Only One in Four UK Technicians Qualified to Work on EVs

A growing skills gap in the UK’s automotive sector is raising concerns as new data shows that only one‑in‑four vehicle technicians are currently qualified to work on electric vehicles (EVs).

According to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), just 26% of the UK technician workforce held an EV qualification at the end of Q3 2025, a proportion that has stagnated as training rates slow.

The IMI’s latest data reveals that the number of technicians gaining EV accreditation fell by nearly 13% in 2025, heightening fears that the UK’s workforce will be ill‑prepared to meet rising EV demand.

Industry analysts warn the uneven distribution of skills could leave many drivers facing a “postcode lottery” for safe and timely EV servicing, particularly as the second‑hand market expands.

The IMI has renewed its calls for government support to help employers accelerate upskilling, arguing that technician capability must be recognised as central to the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) strategy.

Without intervention, experts warn that repair delays, higher costs, and reduced driver confidence could hinder EV adoption—just as the nation approaches key milestones in the phase‑out of petrol and diesel cars.