Electric cars are becoming an increasingly popular choice for drivers today, complete with the latest innovations in technology, as these zero-emission vehicles lead us into a greener, cleaner future.
But how do you go about insurance, services, and MOTs for electric cars? This is a question most EV drivers will encounter at the beginning of their electric journey.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know when it comes to insuring, servicing, and getting an MOT for your electric vehicle.
Insuring an electric vehicle
Do I need to insure my EV?
The simple answer is yes. Just like regular petrol or diesel vehicles, electric cars also need to be insured in case of damage or accidents.
Are electric cars more expensive to insure?
In most cases, yes electric cars are usually more expensive to insure. This is due to the cost of an electric vehicle’s battery, parts, and repairs – by specially trained mechanics.
The same factors that can increase or decrease your insurance premium for fuelled vehicles, can also have an impact on the cost of your EV insurance. These factors include: your vehicles age, the age of the driver, and the location of your vehicle.
However, even though an EV might cost more to insure, they are generally a lot cheaper to charge compared to the rising costs of fuel.
How does EV insurance work?
Electric car insurance is the same as regular car insurance, with a few added extras that cover your battery, charging cables, and legal liability – in the event of someone tripping over your charging cable.
Your EV will also have a vehicle rating which is assigned according to your car’s make, model, and year. This will determine just how much your insurance will cost.
However, in certain circumstances such as if you are leasing the battery on your EV- instead of buying it outright, you would need to let your insurance provider know beforehand to ensure that the correct amount is issued for pay-out.
Do I need special insurance for my EV?
No, as the risk factors of driving an electric vehicle are the same to that of a fuelled vehicle, a regular car insurance policy will be sufficient.
Some insurance companies do offer extra benefits with a separate EV policy should you like the option, but an ordinary insurance policy is fine.
Where can I find insurance for my EV?
When searching for the best insurance policy for your EV, it is always a good idea to first check popular comparison sites such as: Compare the Market, Go Compare, or Confused.com.
These sites will compare all of the best quotes, allowing you to choose the right policy for you and your car. You could also ask friends, family, and colleagues with electric cars which provider they use.
Servicing an electric vehicle
Do electric cars need to be serviced?
Yes, just like regular fuelled vehicles, electric vehicles also need servicing occasionally. However, this will not be as frequent as petrol and diesel cars, as there is no oil to change on an electric-powered vehicle.
What is serviced on an EV?
Some of the same rules apply when servicing an electric vehicle, compared to a fuelled vehicle. These include: checking the suspension, brakes, steering, wheels, tyres, lights, and windscreen wipers.
However, an electric vehicle also requires further checks which include: the electric motor/s, the battery, and the charging adapter/connectors.
How frequently do EV’s need to be serviced?
Unlike regular fuelled vehicles, EV’s do not need to be serviced as often, although they do still require servicing. Depending on the make and model of your EV, it is recommended that your vehicle should be serviced once a year, to help prolong its longevity, and ensure that your battery is providing optimum performance.
Average EV batteries are thought to last between 10-20 years, or 200,000 miles before they need replacing, so a regular service will help you get the most out of your battery.
Where can I get my EV serviced?
Currently, not all local garages are qualified to service electric vehicles, although in time this will change, as more mechanics become qualified to work on EVs. Although, it is still worth checking with your local garage, as more mechanics are undertaking the required training.
In the meantime, you can have your EV serviced by your vehicle’s manufacturer. However, this is likely to be more expensive than your local garage, but at least you are guaranteed the skills of a fully trained expert.
How much does it cost to service an electric car?
As electric cars do not require as much maintenance as regular fuelled vehicles, they do not need to be serviced as often, resulting in long-term savings compared to petrol and diesel cars.
However, servicing does take longer on an EV compared to a fuelled vehicle and must be completed by a qualified mechanic, but as EV services are not required as often maintenance costs will be lower than on a standard fuelled vehicle.
You can also take out a service plan on your EV to cover maintenance costs.
Servicing plans for electric cars
If you would prefer the security of a paid plan, you can sign up for an EV servicing plan where you are contracted to pay a monthly fee in exchange for a number of services, over a period of years. The current average is between 2-5 years.
A servicing plan might provide you with the extra peace of mind you require, should you find yourself low on funds when it’s time to service your car.
MOTs for electric vehicles
Does my EV need an MOT?
Yes, just like fuelled vehicles, electric cars are also required to pass an annual MOT to ensure they are road safe – when they are over three years old. However, unlike fuelled vehicles EV emissions and noise will not be tested.
The good news is that it doesn’t cost any more for an MOT on an electric vehicle than it does for a petrol or diesel vehicle, with the current cost defined by the UK government as being no more than £54.85.
What do MOTs check on electric cars?
Qualified mechanics will test the same elements on your EV as with regular fuelled cars, which include: lights, wipers, windscreen, seatbelts, steering, wheels, tyres, suspension, rust, and brakes.
The performance of your EV’s battery will also be tested, along with other electrical components like wiring and connectors.
Where can I get an MOT for my EV?
You can get an MOT for your EV at either your local garage, or your makers dealership.
Only electric certified engineers can test your EV, and not all garages currently offer this, but it is worth asking your local garage if they are certified, or plan to become certified soon.
In the near future all garages will need to become certified in testing EV’s, as the UK government work towards banning all fuelled vehicles, in a transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2030.
We hope that you found the information in this article helpful, and please do check back for our next instalment on EVs, or subscribe to our mailing list to ensure that you never miss a post.
Happy charging!