25 Sep What Automotive Employers Should Know About the EV Aftermarket
The electric vehicle aftermarket is changing quickly. As more battery electric vehicles, cars and vans enter the UK vehicle parc, dealerships, local garages and automotive service businesses must prepare for a different type of customer demand and increased demand for specialist support.
EV servicing is not simply a cleaner version of traditional vehicle maintenance. It involves high-voltage systems, battery diagnostics, software updates, advanced driver assistance systems and new safety procedures. For employers, this means the skills needed in the workshop are changing, and recruitment strategies must change with them.
The EV aftermarket is becoming a core part of automotive
Electric vehicles are no longer limited to early adopters or specialist dealerships. More than 1.6 million electric cars were estimated to be on UK roads by September 2025. At the same time, the UK Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate is pushing manufacturers towards an increasing proportion of zero-emission new car registrations. (smmt.co.uk)
This creates long-term opportunities for businesses that can service and repair electric vehicles safely and efficiently. The EV aftermarket includes far more than battery replacement and replacement parts. It covers:
- Routine servicing and inspections
- High-voltage system checks
- Battery health testing
- Charging system diagnosis
- Electric motor and inverter repairs
- Thermal management systems
- Software updates and fault diagnosis
- ADAS calibration
- Body repair and accident damage assessment
- EV sales, part exchange and customer support
- Maintenance services for different vehicle types and propulsion types
For employers, the key point is simple. EV capability is becoming part of mainstream automotive operations, not a niche service offered by a small number of specialist businesses.
Skilled EV technicians will be in high demand
The biggest challenge for employers is likely to be finding enough qualified technicians. According to the Institute of the Motor Industry, 74,734 technicians held an EV qualification at the end of 2025, representing around 35% of the UK technician workforce. However, the IMI forecasts that demand could exceed supply by more than 43,000 technicians by 2035. (theimi.org.uk)
This shortage is already influencing hiring decisions. Businesses may need to compete for technicians who have experience with:
- High-voltage vehicle systems
- Electric and hybrid vehicle diagnosis
- Battery isolation and safe working procedures
- Battery testing, repair and replacement
- Manufacturer-specific diagnostic software
- Charging faults and electrical systems
- Thermal management
- ADAS and calibration equipment
- EV accident repair and recovery
- Electric vehicle parts and aftermarket battery replacements
A traditional vehicle technician with strong diagnostic ability may have the right foundation for EV training. However, employers should not assume that general mechanical experience automatically means a candidate is ready to work on high-voltage systems.
Safety and compliance must come first
High-voltage vehicle work carries serious risks. Employees must understand how to isolate, test, repair and store electric vehicle systems safely. This includes the correct use of personal protective equipment, insulated tools, warning signage and emergency procedures.
Government guidance states that work involving the testing, charging, discharging or dismantling of high-voltage batteries should be completed by appropriately trained and qualified technicians. It also highlights risks including electric shock, short circuits and thermal runaway. (gov.uk)
Employers should therefore check more than a candidate’s job title or years of experience. Recruitment and onboarding processes should confirm:
- Their experience with particular vehicle systems
- The technician’s relevant EV qualification
- Their understanding of isolation and safe working procedures
- The level of work they are authorised to complete
- Their familiarity with manufacturer guidance
- Any additional training required before they begin work
These checks help protect employees, customers, vehicles and the wider business, while supporting safety across EV-related products and services.
Employers need a wider definition of the EV technician
The modern EV technician needs a combination of mechanical, electrical and digital skills. While core mechanical knowledge remains valuable, the role increasingly involves interpreting data, using diagnostic software and understanding how different vehicle control systems communicate.
Technicians may need to work with:
- Battery management systems
- Power electronics
- Inverters and converters
- Electric motors
- Vehicle control modules
- On-board chargers
- Charging communication systems
- Connected vehicle platforms
- Driver assistance sensors and cameras
This does not mean every technician must become an electrical engineer or software developer. It does mean that employers should look for adaptable people who are comfortable learning new systems.
A candidate’s approach to training may be just as important as their current technical level. Someone who has consistently developed their skills, used diagnostic equipment and kept up with manufacturer changes may be a stronger long-term hire than someone with more traditional experience but little interest in new technology.
The aftermarket will need more than technicians
The growth of EVs will affect almost every department within an automotive business. Employers should consider their wider workforce plan rather than focusing only on workshop recruitment.
Service advisors
Service advisors need to explain EV maintenance clearly to customers. They should understand the differences between EV and internal combustion engine servicing, battery warranties, charging concerns and expected repair times.
They also need to communicate technical information without creating unnecessary concern. Customers may have questions about battery degradation, range, charging faults and long-term ownership costs.
Parts teams
Parts staff will need to identify the correct components for different electric models and vehicle types. They may also need to understand battery-related parts, charging equipment, cooling systems, specialist handling requirements and the wider spares market.
Sales professionals
Sales teams must be able to discuss electric vehicles confidently. Customers increasingly expect accurate information about range, charging, running costs, warranties and home charging, including wall-mounted EVSEs.
