Four in five workshops invest in tech and talent to maintain EVs

Four in five (81.2%) automotive aftermarket workshops have invested in training, talent and tooling to carry out servicing and maintenance of the latest powertrain technology and vehicle safety features, according to a new survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

The findings come as the SMMT publishes its latest Aftermarket Report which explores the sector’s readiness to support increasingly sophisticated and electrified vehicles.

The survey, conducted for SMMT by Censuswide, has also revealed that 83.3% of those with capabilities in maintaining EVs expect their spend to increase over the next year. In addition, 77.6% of respondents are equipped to service and maintain Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) systems, with 83.5% expecting to increase spending on ADAS training and equipment over the next 12 months.

There are an estimated 1.6 million electric cars on UK roads, with EVs now accounting for more than a fifth (21.9%) of all new car registrations – a proportion that must almost quadruple to 80% of the new car market by 2030 under the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, with vehicle manufacturers continuing to invest billions to fulfil government ambition. Meanwhile, eight out of 10 new cars include ADAS such as autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control.

Ensuring there is ample maintenance provision for the millions of new, more sophisticated vehicles reaching the road today will be essential if more drivers are to make the switch to zero emission motoring while supporting the UK’s robust road safety record. This transition, however, demands significant capital investment – particularly from smaller, often family-run workshops – who must upgrade equipment and upskill staff to keep pace with fast-evolving vehicle technologies. Providing capital investment relief for these businesses, and unlocking unused apprenticeship levy funding, would help spur investment in the tools and talent the industry will need in the years to come, as well as creating jobs and driving economic growth.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "The UK aftermarket is embracing the future of automotive technology, and investing in the skills and equipment needed to maintain the very latest vehicles to help deliver safe, sustainable mobility for all. With a rapid influx of smarter, zero emission vehicles reaching the road, however, helping businesses invest will be crucial if more drivers are to make the switch while maintaining the UK’s leading road safety record, and creating crucial jobs in every part of the country."

Nick Connor, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry, commented: "It’s encouraging to see the results of SMMT’s survey. IMI data, which reflects the automotive aftermarket, shows that there has been a steady uptick in EV skills over the last few years. Latest IMI data shows that about 28% of the UK technician workforce holds an EV qualification, however projections suggest that demand will outpace supply by over 25,000 technicians by 2035.

"However, our data shows that the levels of those undertaking ADAS qualifications is significantly slower than EV demand. IMI data shows that this is currently at just 3% of the automotive aftermarket workforce (7,572 qualified ADAS technicians), well below projected demand, which could see the need for more than 96,000 trained ADAS technicians by 2032, in order to service 40% of the total car parc.

"As the professional body and voice of the automotive workforce, the IMI is focused on raising standards with IMI TechSafe providing the de facto standard to ensure the safety of technicians, employers and consumers. The IMI also have a number of nationally-recognised ADAS qualifications and accreditations which allow businesses to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and competence are of a professional standard."