High-Mileage Electric Cars More Reliable Than Petrol, Study Finds

At 90,000 to 120,000 miles, EVs were about 25% less likely to fail than petrol models of the same age, with a failure rate of 16.5% compared with 22.1%. Beyond 120,000 miles, 16% of EVs failed, compared with 23.5% of petrol cars. The study found relatively little difference between the two fuel types at lower mileages.

The findings come as a growing number of EVs change hands. Many used EVs previously belonged to company and leasing fleets, so they may have accumulated high mileage. Toby Poston, the BVRLA chief executive, said mileage is 'one of the first things people look at when buying a used car, and passing 60,000 or 70,000 miles can have a big impact on how a vehicle is perceived'.

'What this data shows is that mileage alone should not put consumers off. A well-maintained, higher-mileage electric car can be an extremely durable used vehicle,' Poston said. He added that the used market is where the transition to electric becomes accessible to millions more motorists, and that giving buyers confidence in these cars will be critical to creating a healthy and affordable secondhand EV market.

Ben Nelmes, the chief executive of New AutoMotive, which carried out the research, said high mileage 'isn't a proxy for poor condition in the way buyers have traditionally assumed'. He said the data suggests the mechanical simplicity of an electric drivetrain starts to become increasingly valuable as cars accumulate miles.

The study also identified areas where electric cars performed worse, particularly tyres. EVs recorded nearly twice as many tyre defects as petrol cars, and older, low-mileage electric cars showed increased friction-brake defects. Researchers attributed the latter to corrosion associated with the brakes being used less frequently.

MOT tests examine statutory roadworthiness, including brakes, tyres, suspension, steering and lights, but do not measure battery health, degradation or charging performance. Researchers said this information would therefore need to be considered alongside mechanical roadworthiness when assessing any used EV.

Poston said the findings are not an argument for buying a used EV without doing your homework. 'Buyers should look at its history, condition, tyres and battery health just as they would scrutinise the engine, gearbox and service history of a petrol or diesel car,' he said. 'What we can now challenge is the idea that an electric car with 80,000 or 100,000 miles on the clock should automatically be regarded as worn out.'