The 4R Battery Alliance has announced its support for integrating electric vehicle (EV) battery testing into the UK’s statutory MOT framework. The proposal aims to mitigate risks such as thermal runaway and provide transparency for the second-hand market, where battery health remains a primary concern for 47% of non-EV buyers.
According to YouGov research, uncertainty regarding battery condition is a significant barrier to EV adoption. Standardising assessments within the MOT would provide reliable data on degradation, helping to stabilise the used EV sector. Industry data suggests that 90% of dealers support a standardised health test scheme. Tom Rumboll, Chair of the 4R Battery Alliance, stated:
“EV battery testing is one of the key enablers of a circular economy. Without it, we can’t confidently reuse, repurpose or recycle batteries at scale. We see this as part of a broader, industry-wide effort to normalize battery diagnostics and make them an integral part of EV ownership.”
Luke Robinson, regular contributor to Garage Wire, from Marchwood Motor Engineers LTD said:
“There are many aspects to testing a high voltage battery, perhaps the priority for an MOT test should be kept at safety inspection only, is there any visible external damage that could cause risk of fire, leaks or loss of structural integrity?
There was recently a huge fire at a local waste facility which after a review of CCTV has been attributed to a lithium battery which really brings home the reality of the risks.”
With over 1.8 million EVs currently registered in the UK, the alliance argues that a proactive approach to battery diagnostics is required to ensure long-term vehicle reliability. Integrating these checks would allow drivers to identify early safety issues and adjust charging habits to extend component life.
The proposal follows a Department for Transport (DfT) consultation on modernising the MOT to better reflect the requirements of zero-emission mobility. Further details on the initiative are available through the 4R Battery Alliance.
Source: Battery Tech Online
donna
ev batteries should not be an mot testers problem end off.
Wise
Necessary or not, you won’t see many garages rushing to take that on. We’re already stretched as it is just getting MOTs done. Until the fee reflects the time, training and kit needed, no one’s adding extra tests for the sake of it. Can’t run a business on goodwill and cold pasties!
Lee
Ok Just keep adding to the mot inspection, until the fee is increased inline with today’s true costs of running a station i would object strongly
James C
Why, and if they are faulty who replaces them and where the hell do the arts come form, not like anybody has any stock is it…
Richard B
Ditto to all the above comments, yet another way the powers at be push their responsibilities on to the tester