Is the mandatory vehicle inspection more expensive for electric cars?

You might think that the technical inspection of an electric car is simpler and therefore less expensive than that of a combustion engine car. However, this is false: on average, it is slightly more costly.

This is what is revealed by the Simplauto price comparison barometer, conducted last month on a sample of 5,625 centers (representing 86% of the centers listed in France). According to this study, the average cost of a technical inspection for an electric car was €85.10 in June. For a petrol or diesel car, the operation cost an average of €78.52. A difference of 8.38% in favor of combustion engines, which would be explained by the fact that there are more points to inspect on an electric vehicle.

Particularly steep bill for GPL cars

Meanwhile, owners of plug-in hybrid cars have to pay €84.80. But those paying the most are drivers of GPL vehicles, who spent on average €93.24 for their technical inspection in June (+18.75% compared to combustion engines).

The reform of the technical inspection had led to a 12% increase in the cost of the operation. Since then, prices have gradually stabilized, with a limited increase of +1.15% over the past three years. However, the situation could worsen in the future, as it seems unlikely that the technical inspection will remain indefinitely immune to the inflation currently affecting the economy.

Prices that vary from simple to triple

The barometer reveals that the cost of the technical inspection can vary greatly from one center to another. Prices range from 45 € for the cheapest to 125 € for the most expensive.

The study also shows significant disparities between regions. In Haute-Savoie, the cost is the highest, with an average technical inspection fee of €99.32. Conversely, residents of Loiret benefit from the lowest prices, paying an average of €67.14.

Read also: How much does insuring an electric car cost?