Craig Ross of Eurofit Autocentres shares a long list of MOT concerns regarding electric and hybrid vehicles with GW Views.
I’m a Qualified MOT tester, trainer and IMI accredited assessor for level three Light Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection Technician, level two Nominated Tester Training and level three MOT Managers, raises concerns about electric and hybrid vehicles.
I have over 40 years experience in the trade and I’m writing in frustration at the anomalies, contradictions and lack of direction at the current rules,
regulations and safeguards when it comes hybrid and electric vehicles presented for testing.
- The following government document ‘Hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel cell systems: guidance for MOT testers‘ makes the following two statements:
- “You can’t refuse to carry out an MOT test on one of these vehicles because you’re not familiar with
them.” - “If you’re unfamiliar with the vehicle type, ask the customer to explain the starting and moving off procedure and how to make the vehicle safe… You can also look in the owner’s handbook.”
- “You can’t refuse to carry out an MOT test on one of these vehicles because you’re not familiar with
What happens if the customer doesn’t know or is unavailable and what happens if the owners hand book isn’t available?
2. In the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on electric and hybrid vehicles, it states: “Additional skills and training will be necessary to allow people to work safely with electric and hybrod vehicles.”
Yet there is no mention of this in the criteria to become a tester, nor in any DVSA manual, document or special notice?
3. This document contains a comprehensive list of people who could come into contact with electric and hybrid vehicles but fails to list ‘MOT tester’.
4. How does the tester carry out certain steering and under-bonnet checks without the engine running?
5. In the MOT Testing Guide, how does the section under disciplinary, ‘incorrect test methods when applied to Electirc and hybrid vehicles’ it states:
- “Did not personally assess any electrical wiring for security and condition statement in the MOT Test Guide”, three points per item.
ai. “Check condition and security of all visible wiring.”, one major error, no assessment carried out.
b. “Did not personally assess brake hoses and pipe work with the braking system pressurised and the engine running in the case of servo assisted brakes”, three points.
bi. “Service brake control check for condition and operation of the vacuum servo with the engine running”, one minor error.
6. How does the tester carry out a decelerometer test if they are not familiar with this type of vehicle?
7. Back in the MOT inspection manual, how does the following refusal to test statement relate to electric and hybrid vehicles?
“The condition of the vehicle is such that, in the opinion of the tester, a proper examination would involve a danger of injury to any person or damage to the vehicle or other property.”
8. What and where are the guidelines on PPE when testing this type of vehicle?
9. How do you find out the appropriate weight to comply with following note in the MOT Inspection Guide:
“If the vehicle is electrically powered, their unladen weight must not include the weight of the batteries.”
10. Does the above statement apply to hybrid vehicles?
11. What do you do if you are unsure whether the following statements in the MOT inspection manual apply:
- “AEs and their staff are reminded of their obligation to adhere to all relevant health and safety legislation while MOT testing. Further advice can be obtained from your local health and safety
enforcement officer or local authority environmental health officers as appropriate.” - “You should take care when testing electric and hybrid vehicles as there may be high voltage present at any one of several points around the vehicle, including storage capacitors and batteries.”
- “On hybrid vehicles, the engine may start without warning when electrical equipment is operated or if the battery voltage drops.”
I hope by bringing the up these points we can develop a forum for discussion with the DVSA.
I have tried writing to them but they seem to have their heads in the sand and don’t reply.
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