The IMI has called for an early review of the ZEV Mandate following the commissioning of a survey which exposed ‘workforce doubts’ about delivery of targets for ZEV Mandate by 2030.
Last week Labour MP Perran Moon, said the government will not row back from its manifesto commitment to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
The IMI Survey found that 79% were not at all confident or not very confident that the transition to zero-emission vehicles can be delivered safely and sustainably
A majority, 82%, were not very confident or not at all confident that the workforce will be ready at the pace needed
And a third, 39%, rated access to EV-related training and upskilling in their part of the sector as very poor or fairly poor
Almost half, 44%, said the transition to zero-emission vehicles is having a mostly negative or slightly negative effect on their organisation and 48% supported bringing the ZEV Mandate review forward.
Nick Connor, chief executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), said: “Nobody in our sector disputes the direction of travel – the UK is moving to electric vehicles, and manufacturers, dealers and technicians all need to plan around that.
“But new IMI insight shows the automotive workforce itself has serious doubts about whether it can keep pace. Nearly half of respondents believe a review of the ZEV Mandate should be brought forward and we need to see a clear focus on skills.”
