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On 3 January 2024, the United Kingdom marked a historic milestone in its commitment to a sustainable future by passing new laws aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, a groundbreaking regulatory framework, positions the UK as a global leader in the pursuit of a zero-emission automotive industry by 2035. In our latest blog we delve into the implications of the regulations.
The ZEV mandate, officially becoming law in January 2024, sets a clear pathway for the transition to a future where all new cars and vans in the UK will be zero emission by 2035. This ambitious initiative is underpinned by extensive consultations with industry experts and manufacturers, providing the certainty needed to safeguard skilled British jobs. With 80 per cent of new cars and 70 per cent of new vans in Great Britain expected to be zero emission by 2030 and a subsequent increase to 100 per cent by 2035, the UK's commitment to a sustainable automotive future is resolute.
Backing the ZEV mandate is a £2 billion investment by the government, dedicated to expanding charging infrastructure and encouraging the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. This commitment is not only the largest carbon-saving measure in the government's net-zero strategy but also provides certainty to support the economy, industry and households. The extension of trade rules on electric vehicles with the EU is a testament to the government's efforts to ensure long-term stability and industry growth.
The UK’s charging network
The UK's EV charging network is expanding rapidly, with over 50,000 public charge points, a 44 per cent increase from the previous year. This growth trajectory puts the country on track to reach 300,000 charge points by 2030, further instilling confidence in the industry. The government's schemes to lower upfront and running costs, such as the plug-in van grant and reductions in homeplace chargepoint costs, have contributed to a 41 per cent increase in zero-emission vehicles registered for the first time.
Major players in the automotive industry are aligning with the government's vision, making substantial investments to drive the transition to electric. Noteworthy investments include Nissan's £3 billion investment in developing two new electric vehicles at its Sunderland plant, Tata's £4 billion investment in a new gigafactory, BMW's £600 million investment in next-generation MINI EVs in Oxford, Ford's £380 million investment in Halewood for electric drive units and Stellantis' £100 million investment in Ellesmere Port for EV van production.
Shortage of skilled professionals
While the government and industry are making strides in infrastructure and manufacturing, we believe there is a crucial aspect which is often overlooked - the shortage of skilled professionals capable of operating, repairing and servicing electric vehicles. The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) predicts a potential shortfall of 4,500 qualified TechSafe technicians by 2029, escalating to 16,000 by 2032.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to surge, there is a pressing need for a workforce with specialised expertise in the intricate systems and technologies inherent to EVs. The unique components and maintenance requirements of electric vehicles demand a workforce equipped with advanced skills in electrical engineering, battery technology and software diagnostics. Bridging this skills gap is crucial to ensure a smooth transition to an electric future and to address the increasing demand for knowledgeable professionals capable of maximising the efficiency and longevity of EVs on the road.
In a recent interview in This Is Money Lawrence Whittaker, chief executive at used car warranty provider Warrantywise said there is an urgent need to ramp-up the number of vehicle technicians to repair EVs when they go wrong and to maintain them for the future.
His concern is that failing to increase EV qualified vehicle technician numbers could spark a rise in premiums on warranties and also delays to repairs.
“I've heard arguments from manufacturers, comments from all areas of the automotive and transport industry about how we need a cohesive strategy about the EV implementation and ICE ban,” he commented.
“However, no-one is talking about the fact that, regardless of this date moving, we don't have the talent to look after the EVs of today and we're not doing enough to prepare for the future… regardless of if that's 2030 or 2035.”
Comprehensive training
To address the imminent skills shortage, Autotech Training offers comprehensive Levels 1-4 IMI Electric Vehicle training. The IMI TechSafe™ register is a professionally recognised platform recognising EV qualified technicians. However, to keep pace with evolving EV technologies, vehicle technicians need to undertake annual training to maintain their competency and stay on the register.
With the EV market set for exponential growth, we cannot emphasise enough the urgency of prioritising Electric Vehicle Training. As the ZEV mandate comes into effect, the demand for skilled vehicle technicians is poised to soar. The success of the Government's ambitious plans hinges on having a workforce equipped to handle the intricacies of EV technologies.
The importance of CPD
To ensure that technicians, registered on the IMI TechSafe™ register remains up to date with EV training continuous professional development (CPD) is vitally important. Completing CPD ensures that professionals remain competent with the latest advancements in EV technology. This commitment to ongoing training is vital to maintaining a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. Autotech Training fully supports the continuous development of vehicle technicians and are developing CPD routes to support this and ensure technicians keep their place on the IMI TechSafe™ register.
As the UK embraces an unprecedented transition to zero-emission vehicles, it is imperative to recognise the significance of this change. Government regulations and incentives, coupled with industry investments, pave the way for a sustainable future. However, addressing the skills gap and prioritising continuous training is crucial.
In the changing landscape of EV transition, every thread, from government policies to industry investments and workforce training, contributes to the success of this ambitious journey.
