Year-end figures from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) show that over 14,800 dedicated technicians undertook the training and qualifications required to obtain IMI TechSafe professional recognition in 2022. This boosted the total number of qualified technicians able to safely work on electric vehicles in the UK to 39,000 by the end of last year.
The IMI is calling for an acceleration of training to avoid the potential shortfall of 16,000 qualified technicians currently predicted by 2032. The Institute is highlighting that previous market expectations of electric vehicles requiring less time for servicing may be misplaced, increasing pressure on a workforce already dealing with an ageing UK car parc.
Tyre wear on electric vehicles is heavier than on ICE models. According to Garage Industry Trends analysis of 2021 MOT test data, EVs had a failure rate of 11.43% for 2018 registered vehicles compared to 10.45% for petrol vehicles. The weak point was identified as tyres.
Technicians who have met the IMI TechSafe standards – endorsed by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) – can showcase their credentials by joining the IMI’s industry-wide Professional Register, which lists individual members and their place of work. Drivers of EVs can access the Register online for free, to find local qualified EV technicians and garages.
