Potential Implementation of Motor Vehicle Tests for Electric Cars Discussed in Britain: Reasons Explored
The government is pondering enhancements to the MOT test, potentially including checks for electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems. The European Commission has proposed substantial updates to its periodic technical inspection (PTI) procedures, which regulate roadworthiness checks for cars, vans, and motorcycles across the EU.
These changes center on adapting the PTI for electric vehicles and incorporating new test elements for electronic safety systems, primarily through wider use of the electronic vehicle interface to test software integrity of safety and emission-related systems. The EC's focus is on more stringent inspections of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.
In response, the UK's Department for Transport (DfT) has pledged to evaluate the EC's proposals. The EC published its latest updates on the planned revisions to the PTI last week, noting that current testing methods have become outdated and no longer sufficient to accommodate rapid technological advancements in vehicles.
Recently, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) introduced a new pilot scheme aimed at combating a growing MOT-related scam called "ghost MOTs" or "Bluetooth MOTs." This fraudulent activity involves issuing fake certificates for vehicles that have not undergone any inspection, with experts believing four out of five counterfeit MOTs are of this nature. To counteract this, the DVSA has instituted new rules, requiring mechanics to take photographic proof of inspections in real-time, with these trials currently taking place in a limited number of garages.
However, critics have argued this move won't deter dishonest mechanics from capitalizing on the scam. Concerns regarding the effectiveness of the new rules and the potential need for increased penalties or regulations persist.
Meanwhile, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) has advocated for raising the price of MOTs for the first time in 14 years due to financial pressures faced by small auto-garages. The IGA argues that the current £54.85 cap is threatening the viability of these businesses, given inflationary pressures and surging parts prices.
As the EU plans to modernize its PTI to accommodate electric vehicles and advanced safety technology, the UK's DfT is discussing similar changes while keeping a close eye on the EC's proposals to maximize road safety and environmental standards.
- The UK's Department for Transport (DfT) is contemplating modernization of the MOT test, similar to the European Commission's (EC) proposals, aimed at adapting it for electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems, given rapid technological advancements in vehicles.
- The EC's focus in modernizing the periodic technical inspection (PTI) includes stricter inspections of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and the incorporation of new test elements for electronic safety systems, leveraging technology to test software integrity of safety and emission-related systems.
- In response to concerns over a growing MOT-related scam, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recently implemented a new rule, requiring mechanics to take photographic proof of inspections in real-time, as part of a pilot scheme in an attempt to combat the issue.
- Recognizing financial pressures faced by small auto-garages, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) has advocated for an increase in MOT rates for the first time in 14 years, arguing that the current cap is threatening the viability of these businesses given inflationary pressures and surging parts prices.
