Information request to the DVSA.
Tyres were the most common reason for an EV to fail the MOT, followed by ‘lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’, with 21% of failures.
EVs also accounted for the greatest number of tyre-related MOT failures generally, ahead of hybrids (35% of failures in 2024), diesel (23%) and petrol vehicles (22%).
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, said, “EVs come with enormous benefits, not least to the environment, and also enjoy improved performance over the vast majority of petrol and diesel cars. All motorists, no matter what sort of car they drive, need to keep a close eye on the state of their tyres in order to stay safe. The data we’ve uncovered shows that to be particularly true of electric vehicle drivers.
“The good news for EV enthusiasts is that MOT pass rates for EVs wipe the floor with their ICE (internal combustion engine) equivalents, with 30% of diesel vehicles failing the initial MOT tests in 2024 and 28% of petrol cars doing the same. On the other hand, just 15% of EVs failed their initial MOT test last year.”
Tyre manufacturers have developed specific rubber for electric vehicles to aid longevity and efficiency. There is, however, no legal requirement to fit EV-specific tyres to an electric vehicle. Non-EV specific tyres fitted to an electric vehicle will wear quicker.
For a tyre to pass an MOT, the primary grooves of the tread pattern must be at least 1.6mm deep within the central three-quarters of the wheel. The ‘load’ and ‘speed’ rating of the tyre should also be correct for the vehicle being tested.
The number of EVs failing an initial MOT test due to tyres has also risen 11% since 2022 (going from 40% in 2022 to 51% in 2024).
Top Five MOT Failures in 2024 by Vehicle Type
For petrol and diesel cars, ‘Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment’ issues are the primary cause of an MOT failure. That category covers a number of different scenarios, from headlamp deflects and leaky batteries, to the rear registration plate not being properly illuminated.
Suspension issues plague petrol and diesel cars, too, causing between 30-33% of MOT failures, with pothole complaints on the rise in the UK.
Braking system faults remain widespread, particularly in diesel vehicles, where failure rates are the highest at 26%. Worn brake pads, faulty discs, and hydraulic system failures are key contributors to brake-related MOT failures.
Visibility problems, such as windscreen wiper defects and inadequate washer fluid levels, remain a frequent cause of failure, affecting between 15-22% of all vehicles.
