Used Electric Vehicles Outperformed Petrol Cars in Study
Data from over 47 million tests suggests electric vehicles show higher reliability than internal combustion cars.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Do you trust that electric vehicles maintain their reliability as they reach higher mileage?
A study conducted from July 2024 to 2026 analyzed 47.4 million MOT tests and found that electric vehicles maintained better reliability than petrol and diesel models once mileage exceeded 60,000 miles. This durability trend aligns with recent market growth, as electric vehicles recently outsold traditional cars in Australia in August 2026.
Why it matters
Understanding long-term durability is a critical factor for households evaluating the total cost of ownership when choosing between electric and internal combustion vehicles. These findings suggest that the mechanical longevity of electric models could provide significant value for second-hand buyers compared to conventional alternatives.
For vehicles with 90,000 to 120,000 miles, 16.5 percent of electric cars failed testing versus 22.1 percent of petrol models. Beyond 120,000 miles, the gap widened further with a 16 percent failure rate for electrics compared to 23.5 percent for petrol cars.
The players
BVRLA
A trade association that represents the vehicle rental and leasing sector and monitors industry standards.
The details
Researchers compiled data from 47.4 million Ministry of Transport tests to compare vehicle reliability based on specific mileage intervals. While electric vehicles demonstrated superior mechanical reliability, the study noted that they recorded 1.8 times as many tyre defects as petrol cars. This disparity in tyre wear is a notable consideration for maintenance budgeting when owning an electric vehicle.
Timeline
July 2024 to 2026: A study analyzed millions of MOT test records.
August 2026: Electric vehicles outsold petrol and diesel models in Australia.
September 2026: Battery testing findings were highlighted.
The Home Front
This study shifts the narrative on electric vehicle longevity relative to the long-standing benchmark of internal combustion reliability. It suggests a reversal of historical trends where electric components were once considered the primary source of long-term ownership risk.
When shopping for a used vehicle, prioritize reviewing the service history for regular tyre replacements, as electric models may require more frequent attention in this area. You should also account for potential savings on mechanical engine repairs when projecting your long-term household transportation budget.
The takeaway
Electric vehicles offer a reliable alternative to petrol cars for high-mileage drivers, potentially lowering long-term maintenance costs. As you evaluate your next vehicle purchase, pay close attention to tyre tread depth and wear patterns, which represent a more common service requirement for EVs.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of vehicle ownership, explore our Electric Vehicles section.
Live Poll
Do you trust that electric vehicles maintain their reliability as they reach higher mileage?
