Homologating an electric car is a mandatory procedure in order to drive legally when the vehicle has been modified or comes from abroad.
The process varies depending on whether it is a modification, such as a conversion to electric, or an import, and requires compliance with current technical and administrative regulations.
Approval for modification
Approval for modification applies when a vehicle undergoes technical modifications to its original configuration.
In the case of electric cars, it is common to convert combustion vehicles to electric vehicles using a retrofit kit, which replaces the combustion engine with an electric motor and adds batteries and energy management systems.
Required documentation
To approve an electric car for modification, the following is normally required:
- Technical project prepared by a chartered engineer
- Final certificate of completion
- Conformity report issued by an authorised laboratory
- Certificate from the workshop that carried out the installation
- Vehicle technical data sheet
- Roadworthiness certificate
- MOT report after the conversion
Cost
The cost of type approval for conversion usually ranges from £800 to £2,500, depending on the complexity of the project, the type of retrofit kit installed and the technical reports required.
To this amount must be added the cost of the electric conversion itself, which is independent of the type approval.
Approval for import
Approval for import is necessary when the electric car comes from abroad.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the purchase of second-hand electric cars due to new European policies on emissions reduction and incentives for sustainable mobility, which has boosted this type of procedure.
Importing an electric car from within the EU
If the vehicle comes from a European Union country, the process is usually simpler.
In many cases, individual type approval or equivalence is sufficient if the car has European type approval (COC).
Importing an electric car from outside the EU
When the vehicle comes from a non-EU country, the procedure is more complex.
A full individual type approval, technical adaptations to comply with European regulations and the payment of additional duties and taxes may be required before it can be registered.
Required documentation
An import type approval usually requires:
- Certificate of Conformity (COC), if available
- Foreign technical data sheet
- Sales contract or invoice
- Identity document of the purchaser
- Proof of payment of taxes (if applicable)
- Conformity report or technical project, if necessary
- Favourable inspection by the MOT
Cost
The cost of type-approval for an imported electric car varies depending on its origin.
From within the EU, it can range from £200 to £1,500. From outside the EU, the cost can exceed £2,000, especially if technical adaptations or a complete individual approval are required.
Frequently asked questions
We answer the most common questions about the approval of electric vehicles.
Is it mandatory to approve an electric car converted from combustion?
Yes, any conversion to electric using a retrofit kit is considered a major modification and must be approved.
Can I drive while the approval is being processed?
No. The vehicle can only be driven legally once it has passed the MOT and the modification or import has been reflected in the technical specifications.
Do all imported electric cars need to be approved?
It depends. If they have valid European approval, the process is simpler, but an inspection is always necessary.
Is there any financial assistance available for the approval of electric vehicles?
Not directly, although some sustainable mobility programmes can help to finance the conversion or purchase of the vehicle.
