Logistics UK has launched a new autumn training programme to tackle a critical shortage of electric vehicle mechanics.

The business group warns that despite record numbers of qualified EV mechanics entering the workforce, training speeds are failing to keep pace with industry demand.

Data from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) shows almost 75,000 technicians now hold an EV qualification but this is still only one in three of the UK’s technician workforce. The IMI also predicts demand for EV technicians will increase sharply from the early 2030s, leading to a shortfall of more than 43,000 technicians by 2035.

Taking place at the Stephenson Campus in Coalville, Logistics UK’s upcoming autumn courses are designed to address the EV skills gap and help future proof the sector.

Chris Lipscomb, director of operations at Logistics UK, emphasised that businesses must prioritise technician training immediately to ensure a smooth transition to electric and hybrid commercial fleets.

“The sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles is set to end in less than 10 years for the lightest road freight vehicles, and under 15 for the heaviest,” he said. “Logistics operators need to prioritise investment in EV technicians now, to ensure electric and hybrid vehicles can be integrated into fleets as smoothly as possible.

“Businesses also have a responsibility under the Health and Safety at Work Act to provide awareness and practical training for staff who operate or come into contact with EVs. With increasing numbers of electric vehicles being used across all vehicle types, from company cars and grey fleet to vans and HGVs, there will be more staff now that need training so they can continue to work safely while ensuring business operations are not disrupted.”

Logistics UK provides EV courses ranging from a half-day online electric vehicle safety awareness course to an IMI Level 2/3 award preparing electric vehicles for repair.

The IMI Level 2/3 Award in Preparing Heavy Electric/Hybrid Vehicles for Repair, delivered in partnership with Loughborough College Group, is a two-day course designed to give technicians the knowledge and skills to work safely on electric and hybrid heavy goods vehicles while carrying out repairs and testing.

The Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Safety Awareness online training is designed as an entry-level course to help participants work safely within the logistics industry as the number of electric and hybrid vehicles entering the workplace increases.

“A shortage of EV technicians could act as a barrier for operators considering upgrading their fleets and delay the switch to cleaner vehicles,” continued Lipscomb. “It is essential that skills develop to keep pace with adoption of new technology, and the Stephenson Campus in Coalville provides the ideal modern environment and technical equipment to help develop the workforce of tomorrow.”

Logistics UK Electric Vehicle Course Dates 2026