A new report commissioned by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) urges the UK government to make significant investments in building charging infrastructure and improving skills in the UK motor industry or risk missing out on the economic benefits of a fast-growing industry.

The author of the report, Professor Jim Saker of Loughborough University, says that if the government acts strategically to make EV charging convenient, and to make sure there are qualified people to service them, the UK economy could benefit to the tune of 320,000 jobs and £51 billion ($72 billion) in revenue.

According to the new paper, a skills shortage threatens the economic growth of the UK’s motor industry. Independent garages are struggling to recruit skilled technicians, and the industry is failing to attract young people. Only 1,000 technicians in the UK are currently qualified with a Level 4 rating in Electric and Hybrid Car Maintenance.

Saker suggests the government require licensing for technicians to work on electric and hybrid vehicles, in order to drive investment in the necessary training.

“The UK by the nature of its size and geography has a natural advantage in the rapid adoption of [electrified] vehicles, but it is dependent on government investment to pump prime this initiative,” said Professor Jim Saker. “Without proper regulation, a skills gap will emerge with only a limited number of technicians working in the franchised sector being able to service and repair new technology vehicles.”

Professor Jim and IMI CEO Steve Nash presented the report to a bipartisan group of MPs this month.

Source: Institute of the Motor Industry via Green Car Congress
Image: Car leasing made simple (CC BY 2.0)