Nearly half of workshop technicians believe that they will need electric and hybrid technology know-how more than traditional mechanical knowledge in as little as five years, according to CitNOW.

The research highlighted the recent rise of EVs, with just 18% of professionals ranking EV expertise among the most important skills over the last decade, as EV ownership increased to 620,000 in 2018.

The research forms part of CitNOW’s ‘'Workshop Professional of the Future’ report, which examines the evolving role and skill set of workshop technicians according to the industry.

IMI’s chief executive, Steve Nash, said: “The number of EVs and hybrid cars on the roads in the UK went up by three quarters last year so, obviously, knowledge of these drivetrains will become increasingly important for technicians who want to excel in the automotive industry.”

Nearly half of mechanics (46%) said that traditional mechanical know-how was most important in the last decade, but that figure has declined to under a third (30%) with the advent of new technology.

More than three quarters (76%) of workshop workers believe that an alternative fuel powertrain will power the car of choice for most buyers over the next 10 years.

CitNOW’s chief executive, Alistair Horsburgh, said: “Just as we are forging ahead in terms of video for the automotive industry, manufacturers are moving on with engine technology and electric and hybrid is clearly the way forward.

“As the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles continues, technicians will need to be able to have the expertise to not only deliver an excellent service, but to be able to simply explain the work needed to less EV-savvy customers – and personalised video will help bridge that gap.”