Reply To: Reader email: MOT tester and trainer lists concerns about electric and hybrid vehicles

[Thomas Williams]

While there are some valid points raised, it seems to me there is some exaggeration of the difficulty. I can see that we need to be aware of some modification to test procedure. However, much of the advice appears to have been written by those with little day to day experience of testing. The Toyota Prius has been on UK roads for approaching twenty years. Many testers would have tested their first hybrid around 15 years ago. After some initial head scratching it became obvious they are quite easy to test, with little in the way of extra risk. Repair and service of the HV system itself does require extra training, but this is not necessary to carry out a safe MOT test. The biggest issue is likely to be the weight and size of the larger EVs where the batteries alone can weigh in excess of 600kg. Some Test stations, possibly those operating under Grandfather’s rights, may struggle to hoist and jack these safely.