EVs and the UK Automotive Aftermarket: Threat or Opportunity? - Here’s the view from GTO
The UK automotive aftermarket is at a crossroads. With petrol and diesel cars set to be phased out by 2030, electric vehicles (EVs) are moving from niche to mainstream—and that’s shaking things up for garages, parts suppliers, and technicians alike.
For many in the industry, EVs are a double-edged sword: fewer moving parts mean less traditional maintenance revenue, but a whole new world of opportunities is emerging for those ready to adapt.
The EV Effect: Less Work—or Just Different Work?
It’s no secret that EVs don’t need oil changes, exhaust repairs, or timing belt replacements. For garages built around these services, that can feel like a punch to the gut. The numbers back it up: EVs already make up nearly 20% of new car sales in the UK, and that’s expected to rise sharply in the coming years.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. The shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric power opens doors to new revenue streams—if you know where to look.
New Opportunities Hiding in Plain Sight
EVs may have fewer moving parts, but they have plenty of technology under the skin. That’s where the aftermarket can step in:
Battery Diagnostics and Replacement – Batteries degrade over time, and technicians who know how to test, maintain, and eventually replace them will be in high demand.
Software Updates and Calibration – Modern EVs rely on software just as much as hardware. Garages can offer firmware updates, system recalibration, and even cybersecurity checks.
Charging Solutions – From installing home chargers to maintaining commercial stations, the EV infrastructure boom is creating entirely new service niches.
Training and Specialist Skills – High-voltage systems aren’t something you can “wing.” Technicians who invest in EV-specific training will be the ones leading the pack.
Real-World Moves: Who’s Adapting Already?
Across the UK, independent garages and suppliers are starting to pivot. Some small workshops are now offering EV diagnostics and battery monitoring alongside traditional ICE services. Parts suppliers are expanding into EV-specific components, from cooling systems to electric drive parts. The common thread? Adaptation. Those who embrace change early will be the ones shaping the aftermarket of tomorrow.
The Road Ahead
EVs are undeniably disrupting the UK automotive aftermarket—but disruption isn’t the same as doom. Traditional services may shrink, but the future is full of new revenue streams for those willing to learn, invest, and innovate.
For garages and suppliers, the message is simple: don’t fear EVs. Understand them, train for them, and find the opportunities they create. The aftermarket that thrives in 2030 won’t be the one clinging to the past—it will be the one driving into the future.