‘Significant gaps’ in qualified technicians to work on electric vehicles

New analysis reveals that there are big gaps in the availability of technicians qualified to work on electric vehicles (EVs).

The research, from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), shows that despite an increase in EV training in the last year, qualified technician availability is still inconsistent across the UK

The findings have been published in ‘Electric Evolution: Examining the Triumphs, Trials and Roadblocks of the UK’s Electric Vehicle Aftermarket’,  

It examines the proportion of technicians that are EV qualified compared to the total technician workforce in each UK local authority.

Only 7 local authorities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have 10% or more technicians qualified to work on electric vehicles.

Worryingly more than 150 local authorities have less than 2% of technicians with the necessary qualifications to work safely on electric vehicles.

The top local authorities with EV technicians were Croydon (18.9%), Redditch (14.4%) and West Lancashire (11.5%).

The bottom local authorities were Thanet (0.2%, Shetland Islands (0.2%), Rossendale (0.2%) and Redcar and Cleveland (0.2%).

“Our data reveals the greatest proportion of EV qualified technicians in the automotive aftermarket workforce in some obvious locations such as London and the south-east,” said Emma Carrigy, research manager at the IMI. 

“However, it is a concern that there are also some big gaps in much of the central part of England as well as a number of London Boroughs.”

The IMI is currently predicting that 77,000 IMI TechSafe qualified technicians will be required by 2030, increasing to 89,000 by 2032.

EV TechSafe Technicians as a proportion of all technicians by local authority

The IMI also analysed the availability of EV qualified technicians in relation to where the greatest number of public charge points are located – a good indication of workforce matched to demand.  Again, there are some serious gaps. 

“While the top two local authorities for public charge points – Westminster and City of London - probably don’t have a huge demand for technicians, the fact that all other local authorities with the most public charge points have less than 2% of their automotive workforce qualified to work on electric vehicles could seriously damage public confidence and undermine the transition to zero”, added Carrigy.

However, she says that this issue can be addressed. She explained: “There are more than 235 centres in the IMI network that can deliver EV qualifications, providing a significant opportunity to fill the skills gap and keep technicians safe.”

The technician vs charge point mismatch

Technicians who have met the IMI TechSafe standards – endorsed by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) – can showcase their credentials by joining the IMI’s industry-wide professional register.

The register lists individual members – and their place of work – who have been recognised for their achievements, experience, professionalism and commitment to a professional standard of behaviours, and for keeping their knowledge and skills up to date through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Drivers of EVs can access the register online for free, to find local qualified EV technicians and garages.