An Increase in Demand for Electric Vehicles (2025 Update)
Over the last decade, the UK’s shift toward cleaner transport has accelerated faster than anyone predicted. What began as a niche market for early adopters is now one of the biggest transitions in the automotive industry — and a major opportunity for qualified electricians.
According to the Department for Transport, more than 1.3 million plug-in vehicles are now r egistered on UK roads, with a further 200,000 new EVs expected in 2025 alone. As public demand grows, so does the need for reliable home and workplace charging infrastructure — and that’s where s killed electrical installers are stepping in.
Why the surge continues
A mix of government policy, improved technology, and consumer awareness is fuelling growth. Electric vehicles are no longer viewed as futuristic — they’re practical, efficient and cost-saving for most drivers. Battery ranges are longer, public charging is faster, and energy prices are stabilising after record highs.
For many homeowners, the motivation goes beyond sustainability. Rising household costs and the push for energy independence have encouraged people to look closer at their consumption habits. As discussed in our feature on rising energy prices, EV ownership often sits alongside solar panels and smart-charging systems that reduce reliance on the grid.
What this means for electricians
Behind every new charging point is a qualified installer who understands electrical safety, load management and Part P compliance. With the UK now targeting 300,000 public charge points by 2030, the demand for trained EV charger installers is at an all-time high.
Those entering the trade through a Minor Electrical Installation Works Course or similar route are well-placed to capitalise on this growth. It’s a fast-moving field that combines domestic, commercial and green-tech installation work — ideal for anyone wanting to future-proof their career.
The skills gap and clean-tech shift
Industry forecasts show that the UK will need over 30,000 certified EV installers by 2035 to meet demand. Many are retraining from traditional installation roles, while others are entering the trade through modern skills bootcamps and qualifications a ligned with renewable technologies.
This change aligns closely with what we explored in The Need for Green – Why Electricians Should Gear Up for Clean Tech Work. As homes, vehicles and workplaces become smarter and more connected, electricians will form the backbone of the UK’s low-carbon infrastructure.
Home charging – where most installations happen
Although the UK’s public network continues to grow, most charging still happens at home. Fitting a domestic charger isn’t as simple as adding another socket. It involves assessing supply capacity, consumer unit protection, earthing, and in many cases installing a dedicated circuit with RCD and surge protection.
That’s why professional training is essential — not only for compliance, but to ensure safety and long-term reliability for clients. Homeowners are also becoming more informed, often choosing certified installers based on verified feedback. You can see how learners and customers rate their experiences on our reviews page.
Looking ahead
As the 2035 petrol and diesel ban approaches, the EV market will only grow stronger. Every new development, from faster chargers to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems, represents more opportunity for those with the right training.
Elec Training continues to help electricians and newcomers gain the qualifications they need to step confidently into this expanding sector. To find out more about our full range of electrical courses and future-focused pathways, visit www.elec.training.
FAQs
How many plug-in vehicles are currently registered on UK roads in 2025?
As of October 2025, there are approximately 1.5 million plug-in vehicles registered on UK roads, including around 950,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 550,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This figure represents a 25% increase from 2024, driven by new registrations exceeding 400,000 in the first nine months of 2025.
What key factors are driving the continued rise in electric vehicle adoption?
Key factors include government incentives like the Plug-in Car Grant (up to £2,500 for eligible models), expanding charging infrastructure (over 60,000 public points), falling battery costs making EVs more affordable (average price drop of 15% in 2025), environmental awareness amid net-zero targets, improved range (average 300+ miles), and corporate fleet transitions. Rising fuel prices and low running costs (e.g., 3-5p per mile vs. 15p for petrol) also boost adoption, with BEV market share reaching 20% of new sales.
How are rising energy prices influencing EV ownership and home charging trends?
Rising energy prices (up 10-15% in 2025 due to global factors) are slowing EV adoption slightly, with some owners facing higher home charging costs (average 7-10p/kWh off-peak vs. 20p peak), prompting shifts to solar-integrated systems or off-peak tariffs to cut bills by 30-50%. However, EVs remain cheaper to run than petrol cars (savings of £1,000/year), driving trends toward home chargers with smart scheduling and V2G for grid balancing, though public charging reliance grows for non-home owners amid price volatility.
Why are qualified electricians essential to the EV charging rollout?
Qualified electricians are essential for safe, compliant installations under BS 7671 and Part P regulations, preventing risks like electrical fires or shocks from improper wiring/load management. They ensure compatibility with home electrics, optimize for efficiency (e.g., dedicated circuits), and enable access to grants like the EV Chargepoint Grant (£350 off). With demand surging (over 100,000 home installs in 2025), their expertise supports the UK’s 2035 petrol ban and net-zero goals, avoiding costly fixes or insurance issues.
What qualifications or courses prepare electricians to install EV chargers safely?
Key qualifications include the City & Guilds 2919-01 EV Charging Installation course (covering design, installation, and commissioning), NICEIC’s EV Charger Installation training, and OLEV-approved certifications for grant eligibility. Electricians need Level 3 NVQ in Electrical Installation or equivalent, plus 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) certification. Courses like those from NET or EAL focus on safety, fault-finding, and smart charger integration, typically 2-3 days long with practical assessments.
How many certified EV installers will the UK need by 2035 to meet demand?
The UK will need around 50,000-60,000 certified EV installers by 2035 to meet demand, up from about 10,000 in 2025, as projections estimate 10-15 million EVs requiring 300,000+ home chargers annually. This shortfall highlights a skills gap, with calls for 5,000 new trainees yearly to support the phase-out of petrol/diesel sales and net-zero infrastructure.
What are the main safety and compliance considerations when fitting a home EV charger?
Main considerations include compliance with BS 7671 (18th Edition), Part P Building Regulations, and IET Code of Practice for EV Charging Equipment; ensuring dedicated circuits with RCD/RCBO protection, proper earthing, and load assessment to avoid overloads; surge protection; weatherproofing for outdoor units; and certification by OLEV-approved installers for grants. Safety checks involve isolation during install, fault protection, and post-install testing to prevent shocks, fires, or grid issues.
Why does most EV charging still take place at home rather than public stations?
Most EV charging (80-90%) occurs at home due to convenience (overnight charging), lower costs (7-10p/kWh vs. 40-80p at public stations), reliability (avoiding queues or faults), and the fact that 70% of UK drivers have off-street parking. Public infrastructure lags (only 60,000 points vs. needed 300,000 by 2030), making home setups essential for daily use, especially with average trips under 30 miles.
What new technologies, such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G), are shaping the future of EV installation?
V2G allows bidirectional energy flow, enabling EVs to return power to the grid or home during peaks, reducing costs and stabilizing supply; other tech includes wireless charging (inductive pads for 11-22kW), smart chargers with AI for optimal timing, solar integration for off-grid setups, and ultra-fast home chargers (up to 22kW). These require advanced installations with smart meters and OCPP protocols, shaping a decentralized energy ecosystem by 2030.
How can electricians train or upskill to take advantage of the EV industry’s growth?
Electricians can upskill through City & Guilds 2919 or NICEIC EV courses (2-3 days, £400-600), apprenticeships via NET or EAL, or online modules on V2G/smart tech. Join schemes like OZEV for grant-approved status, pursue Level 3 diplomas in EV infrastructure, and attend webinars from IET or ECS. With demand growing 20% yearly, certifications boost earnings (up to £50k+ for specialists) and job security.
