Electric car inspections: how technical reviews are changing in Europe

The transition to electric mobility is now a fact. Across Europe, millions of motorists choose zero-emission vehicles every year, driven by incentives, increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and a growing awareness of sustainability issues. However, the technological evolution that has transformed the very concept of the automobile also necessitates a profound rethink of the methods of maintenance and inspection.

The electric cars, in fact, cannot be subjected to the same checks intended for internal combustion vehicles. The structural differences, such as the absence of a thermal engine, the presence of a high-voltage system, electronic traction management, and the importance of the traction battery, require dedicated verification procedures and qualified personnel.

In recent years, the European Union has initiated a process to update the directives regulating the periodic inspection of vehicles, with the goal of adapting standards to the new propulsion technologies. The goal is clear: to ensure the safety of users and to preserve the environmental performance of vehicles throughout their entire life cycle.

This article explores in detail how the technical checks for electric cars are changing in Europe, which components are inspected, how inspection centers are adapting, and what the effects will be for battery vehicle owners in the coming years.

What electric car checks include today

Unlike traditional cars, electric vehicles do not have exhaust systems, fuel tanks, or fuel supply circuits. However, they possess a network of electronic and mechanical components that must be monitored with utmost attention. The electric car checks therefore focus on the most critical elements in terms of safety and reliability: battery, high-voltage systems, management software, wiring, and regenerative brakes.

Periodic inspections remain mandatory in all EU member countries, but the procedures are evolving to take into account the specificities of this new generation of vehicles. It is not just about "checking" the vehicle but about verifying the consistency between performance, safety, and electrical integrity.

Periodic inspection and technical control: what changes

The traditional inspection, governed by the European Directive 2014/45/EU, included checks on mechanical and environmental elements such as brakes, suspensions, lights, emissions, and noise. With electric cars, many of these checks lose relevance. There are no exhaust gas emissions, there are no fuel supply systems or traditional gearboxes, but new areas of control arise related to power electronics and electrical safety.

Key elements of an electric vehicle inspection

The main areas of intervention include:

• Traction battery: the heart of the vehicle. The state of health (SoH), remaining capacity, and absence of electrical leaks are checked.

• High-voltage systems (HV): technicians check that there are no leaks or risks of accidental contact with live components.

• Onboard software: electronic diagnostics allow for the identification of any anomalies or errors in the energy management system.

• Braking and regenerative system: the response of the brakes is tested, considering the interaction with the regeneration of kinetic energy.

• Wiring and connections: HV connectors and charging interfaces are checked to exclude risks of short circuits or corrosion.

The combination of mechanical, electronic, and digital checks represents the foundation of a modern and comprehensive inspection for electric cars.

The European regulatory framework for electric car checks

The European Union is working on a profound revision of the rules governing technical inspections of vehicles. The aim is to harmonize inspection procedures across various member states, including specific tests for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Directive 2014/45/EU and updates

Directive 2014/45/EU establishes general guidelines for periodic inspections, but does not detail the peculiarities of electric cars. This creates the need to integrate new procedures regarding the verification of electrical insulation, battery pack safety, and electronic diagnostics.

EU guidelines under development

The European Commission, together with technical bodies such as CITA (International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee) and UN/ECE, is drafting a reference document that defines:

• Uniform testing protocols for HV systems;

• Minimum thresholds for electrical insulation;

• Battery verification methodologies without physical disassembly;

• Digital interoperability standards between vehicles and diagnostic tools.
  
  
  

Implementation in various countries

Each member state has initiated a different path of implementation:

• Germany (TÜV): starting in 2025, mandatory tests on battery health status and the high-voltage insulation system will be introduced.

• France (UTAC): the inspection already includes an advanced OBD check that detects any electrical anomalies.

• Italy: the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is working on updating procedures, with HV and OBD tests planned for the coming years.

• The Netherlands and Sweden: pioneers in introducing digital checks and online platforms to monitor battery status.

This evolving regulatory framework marks a historic turning point: the electric car officially enters the phase of regulated maintenance.

Components subject to inspection in electric vehicles

Electric cars require a completely different approach to inspection. It is not just about replacing "old" checks with new ones, but about introducing a multidisciplinary model that involves electronics, mechanics, and software.

Traction battery

The battery is the most expensive and delicate component. The technical inspection includes:

• Electrical insulation tests to verify that there are no leaks to the chassis;

• Remaining capacity analysis, often via software diagnostics;

• Verification of operational temperature and proper functioning of the cooling system.

In some countries, such as Germany, a state of health (SoH) certificate is introduced that accompanies the vehicle during sale or inspection.

Traction system and inverter

The electric motor and the inverter are tested to ensure proper energy conversion. Anomalies in these areas can compromise efficiency and generate excessive heat.

Brakes and suspensions

The suspensions of electric cars are subjected to greater stress due to the weight of the battery. Tests focus on wear, ABS effectiveness, and regenerative brake response.

Cooling

Liquid or air cooling systems ensure the thermal stability of the battery. A thorough check of the circuit levels and integrity is essential to avoid overheating.

