There are currently only around 1,000 people in the UK qualified to work on electric and hybrid vehicles, according to the IMI, and the problem is partly responsible to “soaring” premiums.
Research by Auto Express found that electric car insurance can cost up to 50 per cent more than petrol or diesel models.
On average, it found that a battery powered vehicle costs 21 per cent more to insure with the most expensive being a Renault Zoe at 50 per cent more than a Renault Clio.
A spokesman for Thatcham Research, the organisation that assigns insurance group ratings for new cars, told Auto Express: “Electric vehicles are subject to the same formula used for regular cars, with a couple of additions to reflect the potential complexity and cost of repairs, and the number of repairers.”
Independents ‘struggling’
The IMI’s Steve Nash said as many as 80 per cent of independent garages are struggling to recruit technicians qualified to work on advanced vehicles.
Talking previously on the subject, he said: “This will mean that the market will fail to open up and develop to the benefit of the UK economy, and without competition in the marketplace the UK customer will suffer higher pricing.”
He added: “Unless a proactive strategy is undertaken, the UK will not be able to support the growth of low-carbon vehicles.”
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