‘Post code lottery’ persists for UK EV skills, says IMI

New Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) data continues to highlight a post code lottery for electric vehicle (EV) skills across the UK.

The IMI’s latest EV TechSafe certification data shows that 58,800 technicians are now qualified to work on electric vehicles, representing 24% of the UK automotive workforce. 

Based on the forecast increase in EVs on UK roads, the IMI is predicting a shortfall of 3,000 technicians by 2031.

The gap is expected to reach 16,000 by 2035.

While London and the South East have the higher proportion of EVs, the regions do not boast the larger proportion of EV certified technicians. 

Just 6.1% and 6.4% of technicians in London and the South East respectively are EV-trained.

Plug-in electric vehicles make up 5.9% of all cars in London and the South East.

The East of England has the highest rate of EV qualifications (9.5%), while Northern Ireland has the lowest rate (3.7%).

Kevin Finn, executive chair at the IMI, said: “There has been encouraging growth in the number of technicians gaining EV certification so far in 2024.

“However, with the expected reinstatement of the 2030 ICE ban deadline by the new government, the skills gap remains.

“Automotive businesses urgently need to prioritise training more technicians so that the expected rising number of EV owners can find a local technician qualified to work safely on their vehicle.”

Forecast gap between predicted number of technicians required to service and maintain Electric Vehicles and IMI TechSafe EV Technicians