Software and diagnostics

Workshops use advanced OBD tools to read error codes, firmware updates, and performance data. OTA (Over The Air) updates make checks increasingly digital and less invasive.

AVAS and safety

The AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System), mandatory in the EU, is checked to ensure that the vehicle produces the required safety sound at low speeds.

Tools and procedures for electric car inspection

Workshops and inspection centers must now have specific tools to operate safely on high-voltage systems. Diagnostics for electric vehicles require very different skills compared to the past.

Electronic diagnosis

The OBD connection allows access to vital parameters: battery module voltage, HV system status, recorded errors. Technicians must be able to correctly interpret codes, identifying real anomalies and software differences between manufacturers.

Dedicated instrumentation

The following are needed:

• Insulation testers up to 1,000 V;

• Clamp meters for DC currents;

• Thermal cameras to detect overheating;

• Certified grounding devices.
  
  

Operational safety

Handling HV systems requires specific personal protective equipment (PPE): insulating gloves, antistatic footwear, and certified VDE tools.

Technician training

Many European countries have introduced certification courses for "HV technicians", figures authorized to work on systems above 60 V DC. Training includes electrical theory, safety, and practical diagnostics.

Differences between electric car inspections and combustion vehicles

An electric car inspection is more digital and less mechanical. No exhaust gases, no oil, no catalysts to check: the focus shifts to the safety of the electrical system and electronic reliability.

Absence of emissions

Electric cars do not require emission tests, reducing the time and costs of the check. However, other environmental parameters, such as proper battery disposal, are verified.

Electronics and software at the center

Every electric car is a network of sensors. Checks are based on digital data, read directly from the ECU. This requires transparency from manufacturers, who must provide standardized access to diagnostic data.

Costs and frequency

The average cost of an inspection for an electric car ranges between 60 and 90 euros in Europe, similar to traditional vehicles, but could increase with the introduction of additional tests on batteries. The frequency remains biennial, unless national changes occur.

Impact of new rules on electric car owners

For electric vehicle owners, inspection is not just a legal obligation, but a way to preserve safety, battery life, and vehicle value.

Obligations and advantages

The new regulations require more in-depth checks, but also diagnostic tools that help the owner monitor the vehicle's efficiency.

Required documentation

In addition to the vehicle registration document, it is necessary to present the maintenance booklet and, in some cases, the battery certification card.

Benefits

A thorough inspection increases safety, prevents costly failures, and offers a competitive advantage in resale. A certified efficient battery can be worth up to 15% more in the used market.

Innovations in electric car checks

The future of inspections is digital and predictive.
Electric cars communicate in real time with cloud platforms, allowing inspection centers to access technical data even before the vehicle arrives at the workshop.

Remote diagnostics

Remote monitoring systems allow for the detection of battery status and component efficiency in advance, reducing human errors.

Integration with charging infrastructure

Some countries are already experimenting with synchronization between charging stations and inspection databases, to track possible charging anomalies and software updates.

Digital vehicle passport

The EU is working on a Digital Battery Passport, an electronic document that collects all data on the battery, from manufacturer to recycling. This tool will make the used market more transparent and future inspections safer.

Inspection centers and specialized workshops

Workshops must face a cultural and technological change. The technician of the future will be a hybrid of mechanic and IT expert, able to manage software, wiring, and complex energy systems.

Adjustment to new directives

Many centers are already updating their facilities, installing HV benches and digital diagnostic tools. National authorities define accreditation criteria to ensure that only trained centers can operate on electric vehicles.

Investments and partnerships

Inspection networks are forming partnerships with universities and car manufacturers to develop shared testing protocols. In Italy, consortia such as CNA and Confartigianato are pushing for funded training programs.

The role of institutions and manufacturers

The harmonization of checks depends on the collaboration between governments, certification bodies, and car manufacturers.

Car manufacturers must ensure access to diagnostic data, avoiding monopolies on inspections. European institutions, on the other hand, have the task of standardizing procedures to ensure equal treatment among all vehicles.

The challenges still open

Despite progress, significant challenges remain:

• Lack of unified standards for battery testing;

• Difficulties in accessing manufacturer data;

• Environmental management of used batteries;

• Continuous updating of technical skills.

The goal is a transparent and safe ecosystem, where inspections become an integral part of the vehicle's sustainable life cycle.

Overall analysis of the European framework

The electric car checks represent a fundamental piece in the maturation process of electric mobility. From battery inspection to software verification, each test contributes to making roads safer, vehicles more reliable, and the used market more transparent.

With the new generation of checks, Europe not only raises safety standards but also lays the groundwork for intelligent and digital management of future mobility.

FAQ - electric car checks

1. How often should an electric car inspection be carried out?

Every two years, as with traditional vehicles, unless national regulations specify otherwise.

2. Is the traction battery tested during the technical check?

Yes, the state of health and electrical insulation of the battery are verified.

3. Is it mandatory to go to specialized centers?

Yes, the inspection must be carried out in authorized centers with qualified personnel for high-voltage systems.

4. Are the costs higher compared to gasoline or diesel cars?

Not significantly, but they may increase in the future with additional tests on the battery.

5. When will the new protocols come into effect in Italy?

By 2026, with complete alignment to the updated European directive.