The UK continues to see steady growth in the EV-qualified automotive aftermarket workforce, although action is still needed to avoid a future shortfall.

The IMI says there will be a shortfall of 30,000 EV-qualified technicians by the time the ICE ban comes into force in 2035

New analysis from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) 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 rise means the predicted shortfall – when the number of EV-qualified technicians drops below the minimum number required – is now not expected to take place until 2032, with a gap of 5,670 technicians.

Previous projections suggested a shortfall would appear in 2029 and reach 13,000 by 2032.

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.

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

Emma Carrigy, research manager at the IMI comments: “Of course, attracting new talent and training technicians to work safely on electrified vehicles does take time, so the industry must not be complacent or take its foot off the recruitment or training pedals. After all, a skills gap is still forecast and could have a significant impact on drivers’ ability to maintain and repair their electric and hybrid vehicles safely.”

She added: “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.

The full IMI EV TechSafe report for January 2024 can be downloaded here.