Recovery and body repair teams
Electric vehicles may require specific procedures following collisions or water damage. Recovery, body repair and vehicle preparation teams must understand when a vehicle should be isolated, inspected or referred to a qualified specialist.
Management and operations staff
Business leaders need to plan investment in tools, training, workshop space, insurance, compliance and recruitment. They must also decide which EV services can be delivered in-house and which should be outsourced, including the distribution channel for specialist electric vehicle aftermarket products.
Training existing staff can reduce recruitment pressure
Recruitment is important, but it should not be the only response to the EV skills gap. Training existing technicians can help employers retain experienced staff while building the capabilities they need for the future.
A practical development plan might include:
- Assessing the current skills of every technician.
- Identifying gaps in EV safety, diagnosis and repair.
- Funding appropriate qualifications and refresher training.
- Pairing developing technicians with experienced EV specialists.
- Allowing time for supervised practical experience.
- Reviewing progress through regular skills assessments.
- Updating training as new vehicle systems and software updates enter the workshop.
The UK Battery Strategy also recognises the need for specialist skills covering battery safety, reuse, repair, repurposing, recycling, storage and transport. (gov.uk)
Training can improve retention because employees are more likely to stay with businesses that invest in their careers. It can also help employers create a clearer pathway from general technician roles into advanced EV positions, including performance upgrades and specialist maintenance services.
Recruitment should focus on potential as well as qualifications
The shortage of EV-qualified professionals means employers may need to take a broader approach to candidate selection. A strict requirement for extensive EV experience may reduce the available talent pool.
Instead, employers can assess candidates across several areas:
| Area to assess | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Technical foundation | Strong diagnostic, electrical or mechanical experience |
| Safety awareness | A careful approach to procedures and risk management |
| Learning ability | Evidence of completing training or adapting to new systems |
| Digital confidence | Comfort using diagnostic tools and manufacturer software |
| Communication | Ability to explain technical issues clearly |
| Reliability | Consistent attendance, preparation and attention to detail |
| Career motivation | Genuine interest in developing EV skills |
Independent garages may feel pressure to compete with manufacturer dealerships and national repair chains. However, the growth of the EV aftermarket also creates opportunities for businesses that invest carefully and build trust as increasing adoption brings more EV owners into the local market.
A local garage may differentiate itself through:
- Convenient customer service
- Transparent pricing
- Fast communication
- Specialist EV inspections
- Used EV health checks
- Fleet servicing
- Collection and delivery services
- Partnerships with qualified specialists
- Staff who can explain EV ownership in simple terms
- Support for electric vehicle enthusiasts and EV owners
The first step is to understand the level of service the business can safely provide. Employers should avoid promoting capabilities that their staff, facilities or equipment cannot support.
Employer branding matters in a competitive skills market
EV technicians are likely to have more choice as demand increases. Salary remains important, but it is not the only factor that influences decisions.
Automotive employers can improve their appeal by showing candidates:
- A clear training and development plan
- Access to modern equipment
- Safe and well-organised workshop conditions
- Opportunities to work with new technology
- Realistic progression routes
- Supportive management
- Fair working patterns
- Recognition for specialist skills
- A positive workplace culture
Job advertisements should also be specific. Rather than simply asking for an experienced technician, explain the vehicle types, propulsion type, qualifications, tools, responsibilities and training available.
This gives candidates a clearer understanding of the role and helps employers attract people who are genuinely suited to the work.
How recruitment partners can support EV growth
Specialist automotive recruitment can help businesses respond more quickly to changing skills requirements. An experienced recruiter can help define the role, identify suitable candidates and assess whether a professional’s background matches the needs of the business.
AKA Recruitment supports automotive employers across the UK, including dealerships, local garages and vehicle service businesses. Its automotive recruitment service covers roles across sales, service and other motor trade departments.
With more than 15,000 registered and vetted candidates, nationwide reach and over two decades of automotive recruitment experience, AKA Recruitment can support businesses looking for both technical and customer-facing professionals. (akarecruitment.co.uk)
Support can also include candidate screening, right-to-work checks, references and CV assistance. This helps employers reduce the administrative burden while maintaining a structured and compliant hiring process.
Prepare now for the next stage of the EV aftermarket
The EV aftermarket will continue to develop as more electric vehicles move into the used market, battery technology advances and customers expect more businesses to support their vehicles. This ongoing shift will create opportunities for key players, aftermarket companies and specialty stores offering electric vehicle aftermarket products.
For automotive employers, preparation should include:
- Reviewing current EV capability
- Auditing technician qualifications
- Planning future training
- Investing in suitable tools and equipment
- Updating health and safety procedures
- Considering wider roles affected by EV growth
- Improving job descriptions and employer branding
- Building relationships with specialist recruitment partners
- Monitoring government policies and changing customer expectations
Businesses that act early will be better positioned to attract skilled professionals, support customers and grow with the market. Businesses that delay may face higher recruitment costs, longer vacancies and restrictions on the services they can safely offer.
The EV aftermarket is not only a challenge for automotive employers. It is also an opportunity to build more modern workshops, create new career paths and deliver better services for the next generation of drivers.