Petrol Shortage Sparks Surge in Electric Vehicle Interest — and Demand for EV Charging Installers 

In recent years, the UK’s transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) has been steadily accelerating. But moments of disruption often act as tipping points. The recent petrol shortage, which left drivers queueing at forecourts and scrambling for fuel, was one of those moments. 

Within days, Google UK reported a 63% increase in searches for “EV cars” (Google Trends). Social media was flooded with memes mocking the struggle for petrol, and dealerships reported spikes in EV enquiries. While short-term panic may have driven the headlines, the underlying trend is clear: demand for electric cars is rising, and the UK’s infrastructure — particularly charging points — must grow to keep pace. 

For electricians and those considering entering the trade, this presents a huge opportunity. As demand for EVs grows, so too does the need for trained, qualified installers who can deliver safe and c ompliant charging solutions in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. 

Why the Petrol Shortage Changed Perceptions 

Fuel shortages are not new, but the recent crisis hit differently. Long queues, empty pumps, and cancelled journeys highlighted the fragility of relying on petrol and diesel. Drivers who had previously hesitated to consider an electric car suddenly saw the appeal of never visiting a petrol station again. 

EV owners, meanwhile, charged their vehicles at home overnight, bypassing the chaos entirely. This contrast played out across media channels, strengthening the perception that EVs are not just greener, but also more convenient. 

The knock-on effect for the electrical industry is significant. Each EV needs reliable charging, and every installation must comply with UK standards such as BS 7671. With government mandates requiring more chargers in new buildings, the workload ahead is substantial. 

The EV Market Is Growing Fast 

Even during the pandemic, the EV market expanded rapidly. Registrations grew by 66% compared to 2019 (Next Green Car), putting more electric cars on UK roads than ever before. 

Several key policies are accelerating this trend: 

1. Petrol and diesel car sales ban (2030): By law, no new petrol or diesel cars will be sold after this date. Hybrids may continue briefly, but the long-term picture is clear: the future is electric.

    

2. EV charging points required in new buildings: From 2022, all new homes and offices are required to have charging points installed.

    

3. Government consultations on transport: The Department for Transport has proposed wide-ranging reforms to make EVs central to the UK’s mobility strategy. 

Together, these changes ensure that the EV rollout is not a temporary surge, but a permanent structural shift. 

Demand for Qualified EV Charging Point Installers 

With more EVs on the road, demand for charging infrastructure is outstripping supply. Public charging networks are expanding, but the majority of installations happen at homes and workplaces. 

Qualified electricians are in a prime position to meet this demand. The skills required overlap with traditional electrical work, but with additional training in areas such as: 

• Earthing and bonding for EV supply equipment. 

• Smart charging integration. 

• Compliance with 18th Edition Wiring Regulations and Part P. 

• Understanding load management and grid impact. 

For career changers, this creates an accessible entry point into a fast-growing market. For experienced electricians, it’s one of the most effective ways to future-proof skills and income. 

Training Routes into the EV Sector 

At Elec Training, we deliver structured pathways for learners to enter and progress in the electrical trade. EV installation training fits within these routes, ensuring learners build a solid foundation before moving into specialisms. 

Step 1: Foundation Courses 

Beginners often start with the 2365 level 2 Diploma, covering electrical science, principles, and basic practical skills. This provides the foundation for further learning. 

Step 2: Advanced Training 

Progression to Level 3 builds deeper knowledge. Practical learners often combine this with on-site experience, moving steadily towards NVQ and AM2 assessments. For those in the East Midlands, Electrician Courses Nottingham offers local access. 

Step 3: Specialisation 

With a solid grounding, learners can progress into areas like electrical inspection and testing or EV charging. Both are highly valued by employers and essential for compliance. 

Step 4: Regional Opportunities 

Learners in the North West can also benefit from local training at Electrician Courses Manchester, providing access to both core qualifications and specialisms. 

Why EV Training Is a Smart Investment 

Completing an EV charging course is not just about meeting today’s demand. It is about future-proofing your career. Benefits include: 

• High demand: With EV adoption accelerating, installer demand will only rise. 

• Competitive edge: Employers prefer staff who can handle both traditional electrical work and modern technologies. 

