The vehicles rolling into UK MOT bays are changing fast, and the data is starting to tell a clear story. Here's what local garages should be watching in 2026.
The ZEV mandate requires a rising share of new cars sold to be zero-emission, putting more electric vehicles on UK roads every year. That means more EVs reaching their first MOT — and a bay that was built around petrol and diesel needs to adapt.
Electric vehicles still need an MOT, but the checks differ. There's no emissions test, but tyre condition, suspension and brake wear matter more — regenerative braking can wear pads differently. Garages that can confidently inspect and service EVs are building a durable local advantage.
As the public charging network expands and EVs age, recall patterns are shifting too. Many EV recalls are resolved by software updates rather than physical parts, and owners may not realise a recall applies. RecallIQ screens every vehicle through your station against DVSA recall data so nothing slips through.