02 Nov Why Only 26 Percent of UK Technicians Are Ready for Rising EV Diagnostics Demands
Electric vehicles are becoming a more familiar sight in UK workshops. But the workforce able to diagnose and repair them safely is not growing fast enough to match future demand.
The figure in this article’s title comes from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)’s Q3 2025 snapshot: 71,942 technicians, or 26% of the UK workforce, held an EV qualification. Since then, the IMI has published confirmed Q4 results. These show that 2,792 technicians gained an EV qualification that quarter, rather than the earlier estimate of 2,580. The IMI reports 74,734 qualified technicians in total and forecasts a shortfall of more than 43,000 by 2035. (student.theimi.org.uk)
The updated figures still point to a clear challenge. EV training is happening, but the pace and distribution of skills could leave garages, dealerships and EV owners struggling to find the support they need.
What the EV technician figures tell us
The 2,580 figure was an estimate made before Q4 2025 results were confirmed. The final count was 2,792, which was 6% higher than Q3 but 17% lower than the same quarter in 2024. In other words, certifications increased from the previous quarter, but remained below the year-before level. (theimi.org.uk)
The Q3 figure of 26% remains useful context, but it should not be presented as the latest percentage. The IMI’s Q4 update reports that 74,734 technicians were EV-qualified, representing around 35% of the workforce. The figures come from different forecast updates, so the percentage should be read alongside the dated technician count rather than as a simple quarter-on-quarter comparison. (student.theimi.org.uk)
The longer-term projection is the key concern. The IMI forecasts that the number of qualified technicians could reach around 193,000 by 2035, but demand may be more than 43,000 higher. Shortfalls are expected to emerge from 2033 and grow in the following years. (theimi.org.uk)
Why EV diagnostics need a broader skills base
EV work is not limited to routine servicing. Technicians may need to assess high-voltage systems, interpret diagnostic information and understand vehicle-specific procedures before deciding what work can be done safely. These EV skills may apply to electric cars, hybrid vehicles and other electric/hybrid vehicles. A qualification or accreditation is not a substitute for the right equipment, current guidance or training for a particular task. It is one part of building a workshop’s capability.
That capability takes time to develop. Workshops must identify which tasks they want to handle, arrange suitable training and give technicians opportunities to apply new skills. An electric vehicle course can help build a foundation, while further learning can support technicians as they take on more complex maintenance and repair. This may include working on high voltage vehicle systems or charging points. At the same time, businesses still need to cover daily jobs, keep customers informed and meet booking commitments.
There is also a recruitment challenge. Employers are competing for technicians with specialist knowledge, while many existing staff need structured development to take on more EV work. Hiring alone may not solve the gap if businesses cannot also retain experienced people and give them a clear path to progress.
The risk of longer waits and a postcode lottery
When customers cannot find a suitably equipped and trained workshop nearby, they may need to travel further or wait longer for an appointment. If more EV jobs are directed to a small number of capable sites, those workshops could face pressure on diagnostic slots and repair lead times.
This risk may not be shared evenly across the country. In February 2026, the IMI warned that EV skills were unevenly distributed and concentrated in the franchised dealer market, raising concerns that some drivers could find it harder to access qualified repair support in their area. (theimi.org.uk)
For owners, access to servicing is part of confidence in the vehicle. For garages and dealerships, gaps in local capability can mean missed work, limited customer choice and a heavier workload for the technicians who are qualified. The projected 2035 shortfall makes it important to build skills across a wider range of workshops, not only in a handful of specialist locations.
How workshops can scale training without losing hours
Training does not have to mean taking several technicians off the workshop floor at once. A planned approach can develop capability while protecting customer bookings and productive hours.
- Map current capability. List the EV tasks the workshop can handle today, the tasks it wants to add and the training or equipment needed for each step.
- Stagger learning. Plan courses in stages so the team can maintain workshop cover while technicians train.
- Build skills in layers. Start with suitable foundational training, then support technicians to progress towards the tasks the business intends to carry out.
- Protect time to practise. Allow trained staff to apply their learning, with appropriate supervision and workshop procedures.
- Recruit for the gap. When hiring, define the level of EV experience required and consider candidates who can be supported to develop further.
- Review capacity regularly. Track EV enquiries, declined work, waiting times and the number of available skilled hours. These measures can help managers decide when to train, recruit or adjust bookings.
The aim is not simply to collect qualifications. It is to create reliable, safe workshop capacity that can grow as customer demand changes.
Plan your EV workforce before demand peaks
The IMI’s figures show a workforce that is gaining skills, but still faces a substantial projected gap. For automotive employers, early planning can help protect customer service and make better use of existing workshop hours. For technicians, EV training can support career development as vehicle technology changes.
AKA Recruitment supports automotive businesses with tailored recruitment solutions, including sourcing technicians and other workshop professionals. Whether you need to strengthen your team now or plan for future capability, a clear view of your skills gaps can help guide the next step.
Contact AKA Recruitment to discuss your automotive recruitment needs and build a workforce ready for the next stage of EV servicing and diagnostics.