Autotech launches new licensed EV tyre technician course

Autotech Training has become the first training provider in Great Britain to roll out the National Tyre Distributors Association’s (NTDA) Licensed Electric Vehicle Tyre Technician (LEVTT) programme - specialist training designed to help tyre technicians develop the skills needed to safely replace and repair tyres on electric and hybrid vehicles.

The course was officially launched this week at Automechanika, marking a significant milestone for Autotech Training as it continues to lead the way in specialist EV training within the automotive sector.

As of late April 2025, there were over 1.5 million electric cars on UK roads, representing almost 5% of the country’s 34 million vehicles. This number has more than tripled since 2021, and as the move towards electric vehicles accelerates, it’s vital that technicians understand the unique demands these vehicles place on tyres and why fitting the correct tyres is so important for safety and performance.

Tyres may be seen as a basic part of a vehicle, but they are critical to keeping drivers safe. As vehicles have become heavier and more advanced, tyre technology has changed to keep up. This is especially true for electric vehicles, which are often 20 to 30% heavier than petrol or diesel cars because of their large batterie. The added weight and instant torque of electric vehicles place significantly greater stress on tyres, leading to faster wear and a higher risk of breakdowns.

In fact, electric vehicles are estimated to be twice as likely to experience tyre or wheel-related failures compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.

Fitting the wrong type of tyre to an electric vehicle can lead to quicker wear, more road noise, reduced battery range, and, most seriously, the risk of tyre failure while driving. To tackle these challenges, tyre manufacturers have developed special tyres designed to handle the extra weight and instant torque of electric vehicles. However, without the right training, technicians may not know the differences between these tyres or understand the risks of fitting the wrong ones.

There’s also a serious safety aspect that cannot be overlooked. Electric and hybrid vehicles use high-voltage systems - often over 400 volts - that can be extremely dangerous if handled incorrectly. Tyre technicians working around these vehicles must understand the risks associated with high-voltage systems and know how to work safely. This includes following strict safety practices such as using non-conductive tools and wearing insulated gloves to reduce the risk of electric shock or serious injury.

The LEVTT course has been created specifically for tyre technicians who regularly work on electric and hybrid vehicles and want to be fully trained and assessed as competent. The course meets the standards set by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) through the Level 1 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Awareness.

As part of the training, technicians learn about the different types of electric and hybrid vehicles, the hazards linked to their high-voltage electrical systems, and how to work safely around them, including safe charging procedures. 

Alistair McCrindle, Operations Director, Autotech Training commented: “With electric vehicles becoming more common, this type of training is no longer optional - it’s essential for technician safety and customer protection. The LEVTT course provides the vital knowledge technicians need to stay safe and confident when working around these vehicles.”