IMI welcomes £1 billion EV funding boost for vans and trucks

• But calls for a stronger focus on investment in skills and training to match the pace of EV uptake

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has welcomed the Government’s £1 billion investment to accelerate the rollout of electric vans, trucks and charging infrastructure, but warns that the UK’s critical EV skills gap risks slowing progress.

The latest IMI TechSafe data reveals that only one in four UK technicians are currently qualified to work on electric vehicles, raising concerns about the sector’s readiness to support growing EV adoption.

Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, said: “This investment is a very positive step and will help remove some of the financial barriers for businesses looking to electrify their fleets. However, funding vehicles and infrastructure is only part of the solution. Without the skilled workforce to maintain, repair and safely handle these vehicles, particularly high-voltage systems and batteries, the transition risks being constrained.

“We cannot afford a mismatch between the number of electric vehicles on the road and the number of qualified technicians able to support them. Targeted government support for training and upskilling is essential to ensure the UK has the capability, confidence and safety standards needed to deliver net zero.

“The IMI continues to work with industry and training providers to expand EV qualifications and support technicians in gaining the skills required for the transition. Together, with the right investment in people as well as technology, the UK can lead the way, but skills must be treated as a core part of the infrastructure.”