UK faces an EV skills shortage

Keith Hawes of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts says most car technicians are not being qualified to fix and repair electric vehicles

There’s a growing demand for EV cars, however, despite the rising trend in electric vehicles, it has become increasingly apparent that the UK has a skill shortage, with a lack of EV-qualified technicians in the workforce. Google searches in the UK for ‘EV garage near me’ have increased by 85% in the past 12 months, with searches peaking in January 2025, showing drivers are increasingly looking for EV specialist garages near them.

Why is there a skill shortage?

The rapid growth rate of EV production and sales has led to a skill shortage in the industry, as whilst sales have increased for electric vehicles, the training of technicians has not increased at the same rate. This widens the skill gap and creates a significant issue in the industry. A lack of Government investment and incentives contributes to a growing gap in qualified technicians, as programs and institutions lack funds and development.

EV technology is complex and requires specialised knowledge, which is contributing to the lack of EV specialist garages across the country.

EV skill shortage is impacting some regions more than others across the UK, with certain areas having a significant increase in electric vehicle sales, yet a lower proportion of qualified technicians.

Data reveals which UK regions are affected the most

The South East and Northern Ireland have the biggest skill shortages. According to the Institute of the Motor Industry, from January 2025, there were just under 1.4 million fully electric cars in the UK. However, despite the rise in EV vehicles, data shows that EV skills are in short supply across the UK.

London has a high proportion of EV cars. Yet, the South East region significantly lacks EV-certified technicians, with just 6.1% and 6.4% of technicians in London and the South East, respectively, EV-trained. The East of England has the highest rate of EV qualifications (9.5%), while Northern Ireland has the lowest rate (3.7%).

Consequently, highly populated areas of the UK have limited access to qualified EV technicians and garages, which means there is a significant shortage for drivers who require specialist help and advice. Due to insufficient EV technicians and garages, EV drivers could face long waits, delays, and higher costs. Ultimately, this could discourage drivers interested in driving an EV and slow growth in the market.

Expert advice

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts advises car technicians who want to gain further EV qualifications to do the following:

• Advanced qualifications: Car technicians will need to complete further studies to become qualified to repair EVs and combat the EV skill shortage. Technicians can complete the IMI Level 3 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle System Repair and Replacement, a two-day course to equip technicians with vital skills for diagnosing, testing, and repairing EVs. Completing further training will upskill workers in the industry and close the skill shortage gap.
• Join a manufacturer-specific training course: Technicians may not know that popular car manufacturers offer EV training programs tailored to their specific car models. For example, Nissan provides a free two-week Skills Bootcamp in Electric Vehicle Component Manufacturing, which can assist technicians in gaining essential EV skills and knowledge.
• Stay updated in the EV industry: The EV industry is constantly changing, with new regulations and new technology, so technicians need to be aware of the latest news and industry updates. A successful career in the EV industry will rely on expert knowledge and understanding.

Keith Hawes is a director at car and van leasing provider Nationwide Vehicle Contracts