2015 Tesla Model S Electricity · RF05 BAT

A clean five-test run with no advisories, failures, or even minor defects recorded across consecutive DVSA examinations ending with a pass on 9 February 2026 points to a structurally sound and mechanically well-maintained Tesla Model S. The absence of any flagged items over a five-year MOT cycle is notable on a vehicle of this age, particularly given the roadworthiness items that commonly accumulate on executive-class saloons such as corroded suspension components, worn brake discs, deteriorated coil springs, or exhaust system deterioration. The unbroken sequence of pass results, with each annual test showing no recorded defects, suggests the fundamental safety-critical systems including braking, steering, suspension, lighting, and structural integrity have remained within tolerance throughout the documented testing period. For a prospective buyer, this represents one of the more reassuring MOT profiles available for an eleven-year-old high-performance electric saloon. With 101,449 miles recorded against an approximate eleven-year service life, this Model S has averaged around 9,223 miles per year, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a premium saloon of this vintage. The mileage progression across the MOT records appears consistent without sudden jumps or extended gaps, indicating steady regular use rather than periods of inactivity or rapid accumulation that might raise concerns about component degradation. Consistent annual mileage of this magnitude is generally favourable for an electric drivetrain, as it suggests the high-voltage battery and drive units have been regularly exercised, which helps avoid the capacity loss and cell imbalance issues that can affect EVs left standing for prolonged periods. Mechanically, this usage pattern means consumables such as tyres, brake components, and suspension bushes have experienced predictable wear rates rather than the uneven deterioration associated with either long-term storage or excessive high-mileage use. Although the MOT history contains no advisories to anchor specific concerns, a buyer should still perform thorough component-level checks on items that commonly affect a Model S of this mileage and age. On a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn lower control arm bushes or failing air suspension components, the latter being a known service item on Model S vehicles of this generation. Check for any pulling to one side under braking, as the regenerative braking system combined with conventional friction brakes can sometimes produce uneven pad wear or binding calipers that may not yet have triggered an MOT failure. Inspect the underside of the vehicle carefully for any signs of corrosion on the suspension subframes and brake pipe routing, particularly given the lack of corrosion-related advisories in the record, which should be verified visually rather than assumed absent. Beyond the suspension and braking checks, attention should turn to the Model S-specific elements that fall outside standard MOT scope but materially affect ownership costs. The touchscreen infotainment system, often referred to as the MCU (media control unit), is known to suffer from yellowing, delamination, or complete failure on early Model S examples, so verify full responsiveness and screen clarity during the inspection. Listen for any unusual whining, clunking, or grinding from the drive units during low-speed manoeuvring, as rear motor bearing wear is documented on high-mileage examples. Tyre wear should be examined for uneven inner-edge consumption, which can point to suspension geometry issues not yet severe enough to fail an MOT but indicative of bushes or links nearing the end of their service life. Finally, confirm the panoramic roof seals, charge port operation, and door handle presentation mechanism all function correctly, as these are recurring rectification items on this platform that a clean MOT history will not reveal.