Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
September 29, 2026
High-Mileage Used EVs Prove More Reliable Than Gas Cars, Study Finds
TLDR
- Used EV buyers gain an edge: 16.5 percent failure rate versus 22.1 percent for gas cars at 90,000 to 120,000 miles, per UK test data.
- New AutoMotive analyzed nearly 50 million UK roadworthiness tests, finding high-mileage EVs fail less due to fewer moving parts, but tire and brake issues persist.
- Reliable high-mileage used EVs make sustainable driving more accessible and affordable, reducing emissions while extending vehicle life and easing the transition to cleaner transport.
- Electric cars past 120,000 miles fail roadworthiness tests only 16 percent of the time, far less than gas cars, though they wear tires faster.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it challenges the long-held assumption that electric vehicles become unreliable at high mileage. For consumers, it means a used EV with 100,000 miles may actually be a safer bet than a comparable gas car, potentially expanding affordable options and reducing total cost of ownership. For the auto industry, it signals that EV durability is a selling point, which could accelerate adoption and strengthen the used EV market. As more fleet vehicles enter resale, this data provides concrete evidence to help buyers make informed decisions. It also highlights areas where EVs still need improvement, such as tire wear and brake maintenance, reminding buyers that all vehicles require proper care. Ultimately, this research could shift perceptions and boost confidence in electric mobility.
Summary
New analysis of nearly 50 million UK roadworthiness tests reveals that high-mileage used electric vehicles are more dependable than equivalent petrol and diesel cars. Commissioned by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and conducted by New AutoMotive, the study found that for cars driven between 90,000 and 120,000 miles, EVs had a 16.5% MOT failure rate versus 22.1% for fossil-fuel models—roughly a quarter lower risk. Beyond 120,000 miles, only 16% of EVs failed, compared with nearly a quarter of gas cars. At lower mileages, the gap nearly disappears.
The findings arrive as a wave of ex-fleet and leasing EVs with significant mileage enters the used market. BVRLA CEO Toby Poston noted that shoppers often fixate on odometer readings, but the data should reassure them that a properly maintained EV can still be a solid purchase. New AutoMotive chief executive Ben Nelmes attributed the advantage to the fewer moving parts in an EV powertrain. However, the study also found that EVs had nearly double the incidence of tire issues and that older, lightly driven EVs showed more brake faults due to rust. Importantly, MOT tests do not assess battery health, so Poston still advises buyers to perform due diligence on paperwork, condition, tires, and battery performance. The analysis provides extra confidence for those considering a used EV from manufacturers like Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO) or a traditional used ICE vehicle. The study was released by GreenCarStocks, a communications platform focused on EVs and green energy, part of the Dynamic Brand Portfolio at IBN.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by InvestorBrandNetwork (IBN). Read the original source here, High-Mileage Used EVs Prove More Reliable Than Gas Cars, Study Finds
