PTI
Electric cars also have to undergo regular Periodical Technical Inspection. The inspection covers safety-relevant components and special electric car parts such as the battery and high-voltage system. There is no need for an emissions test - this saves time and money.
Electric cars are increasingly characterising the streetscape. They are an important building block for achieving a climate-neutral future and more and more people are interested in electric vehicles, not least because the used car market for electric vehicles is picking up speed.
In addition to the costs for energy, range and charging infrastructure, interested parties should also find out about the operating costs of electrically powered cars and bikes. A key factor: the general inspection (HU). This is not only required by law for combustion engines, but also for electric vehicles.
To ensure the safety of people and the environment, all vehicles registered in Germany must undergo regular general inspections - including electric cars. TÜV NORD inspectors check whether an electrically powered car has any defects relevant to the general inspection in terms of safety or environmental compatibility in accordance with the general inspection guidelines. The coveted sticker is only awarded if the vehicle is free of defects or only has minor defects that need to be rectified promptly.
In Germany, prices vary depending on the vehicle type and maximum authorised mass. Although there are slight price differences between the federal states, these are generally minimal. As the emissions test is irrelevant as a test point for electric vehicles, these costs are not applicable for owners of electric vehicles. Information on the prices and fees for the general inspection as well as on vehicle assessments or damage reports can be viewed conveniently online at TÜV NORD.
The popularity of electric vehicles is growing all the time, which is why more and more of them are being brought to TÜV NORD stations. This enables inspectors to assess electric cars more and more reliably.
Although many e-vehicles are not yet able to provide comprehensive data due to their low number on the roads, a special evaluation by the TÜV association provides valuable insights. This evaluation has analysed four particularly popular electric models in more detail and shows that the answer is not clear-cut. On average, 5.3 per cent of all two to three-year-old new cars fail the main inspection due to "significant defects".
Based on this figure, these four popular electric cars were compared:
The HU guideline specifies a framework of around 150 test points. However, the number of points actually checked during a general inspection depends on the make and model of the vehicle. "These specifications are binding for us experts," explains Frederick Adler, a specialist at TÜV NORD.
The TÜV NORD main inspection of electric cars focuses on these assemblies and components:
High-voltage system
Battery management system
Recuperation (= recovery of energy)
Driving noise simulator
Charging connections
The digitalisation of mobility continues to advance and the future of driving is electric. The HU adapter is a key tool in this process. This tool has had a permanent place in the main inspection since 2015. It was specially developed for testing organisations such as TÜV NORD and is a real all-rounder.
Inspectors can use it to detect faults in the battery management system of an electric car, for example. The HU adapter can be used universally and can read out the data via the on-board diagnostics interface for all vehicle types, regardless of the manufacturer.
The general inspection of electric cars at TÜV NORD benefits enormously from this technological advance. This means: more safety and precision in the inspection of electric cars.
Fahrzeugsystemdaten GmbH in Dresden, known as FSD, processes the data of all authorised vehicle models and provides detailed instructions and notes for each model. The information and instructions are constantly updated and can be accessed digitally.
The TÜV association analyses the defects of all inspected vehicles on an annual basis. Based on these analyses, trends are identified, e.g. if a specific model is prone to brake wear. These findings are made available to the inspectors.
TÜV NORD maintains a constant dialogue with vehicle manufacturers and industry partners in order to incorporate current developments and innovations. We are also active in various expert committees that deal comprehensively with topics relating to e-mobility.
1. professional maintenance:
Always have maintenance and inspections carried out by workshops that work according to the manufacturer's specifications. They have the latest updates and special manufacturer instructions.
2. punctual main inspection:
Always keep to the deadline for your main inspection. This helps to identify possible defects in good time and increases the service life of your vehicle.
3. observe recall campaigns:
Always take both voluntary and mandatory recall campaigns seriously and ensure that they are carried out promptly at a specialist workshop.
4. pay attention to anomalies:
If you notice any changes in driving behaviour or unusual noises, do not hesitate to seek the advice of a specialist workshop.
TÜV NORD extra tip
Use our TÜV NORD checklist in the run-up to your main inspection. This will enable you to identify potential defects in your vehicle and have them rectified before the inspection.
The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is pursuing a clear goal with "Vision Zero": road traffic without fatalities.
An important step in this direction could be the extended inspection of safety-critical components as part of the general inspection. The integration of artificial intelligence in testing procedures and data analysis is also becoming increasingly important.
With regard to electric vehicles, expert Frederick Adler outlines four developments:
Expansion in the high-voltage sector:
There could be an expansion of the main inspection in the high-voltage safety sector in the near future. Special measurements of insulation resistance and potential equalisation in the entire high-voltage system would be conceivable. Such tests could become mandatory over time, especially as safety relevance increases with the age of the vehicles.
Improved accessibility of safety-critical components:
Until now, the main inspection has been carried out without the need for dismantling. However, a future-orientated vehicle design could integrate concepts that facilitate access to safety-relevant parts, for example through inspection windows or maintenance hatches. At this point, car manufacturers are called upon to develop and realise innovative approaches.
Charging cable inspection:
There is currently no obligation to carry charging cables. In the future, carrying and checking the charging cables (condition/function, possibly measurements) could become relevant during the main inspection.
In-depth battery inspection:
The centrepiece of every electric vehicle is undoubtedly the battery. In the foreseeable future, checking its safety condition could play a role in the main inspection. Such an analysis would not only increase safety, but also contribute to environmental protection. After all, a defective battery harbours enormous risks. While visual inspections are currently the primary method, more comprehensive analyses could be established in the future.