Finding a truck technician trained in heavy electric vehicles is difficult, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has warned.
Furthermore, the institute has warned just 3% of heavy vehicle technicians are properly qualified.
Specifically, the issue is around the truck technician dealing with high voltage vehicle systems.
Therefore, it is warning that the shortage could become as much of an issue as the driver shortage.
Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry explained more.
“We have long championed for the Government and the automotive industry to collaborate to overcome difficulties,” he stated.
Nash pointed to the financial, administrative and skills issues that EV technology brings.
“And, there are certainly signs that employers are stepping up the pace to support the UK’s rapid EV transition.”
“However, our latest analysis reveals that there is a shortfall in qualified EV technicians in the HGV sector.
“In addition, it is a greater concern than that faced by the passenger vehicle and light commercial vehicle (LCV) markets.”
Continuing, Nash added: “There is a huge risk that there simply won’t be the skilled workforce to work on high voltage vehicle systems.”
The situation, he warned, could “severely undermine the logistics and public transport sectors”
“The last thing the UK needs is another crisis in goods supplies,” he added.
All new HGVs sold in the UK will be zero emission by 2040.
The ambitions are being applauded by transport and logistics businesses.
However, the IMI has grave concerns over the UK’s ability to adequately support a decarbonised HGV fleet by 2035.
The institute believes it will not be possible unless current investment in both recruitment and training is improved.
Data suggests around 30,000 mechanics and technicians work on HGVs, trailers and PSVs.
Meanwhile, there are over 4,000 vacancies currently waiting to be filled.
