Study Predicts Dire Shortage of EV Technicians in UK by 2047

New data from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts suggests that the UK automotive sector may be heading toward a significant workforce crisis. Unless swift action is taken, the country may face substantial shortages of vehicle technicians, heavy goods vehicle drivers, and delivery drivers within the next two decades.

According to the Institute of the Motor Industry, around 245,000 vehicle technicians were working across the UK at the start of 2025. However, after analysing trends in online job search behaviour, Nationwide has forecast that this number could fall dramatically. The study suggests that the country may face a complete shortfall of qualified technicians by 2047.

One of the key drivers of this trend is the rise of electric vehicles. At present, only 24 per cent of the UK’s technician workforce is certified to work on EVs. This is particularly concerning, given that the shift to electric mobility is rapidly changing the technical skill sets required within the industry.

Working on electric vehicles involves more than just mechanical know-how. Technicians now need to handle software diagnostics, navigate increasingly complex onboard systems, and work with high-voltage components. This transition demands specialised training and tools, which can be costly for smaller garages and independent workshops to implement.

In some cases, the nature of EV maintenance is shifting so much that traditional technician roles are beginning to blur. Nationwide predicts that demand for IT professionals in the sector could grow, potentially reducing the demand for hands-on mechanical technicians altogether.

But the skills gap is not limited to technicians alone.

The report also warns that the UK could face a full-blown shortage of heavy goods vehicle drivers as early as 2029. To avoid this scenario, the industry would need to bring in at least 200,000 new drivers in the coming years.

Delivery drivers are another area of concern. Without an influx of 45,000 recruits, the UK could face a shortfall of delivery drivers by 2037. This is especially pressing given the continued growth of e-commerce and the increasing consumer demand for next-day and same-day shipping.

Keith Hawes, director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, said: “The development of autonomous driving depends on all vehicles being able to communicate seamlessly with one another.

“In reality, the first widespread application of this technology is more likely to be in taxi services. For that reason, taxi drivers may be more at risk of being replaced before lorry drivers. 

“When it comes to commercial transport, safety is critical. The idea of a 42-tonne lorry, complete with trailer and load, being driven autonomously on open roads still feels far off.

“In my view, we’re unlikely to see this as a mainstream reality before 2050.”

Despite these challenges, there are some encouraging signs. Interest in automotive careers appears to be on the rise. Searches for car sales roles have surged by 82 per cent over the past year. Job searches for automotive technicians are up 69 per cent, while searches specifically targeting electric vehicle-related jobs have climbed by 53 per cent.

These spikes in interest suggest that public awareness of the sector’s evolution is growing. However, without significant investment in training, certification, and long-term career pathways, the UK may still struggle to fill the talent pipeline on time.