Secondhand electric vehicles with high mileage are proving more dependable than comparable gas-powered cars, according to new research examining nearly 50 million UK roadworthiness test results. The study, conducted by New AutoMotive on behalf of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), found that for cars driven between 90,000 and 120,000 miles, the failure rate for EVs was 16.5%, compared with 22.1% for equivalent fossil-fuel models. That translates to roughly a quarter lower risk of failing the annual inspection at that stage.
The pattern holds beyond 120,000 miles, with only 16% of electric vehicles failing compared to nearly a quarter of gas cars. Lower-mileage vehicles of either fuel type showed barely any gap at all. The timing of the study coincides with more used EVs hitting the resale market, a shift driven by former corporate and leasing cars, many carrying serious mileage, now filtering into private ownership.
BVRLA CEO Toby Poston said shoppers typically zero in on odometer readings early when evaluating a used vehicle, and certain round-number thresholds have long colored how trustworthy a vehicle seems. He argued that the numbers should reassure rather than deter buyers, noting that a properly cared-for EV can rack up serious mileage and still hold together as a solid used purchase. New AutoMotive chief executive Ben Nelmes agreed, saying the old assumption that racking up miles automatically signals wear and tear doesn’t hold up as neatly for electric cars. He credited the comparatively fewer moving parts in an EV powertrain for holding up better over long distances.
However, the study wasn’t entirely one-sided. EVs recorded almost double the incidence of tire issues found in ICE cars. Older, lightly driven EVs also showed a higher rate of brake-related faults, something researchers tied to rust building up on components that simply don’t get exercised as often on an electric car. The annual roadworthiness check also has nothing to say about how well a battery is holding its charge or degrading over time, meaning that information has to be evaluated separately from the mechanical results captured here.
Poston cautioned that the findings aren’t a reason to skip due diligence. Prospective buyers should still check a used EV’s paperwork, condition, tires, and battery performance—the same scrutiny they’d apply to a gas car’s engine and service history. What the data does challenge, he said, is the outdated notion that any EV pushing past 80,000 or 100,000 miles ought to be treated as past its prime.
This data from an analysis of vehicles in the field provides additional reassurance to motorists weighing whether to acquire a used EV from carmakers like Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO) or opt for a used ICE car. The findings could have significant implications for the used car market, potentially boosting consumer confidence in high-mileage EVs and supporting resale values. As more electric vehicles come off lease and enter the secondhand market, this reliability data may help overcome longstanding consumer concerns about battery and component longevity.
For industry stakeholders, the study underscores the need for continued education on EV maintenance and inspection, particularly regarding tire wear and brake care. It also highlights the importance of independent battery health assessments to complement traditional roadworthiness tests. Platforms like GreenCarStocks, part of the Dynamic Brand Portfolio at IBN, continue to provide news and analysis on the evolving EV sector, helping investors and consumers navigate these developments.
