Aftermarket November 2022

D espite a trend towards rising charge costs due to higher energy tariffs, EVs continue to grow in popularity. With this in mind, parts suppliers are continuing to look to support this growing segment. EVs and hybrids perform very differently in the MOT compared with internal combustion engine vehicles, and a pair of recent studies have highlighted where the divergences are appearing. Analysis of DVSA data, obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from BookMyGarage.com has indicated that EVs are more likely to fail a MOT than hybrid and petrol vehicles of the same age. According to their analysis, the MOT failure rate for three-year old EVs is 11.4%, rising to 21.8% for six-year-old vehicles. The failure rate for three-year old hybrids is similar at 11.2%, but at six years old hybrids are 29% less likely to fail a MOT compared with an EV. Petrol vehicles have a failure rate of 10.7% after three years, equating to being 6% more likely to pass than an EV. Diesels were found to be the worst performers with 15.1% of three-year- old vehicles failing. The failure rate for six-year-old diesels stands at 21.4%, not far from the EV point. When it came to what was causing MOT failures most often, it was found that tyres were behind 22% of all EV MOT failures, compared to 12% for all other types. On overall numbers tested each year, the research uncovered that almost 76,000 EVs were tested in 2021, 36% up on 2020 and 68% above the total on 2019. Commenting on the findings, BookMyGarage.com Co-founder Karen Rotberg said: “This data highlights the importance of regular servicing and safety checks on electric vehicles, even though their service schedules are simpler, to ensure any defects are found before they become dangerous.” Meanwhile a study from carwow, also based on data obtained from the 58 AFTERMARKET NOVEMBER 2022 EVS AND HYBRIDS www.aftermarketonline.net ADDING UP THE COSTS Increased costs for EV charging does not seem to be deterring potential buyers as more parts suppliers look to move into this side of the market DVSA via a FOI request, highlighted that EVs and hybrid and electric vehicles are more likely to pass an MOT on the first attempt than petrol or diesel vehicles,. According to the figures, out of 49.9 million MOT tests carried out on vehicles aged 3-9 years old between 2019 and 2021, 14.8% of hybrids and 17.8% of EVs failed their MOT on the first attempt. The average failure rates for petrol vehicles over those three years was 20.07%, while diesels for diesels it was 23.1%. 36.1% of EVs failed on tyres. with 32.2% of hybrids also not passing for this reason. For diesels, 28.1% failed on tyres, while for petrol the failure rate was 25.94%. The worst pass rate in terms of age was with diesels, where only 65.8% passed their MOT at the first attempt. Three-year-old hybrids had the best pass rate, with 88.8%, while three- year-old petrol vehicles were actually slightly more likely to pass their MOT first-time than three-year-old EVs. Commenting on the data, DVSA Head of MOT Policy Chris Price said: “We know that overall the MOT failure rate for hybrid and electric vehicles is lower than that for conventionally powered vehicles. However, it is important to understand the detail behind that – as some test items, such as tyres, have comparatively higher fail rates in EVs.There will be many reasons for differing overall rates, including the relative newness of these vehicles, fewer things to fail, such as emissions, how the vehicles are serviced and fewer mechanical parts.” Chris added: “The best way to ensure your vehicle, however it’s powered, passes the MOT is to ensure it is properly maintained and that you carry out basic safety checks.” SMP Europe boosts EV parts R&D SMP Europe is upping its investment into EV parts R&D, with a view to increasing is EV parts coverage. With this in mind, the company has opened a new garage facility within its Nottingham-based UK Centre of Engineering where electric vehicles can be stripped so the company can undertake research and then go onto develop new parts. SMP Europe Engineering Director John Wass observed: “The new facility enables the wider engineering team