IMI warns of electric vehicle technician shortfall

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is warning that in the near future there may not be enough qualified technicians to service and repair electric trucks and vans.

New IMI analysis reveals there were 52,000 qualified EV technicians in the UK at the end of January 2023. That’s up 14.8% from the total of 45,300 just six months earlier and equates to 22% of all technicians in the country being qualified.

The IMI said the steady growth was encouraging but warned that action was still needed. If current training trends continue, it’s expected that there will be a shortfall of 30,000 EV-qualified technicians by the time the ICE ban comes into force in 2035.

Emma Carrigy, research manager at the IMI said:

Attracting new talent and training technicians to work safely on electrified vehicles takes time, so the industry must not be complacent or take its foot off the recruitment or training pedals. A skills gap is forecast and could have a significant impact on drivers’ ability to maintain and repair their electric and hybrid vehicles safely. As the EV parc increases – and ages – drivers and fleet managers need to have the confidence that their chosen garage is able to service, repair and maintain their electric and hybrid vehicles.

The IMI is also working to encourage more technician new recruits through its ‘There’s More to Motor’ campaign. This works to change perceptions of the industry and the career options it provides.

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