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The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has welcomed the Government’s £1 billion investment to accelerate the rollout of electric vans, trucks and charging infrastructure.
However, the latest IMI TechSafe data reveals that only one in four UK technicians are currently qualified to work on EVs, raising concerns about the sector’s readiness to support growing EV adoption.
Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, said: “This investment is a very positive step and will help remove some of the financial barriers for businesses looking to electrify their fleets. However, funding vehicles and infrastructure is only part of the solution.
“Without the skilled workforce to maintain, repair and safely handle these vehicles, particularly high-voltage systems and batteries, the transition risks being constrained.
“We cannot afford a mismatch between the number of electric vehicles on the road and the number of qualified technicians able to support them.
“Targeted government support for training and upskilling is essential to ensure the UK has the capability, confidence and safety standards needed to deliver net zero.”
The SMMT has also released a statement on the electric van and trucks grant.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, added: “Confirmed longer term funding for zero emission vans and trucks, along with support for depot charging, is hugely welcome. Transitioning this sector depends on operator confidence to invest and government support is the clearest sign that ZEVs are the right choice.
“To accelerate the transition, however, such that ambitious mandated van sales targets are met and the ZEV truck market moves beyond its infancy, these measures must be complemented by enablers such as grid connection prioritisation, dedicated commercial vehicle charging infrastructure and regulation that reflects the diversity of operators’ uses and requirements.”
