Study Finds Electric Cars Face Nearly Double the Tyre Defects of Petrol Models
Analysis of over 47 million UK MOT tests shows electric vehicles are about twice as likely to record tyre defects as comparable petrol cars.
A study of 47 million MOT examinations in Britain, funded by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association, reveals that electric cars generate roughly 1.8 times more tyre defects than petrol equivalents. The higher incidence is attributed to the additional battery weight—up to 25% of a vehicle’s mass—and the immediate torque delivery of electric motors, which increase strain on tyres from the first acceleration. Older EVs, such as the Nissan e-NV200, VW e-Golf and Hyundai Kona Electric, recorded between four and seven extra defects per 100 vehicles, whereas newer models like the BMW i3, Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Ioniq Electric fared better.
Despite the tyre issue, EVs showed lower overall MOT failure rates and fewer suspension or brake problems at high mileage. The report recommends that fleet operators adopt active tyre-pressure monitoring systems and specify EV-grade reinforced tyres. Toby Poston of the BVRLA emphasized that mileage alone should not deter buyers from high-mileage used EVs.
Why it matters
Higher tyre failure rates could raise ownership costs and safety concerns for the growing number of electric vehicles.
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