EV technician shortage could become next fleet challenge

June 18, 2026

The number of technicians qualifying to work on electric vehicles is failing to keep pace with the UK's growing EV parc, prompting warnings that skills shortages could become a barrier to fleet electrification.

New figures from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) show 2,792 technicians gained an EV qualification in the final quarter of 2025, down 17% year-on-year. The IMI estimates that a further 2,394 certifications were completed during the first quarter of 2026.

While the number of EV-qualified technicians continues to rise, the IMI believes growth is slowing at a time when demand for EV servicing, maintenance and repair is accelerating.

Currently, around 74,700 technicians are qualified to work on EVs, representing 35% of the UK's technician workforce. The IMI forecasts that figure will increase to around 137,000 by 2032 and 193,000 by 2035.

However, its latest EV TechSafe forecast predicts demand will outstrip supply from 2033 onwards, creating a potential shortfall of more than 43,000 qualified technicians by 2035.

For fleets, the warning highlights a potential future challenge beyond vehicle acquisition and charging infrastructure. As EV numbers continue to grow, access to qualified repair and maintenance support could become increasingly important when selecting suppliers, maintenance partners and vehicle manufacturers.

Emma Carrigy, head of research and public affairs at the IMI, said technician availability risks becoming "a barrier to EV adoption" unless training uptake accelerates. The organisation is again calling for its TechSafe standard to be mandated nationally to help improve skills development across the sector.