The number of EV-qualified technicians in the UK continues to grow but experts still predict a shortfall by 2035.

A new study published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has found that four in five (81.2%) automotive aftermarket workshops are ready to service electric vehicles.

The automotive trade body said workshops have invested in training, talent and tooling to keep Britain’s safer, greener cars on the move and also found that a further 83.3% of those with these capabilities expect this spend to increase over the next year.

In addition, 77.6% of respondents are equipped to service and maintain advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) systems, with 83.5% expecting to increase spending on ADAS training and equipment over the next 12 months.

But the SMMT has warned that sustaining such investment will be critical if the swift pace of EV rollout is to be maintained.

And its Aftermarket Report, Jobs, Growth, Mobility – What the Aftermarket Needs To Deliver calls for government support to help workshops continue investing in the skills and equipment.

The research was greeted by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), which has long been spotlighting how the number of EV technicians will fall short of requirements by 2035 – when all new cars and vans sold in the UK will be required to be fully zero-emission.

Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, said: “It’s encouraging to see the results of SMMT’s survey. IMI data, which reflects the automotive aftermarket, shows that there has been a steady uptick in EV skills over the last few years. Latest IMI data shows that about 28% of the UK technician workforce holds an EV qualification, however projections suggest that demand will outpace supply by over 25,000 technicians by 2035.”

The IMI has previously predicted a shortfall of 30,000 EV-qualified technicians by the time the ICE ban comes into force in 2035.

Connor also warned that IMI data shows that the levels of technicians undertaking ADAS qualifications is significantly slower than for EVs.

“IMI data shows that this is currently at just 3% of the automotive aftermarket workforce (7,572 qualified ADAS technicians), well below projected demand, which could see the need for more than 96,000 trained ADAS technicians by 2032, in order to service 40% of the total car parc.

“As the professional body and voice of the automotive workforce, the IMI is focused on raising standards with IMI TechSafe providing the de facto standard to ensure the safety of technicians, employers and consumers. The IMI also have a number of nationally-recognised ADAS qualifications and accreditations which allow businesses to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competence are of a professional standard.”

The SMMT has also set out a raft of recommendations for the Government and automotive sector to ensure technicians are ready for future automotive developments.

It’s calling for the Government to provide capital investment relief for workshops, and unlock unused apprenticeship levy funding, helping to spur investment in the tools and talent the industry will need in the years to come, as well as creating jobs and driving economic growth.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The UK aftermarket is embracing the future of automotive technology, and investing in the skills and equipment needed to maintain the very latest vehicles to help deliver safe, sustainable mobility for all. With a rapid influx of smarter, zero emission vehicles reaching the road, however, helping businesses invest will be crucial if more drivers are to make the switch while maintaining the UK’s leading road safety record, and creating crucial jobs in every part of the country.”