# Demand for electric cars has grown beyond wealthy areas, report finds

By Nick Connor — 2026-03-02

Nick Connor, chief executive officer of the Institute of the Motor Industry, said: “This research is good news for the government’s net-zero ambitions.

“However, it does bring into sharp focus the skills requirement to support a growing electric vehicle parc.

“The latest IMI data has shown a slowing pace of technician training – and EV skills spread unevenly across the UK – which could be problematic as usage stops simply being concentrated in the more affluent parts of the country.

“Economic pressures – and mixed messages on electric motoring from government – are likely to have contributed to the fall in the number of technicians gaining an EV qualification in Q3 2025 by 13 per cent compared to Q1 last year.

“And with our analysis expecting even lower EV certifications for Q4, unless there is a significant acceleration in training, the gap between the number of EV-trained technicians and those required will widen dangerously in the next five to 10 years.

“As a result there is a strong risk of a postcode lottery as the second-hand EV market grows.

“It is vital that EV owners and those who aspire to become one, have confidence that their vehicle can be safely, affordably and conveniently serviced throughout their lifetime.

“A visible, qualified and geographically distributed service and repair workforce is therefore a critical enabler of sustained EV adoption.

“Employers need urgent support from government to ensure EV drivers don’t face a postcode lottery for servicing and repairs.”

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