IMI calls for workforce readiness to be put at the heart of ZEV Mandate review

Voice of the automotive industry backs 2035 zero-emission goal but warns a projected shortfall of more than 43,000 EV-qualified technicians could undermine the transition, and calls for mandatory competence standards

The IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) has submitted its response to the government’s consultation on the review of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. Drawing on the experiences of its members and its own workforce research, the IMI supports the ambition of 100% zero-emission new car and van sales by 2035, but warns that the current trajectory risks outpacing the capacity of the workforce needed to service, maintain and repair these vehicles safely.

The IMI’s July 2026 member survey found that an overwhelming 82% of respondents lack confidence that the workforce will be ready at the pace the transition requires, while 79% lack confidence that it can be delivered safely and sustainably. 39% rated access to EV training and upskilling as poor, and 44% said the ZEV Mandate has had a negative impact on their business.

The IMI’s latest EV TechSafe Technician Forecast adds to the concern. It identifies 74,734 EV-qualified technicians - around 35% of the UK technician workforce - and projects a shortfall of more than 43,000 by 2035.

In its response, the IMI argues that changing sales targets on their own will not resolve the challenges facing the sector. Uncertainty and shifting deadlines risk discouraging investment in the very skills needed to deliver the transition, while holding firm on ambitious targets without addressing workforce capability risks a gap between policy objectives and the sector’s ability to deliver them.

The IMI is particularly cautious about options that would push much of the required growth in zero-emission vehicles into the 2030 to 2035 period, which could delay investment in training and create more acute workforce pressures later. Instead, it supports an evidence-led trajectory backed by clear, long-term policy commitments.

“Our members have been clear: confidence that the workforce will be ready at the pace the ZEV Mandate demands simply isn’t there,” commented Emma Carrigy, Head of Research and Public Affairs at the IMI. “Only around a third of the UK’s technicians are currently EV-qualified, and we’re forecasting a shortfall of more than 43,000 by 2035. Businesses need a clear and stable picture of how the transition will unfold if they are to invest in the training and upskilling that’s required.

“Our response clearly demonstrates that moving the goalposts on sales targets won’t solve this on its own, and neither will holding firm without a plan for the people who will keep these vehicles on the road. If there are not enough technicians trained to safely repair, service and maintain the coming influx of EVs, no amount of manufacturer investment or consumer demand will bring success to the transition to zero emission mobility.

“That’s why we’re urging government to back a funded skills strategy and make recognised competence, through TechSafe, a requirement for anyone working on these vehicles.”

Among its recommendations, the IMI is calling on government to:

• Mandate recognised occupational competence for anyone carrying out safety-critical work on electric vehicles, with the IMI TechSafe Professional Register providing an established framework to deliver it
• Develop a funded, long-term automotive skills strategy with targeted support to help employers – particularly SMEs and independent repairers – access recognised qualifications, continuing professional development and specialist equipment
• Build workforce readiness into decisions on future ZEV targets and monitor the number and geographical spread of qualified technicians alongside vehicle registrations and charging infrastructure
• Strengthen confidence in the used EV market through consistent, transparent battery health assessments and recognised standards for the professionals carrying them out
• Boost training capacity by working with education providers and industry to grow the pipeline of experienced lecturers, trainers and assessors needed to train the future workforce