The UK is in real danger of running short of the mechanics needed to keep EVs on the roads in the run-up to the 2030 ICE ban.

The UK could face a shortfall of 25,000 qualified technicians by 2030

While driver adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly increasing, the Social Market Foundation warns that the number of skilled technicians that can service such cars is not keeping pace with the growth.

A new report from the cross-party think-tank highlights industry estimates that by 2027 there will not be enough qualified mechanics to maintain all of the UK’s EVs. And by 2030 – when the Government’s planned ban on sales of new purely petrol or diesel cars kicks in – the country could face a shortfall of 25,000 qualified technicians.

It’s a warning that the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has been making for some time. Its data last year found that as of June 2021, only 6.5% of the automotive sector was EV-ready.

Not only could the worsening skills shortage undermine work to decarbonise British transport, but it could also increase the cost of repairs or reduce the quality of repairs, according to the SMF. And this would decrease consumers’ willingness to make the switch to EVs.

But the skills gap could be filled by formalised, professional and accredited training routes to prepare technicians for EV repair and maintenance, generating an opportunity for the creation of more skilled jobs and underlining the potential benefits of the net zero agenda.

And the SMF is calling on the Government to step up work here. The thinktank says that neither the Department for Education nor the Department for Transport have examined how growing EV uptake will impact vehicle technicians or developed policies to support workforce growth.

Its recommendations to help the UK avert the “looming skills crunch” including improving the attractiveness of the industry; developing a medium-term credible plan to upskill technicians; releasing Apprenticeship Levy funds to pay for EV technician training; and introducing a mandatory licence to operate in the EV repair and maintenance industry.

Amy Norman, senior researcher at Social Market Foundation, outlined: “More needs to be done to ensure more workers are getting the skills and training needed to keep Britain on the road to net zero. That means better policies to support skills and training, including more creative use of Apprenticeship Levy funds.

“It also means doing more to attract recruits into this vital trade. The men and women who train to keep millions of EVs running smoothly should be seen as green heroes helping Britain speed towards a cleaner future.

“The transition to EVs is a great example of the opportunities that come from the shift to a low-carbon economy – with the right policies in place, the transition in driving can unlock thousands of high-skill blue-collar jobs for current and future generations.”

The SMF report has been welcomed by the Independent Garage Association (IGA), which was consulted during the research.

“The report clearly identifies the central importance of independent garages in ensuring consumers can access good quality cost-effective HEV services as volume grows,” said Stuart James, chief executive. “The authors have also explicitly recognised the need for policymakers to support UK independent garages.”

He also echoed the SMF’s point that the EV transition was a “unique opportunity” to create highly skilled “green jobs” based on electrical and computer knowledge rather than mechanical skills.

“We hope this report can inform policymakers,” continued James. “Government needs to help the sector address the shortfall of skilled technicians as well as investing in the infrastructure to cope with the upcoming EV revolution.”

To access the SMF report on ‘A vehicle for change’, click here.