Social Market Foundation has published the “A Vehicle for Change” report, which suggests that there will be a severe shortage of EV mechanics in Britain in the coming years, according to Fleet News.
Industry estimates
By 2027, qualified mechanics would ultimately be outpaced by Britain’s growing use of electric vehicles.
By 2030, there may be a lack of about 25,000 EV technicians in the country.
There is undoubtedly a growing concern for EV mechanics shortage elsewhere. The Institute of the Motoring Industry (IMI) warned earlier this year that only 11% of UK technicians are equipped to work safely on EVs.
So what?
Qualified electric vehicle mechanics and technicians are essential for individual drivers and the entire industry. When issues arise with EVs, consumers must have the confidence to seek out experts.
That said, these experts must catch up to the growing number of EVs in Britain, which is now about to hit one million units.
“Britain is in real danger of running short of the skilled mechanics and technicians needed to keep EVs on the roads. 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.”
Amy Norman, Social Market Foundation’s Senior Researcher
What can the government do?
The leading think-tank in Britain highlights how the government’s efforts to decarbonize transportation pay little attention to the technical proficiency of EV mechanics.
As a matter of fact, neither the Department for Education (DfE) nor the Department for Transport (DfT) has looked at how the increasing use of EVs will affect vehicle technicians or created policies to encourage workforce expansion.
The government must lead the industry by encouraging more people to learn how to properly fix and maintain electric vehicles through training and relevant policies.
“Formalised, professional and accredited training routes to prepare technicians for EV repair and maintenance are needed.”
Social Market Foundation
It is crucial to address this predicted technician shortage since failing could increase repair costs or degrade service quality, discouraging consumers from transitioning to EVs. Only time can tell if the fear will cause a concern for EV buyers, but earlier OEMs were reportedly concerned with supply of raw materials for EV battery.
