Do Electric Cars Need Servicing and an MOT?

Short answer? Yep, they do.

Just because electric cars don’t have an engine like your usual petrol or diesel, it doesn’t mean you can skip out on the regular check-ups. They still need a bit of TLC to keep everything running smoothly — just… less of it.

Let’s break down what you actually need to do to keep your EV in tip-top shape.

🔧 Do electric cars need servicing?

Absolutely — but here’s the good news: they’re way less maintenance than a petrol or diesel car.

EVs don’t have:

• Oil changes

• Timing belts

• Spark plugs

• Exhausts

• Fuel filters

Basically, all the fiddly stuff that costs money (and time) to sort? Gone.

Instead, when you take an electric car in for a service, it’s more about checking the essentials:

• Brake fluid

• Tyres

• Suspension and steering bits

• Cabin filters

• Software updates (some even happen remotely)

Oh, and thanks to regenerative braking, your brake pads last ages too. Nice, right?

📅 How often does an EV need a service?

It really depends on the make and model, but generally, it’s either every 12 or 24 months, or when you hit a certain mileage.

Don’t worry though — if you’re leasing with us, we’ll remind you when it’s due. And if you’ve got a maintenance package included, the service is already covered. No nasty surprises.

What about MOTs?

Yes – even electric cars need an MOT once they hit 3 years old, just like any other car in the UK.

There’s no emissions test (because zero emissions = zero tailpipe), but your MOT still covers:

• Brakes

• Tyres

• Lights

• Suspension

• Steering

• Wipers

• Seatbelts
  

  … and all the other safety stuff you’d expect.

Basically, it’s making sure everything’s working as it should so you can stay safe (and legal) on the road.

💰 Is it cheaper to service an electric car?

In most cases – yep. Less moving parts = less to go wrong = lower costs.

You’re not paying for engine work, exhaust issues, or gearbox problems, and most garages can get EV servicing done quicker too.

If you want to keep things really simple, ask us about adding a maintenance package to your lease. That way, you don’t have to think about a thing — just book it in when it’s due and drive away happy.

👀 Anything else to keep an eye on?

Even with less maintenance, there are still a few basics worth keeping on top of:

• Tyres: EVs can be a bit heavier, so keep an eye on tyre wear and pressure

• Screenwash: Sounds obvious, but it still catches people out

• Charging cables: Give them a wipe down now and then and check for damage

• General cleaning: Especially in winter – salt and grime can affect your paintwork if left too long

✅ The takeaway

Yes, electric cars still need a service and MOT — but they’re way simpler and cheaper to look after than the average petrol or diesel.

If you're leasing your EV, we’ve got options to make maintenance hassle-free — from reminders to full service bundles that cover everything. No stress, no surprise bills, just easy driving.

Have a question about servicing your EV? Or thinking about adding a maintenance package to your lease? Just give us a shout — we’re happy to help.