Emergency Services

Recent research published by Emergency Services Times found that out of 103 emergency services in the UK, despite growing pressure to meet net zero targets, only 13% of emergency service fleets are currently electrified. Perhaps more alarmingly, 67% of services surveyed do not know how much they will spend on electric or hybrid vehicles before 2030. 

The findings paint a picture of underinvestment in infrastructure in the sector and a lack of preparedness within its workforce. Yet, while it is tempting to view limited budgets or lagging infrastructure as the root cause of this issue, the reality is more complex. Fleet transformation in any emergency service setting, whether police, ambulance, or fire, demands a parallel transformation in skills. And right now, that’s where progress is stalling. 

While many services agree that transitioning to greener fleets is a priority, few have detailed or costed plans in place to meet the 2030 deadline, when new petrol and diesel vehicles will no longer be on sale. This disconnect between ambition and capability is not just about money or hardware, it’s about people. Without a properly trained workforce, the shift to electric and hybrid technology risks stalling altogether. 

Infrastructure also remains a critical barrier. National fleet leads told researchers that the lack of joined-up planning around charging points is slowing progress. Without co-located charging and shared strategy, even well-intentioned fleets are struggling to scale up. 

At Autotech Training, one of the UK’s leading providers of EV and hybrid training, we deliver Level 2 and 3 IMI-accredited courses tailored to the emergency services. Training has worked with several forward-thinking organisations that recognise the urgency of upskilling. 

Take West Midlands Fire Service, which has progressed its technicians from IMI Level 2 and 3 EV training to the more advanced Level 4. This commitment to deeper technical capability shows a long-term strategic investment in electrification readiness.  

Or North Fire Engineering Ltd, a company working closely with response vehicles, which has proactively invested in EV training with us to align with Government net zero targets.  

Perhaps most comprehensive is the London Ambulance Service, one of the busiest in the world, which recognised that technical training alone wasn’t enough. With the support of Autotech Training, it delivered a bespoke 8-day management development programme for its workshop leaders. Spanning conflict resolution, health and safety, financial management and EV-specific technical insights, the course, delivered in four two-day modules, equipped managers with the skills to guide their teams through a fast-changing fleet landscape. 

Beyond one-off courses, there is a growing recognition that EV training must become a continuous process. Rapid developments in battery management systems, vehicle software and diagnostic tools mean that what’s relevant today may be outdated in just a few years. This is why Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and ongoing certification must be embedded into emergency service training plans. 

It’s also about confidence. Change management experts will tell you that resistance to new technologies is rarely just technical, it’s psychological. Non-technical training provides managers the reassurance they need to make informed decisions and support organisational change. It also reduces costly downtime. In an emergency setting, that can mean the difference between a vehicle being roadworthy or parked up awaiting a qualified technician. 

Crucially, this is not a challenge that any one organisation can solve in isolation. It demands collaboration between government bodies, local authorities, vehicle manufacturers and training providers. Policymakers must recognise that investment in infrastructure must go hand in hand with investment in human capital. Without both, the EV transition will continue to stumble, especially in critical sectors like emergency response. 

The good news? The appetite for change is there. The response rate to the survey request was an impressive 95%, indicating that the conversation is live and relevant across the UK’s emergency services. But belief alone won’t bridge the skills gap. Training budgets, leadership buy-in and access to accredited providers must follow. 

If emergency services are to meet their net zero targets, while maintaining safety and operational excellence, non-technical training must move from the margins to the mainstream.