Britain’s most expensive electric and hybrid vehicles are failing their initial Ministry of Transport (MoT) tests at significantly higher rates than lower-priced models, according to recently released data.

Among the vehicles examined, the Mercedes EQC 400, priced at approximately £74,000, recorded the highest failure rate. Nearly one in five of these battery-powered SUVs—specifically, 412 out of 2,236 tested in their first MoT last year—did not pass, resulting in a failure rate of 18.43%. This figure is more than eight times greater than the failure rate for the Toyota Prius, which had the lowest at 2.19%, making it the most reliable car on the road in this measure.

Overall, nine of the ten worst-performing vehicles in their first MoT tests were electric or plug-in hybrid models. Among these, Tesla and BMW each accounted for four entries on the list, with BMW’s X5 at around £70,000 and its i4 model priced near £60,000 featuring prominently.

Industry observers suggest one potential explanation for the trend is that owners of high-end electric vehicles might underestimate the need for routine checks, given the reduced number of moving parts compared to traditional internal combustion engines. This may lead to neglect of basic maintenance items such as tire condition and lighting, which are critical for passing MoT tests.

James Ruppert, editor of Free Car Mag, commented that some drivers may have traded practical vigilance for brand prestige, saying, “Just because the battery on wheels has a prestige badge doesn’t mean there is nothing to worry about.” He noted that customers of traditional fuel vehicles, particularly Japanese models like the Prius, tend to be older and more conscientious in vehicle upkeep, contributing to their better performance in inspections.

The MoT test, which vehicles in Britain must take annually after their third year, assesses roadworthiness, safety, and emissions compliance. The current data reflects tests conducted in 2025 on vehicles registered in 2022. Importantly, the dataset excludes commercial vehicles often used for deliveries and does not consider mileage, maintenance history, or owner care before the test. Many failures were reportedly due to minor issues easily remedied by owners, such as worn tires or faulty lights.

Mercedes-Benz responded to the findings by attributing MoT failures to common wear and tear factors, including tires and brake pads, as well as vehicle age, mileage, and maintenance habits. A company spokesperson emphasized Mercedes’ reputation for quality and reliability, citing recent accolades such as the all-electric CLA being named European Car of the Year 2026. The spokesperson urged customers to adhere to recommended servicing and maintenance routines to ensure vehicle performance.

BMW did not provide a comment on the reported failure rates.