These EVs are the most likely to fail their first | Tech News

Britain’s priciest electric and hybrid vehicles have failed their first MoT assessments at far greater charges than cheaper alternate options, new figures revealed. The Mercedes EQC 400, which prices round £74,000, had the worst document of any car on the street, with nearly one in 5 failing their first take a look at.

Of the 2,236 EQCs that took the MOT for the first time final 12 months, 412 got a fail – a price of 18.43%. That makes the battery-powered SUV more than eight occasions as likely to fail as the best car on the street, the humble Toyota Prius, which had a fail price of simply 2.19%.

Nine of the 10 worst vehicles for first-time MoT failures ran on a battery, whether or not totally electric or plug-in hybrid — and 7 of them have been pure electric fashions from Tesla, BMW and Mercedes.

Tesla equipped 4 of the backside 10 vehicles, with BMW additionally having 4 in the listing, together with the £70,000 X5 and the £60,000 i4.

It is believed one cause premium electric vehicles fared so badly was that house owners assumed there was much less to go incorrect with fewer shifting components, and so skipped fundamental checks on tyres and lights that a petrol or diesel driver may not.

James Ruppert, editor of Free Car Mag, stated: “It does seem as though the salary sacrifice brigade have also sacrificed old fashioned common sense. Just because the battery on wheels has a prestige badge doesn’t mean there is nothing to worry about. The brands are suffering from serious neglect and the high technology won’t save them.

“Meanwhile old school car drivers know that they can reliably buy Japanese and never have a second thought about breaking down. Their strong showing also reflects the buying demographic which is older and more responsible, and more used to checking tyres and lights. These are also working cars, bought to do a job, not show off, especially the Prius.”

The MoT take a look at is an annual examine on automobiles to guarantee they are protected, roadworthy and adjust to exhaust emissions assessments.

The take a look at doesn’t have to be taken till a car is three years outdated, so the present knowledge associated to automobiles first registered in 2022 that had their first MoT take a look at in 2025.

The figures can’t take account of how their house owners regarded after their automobiles in the three years coming up to the take a look at or how many miles they have been pushed. The statistics excluded 4x4s and automobiles continuously used as supply vans.

Many of the vehicles could have failed on easy issues the proprietor may have put proper themselves, like dangerously bald tyres or mild bulbs that needed altering.

BMW decined to remark however a spokesperson for Mercedes stated: “There are many reasons why a vehicle may fail a MoT test, including normal wear and tear to consumable items such as tyre tread and brake pads. MoT outcomes can also be influenced by factors including vehicle age, mileage, maintenance history and usage.

“Mercedes-Benz is consistently recognised for the quality, safety and reliability of its vehicles. Most recently, our new all-electric CLA was crowned European Car of the Year 2026, reflecting our continued commitment to engineering excellence and customer satisfaction. We encourage customers to maintain their vehicles in accordance with the recommended service and maintenance schedules.”