• Better earning potential: Specialist skills often command higher pay and more secure contracts. 

• Contribution to Net Zero: Installers are directly supporting the UK’s climate commitments. 

Elec Training’s Role 

At Elec Training, we combine strong foundational courses with forward-looking specialisms. Our EV charging courses are designed to give learners practical, compliant skills, taught by experienced tutors who understand the demands of real installations. 

We also help career changers see the bigger picture: how EV training connects with inspection and testing, the NVQ portfolio, AM2, and ultimately the ECS Gold Card. 

The recent petrol shortage highlighted the fragility of relying on fossil fuels — and the convenience of going electric. For electricians and those considering the trade, now is the time to act. 

Whether you are just starting out with Level 2 training, progressing to advanced diplomas, or ready to specialise in EV charging, Elec Training provides the pathway. Contact our team today to secure your place and prepare for a career in one of the UK’s fastest-growing sectors. 

FAQs on EVs, Petrol Shortages, Policies, and EV Charging Training in the UK (September 2025) 

Below is a comprehensive FAQ addressing your questions about electric vehicles (EVs), recent trends, policies, and training opportunities, based on current data as of September 16, 2025. 

1 – How did the recent petrol shortage affect public interest in electric vehicles?

There has not been a major widespread petrol shortage in the UK in 2025, but localized supply disruptions (e.g., due to refinery maintenance and global oil volatility) in early 2025 briefly impacted stations in regions like London and the Midlands, leading to queues and price spikes (up to 160p/litre). This minor event, combined with ongoing high fuel costs (average 145p/litre), has modestly boosted EV interest, with searches for “electric cars” rising 15–20% in affected areas per Google Trends. Broader EV adoption trends show second-hand EVs nearing a “tipping point,” with 20.4% market share in April 2025, driven by reliability studies equating EV lifespans to petrol cars (18.4 vs. 18.7 years). No direct causal data links the shortage to EV sales surges, but it underscores fuel vulnerability, aligning with projections of EVs overtaking petrol by 2028 (36% vs. 30% share). 

2 – Why are EVs seen as more convenient compared to petrol and diesel cars?

EVs are increasingly viewed as more convenient due to: 

• Home Charging: 80%+ of charging occurs at home overnight (like “filling up” while sleeping), vs. petrol station visits; costs £200–£300/year vs. £1,000+ for fuel. 

• Lower Running Costs: Electricity at 7–10p/kWh off-peak saves 50–70% vs. petrol (145p/litre); no oil changes or emissions tests. 

• Simpler Maintenance: Fewer moving parts (no engine) reduce breakdowns; studies show EVs last as long as ICE vehicles (18.4 years). 

• Tech Features: App-based preconditioning, over-the-air updates, and silent/quiet driving enhance daily use. 

• Infrastructure Growth: 84,218 public points (July 2025, up 30% YoY) minimize range anxiety, with home installs adding convenience. Drawbacks like charging time persist, but for urban commuters, EVs offer hassle-free ownership. 

3 – What government policies are driving the UK’s shift towards EV adoption?

Key 2025 policies include: 

• Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate: Requires 28% of new car sales to be EVs in 2025 (rising to 80% by 2030); fines up to £15,000 per non-compliant vehicle, relaxed for micro-manufacturers. 

• Electric Car Grant: Launched July 2025, offers £1,500–£3,750 discounts on new EVs (up to £650 million fund), targeting affordability. 

• £63 Million EV Charging Investment: Announced July 2025, funds public infrastructure to reach 300,000 points by 2030. 

• Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Changes: From April 2025, EVs pay £10 first-year rate (no longer exempt), but incentives like 0% Benefit-in-Kind tax persist. 

• 2030 Ban on New Petrol/Diesel Sales: Phased with hybrids to 2035, backed by Clean Power 2030 for grid support. These aim for 7 million EVs by 2030, with grants easing costs amid 20.4% market share in April 2025. 

4 – Why is there such a high demand for EV charging point installers right now?

Demand for EV charging installers is surging due to rapid infrastructure growth: 84,218 public devices in July 2025 (up 30% YoY), with 8,670 new points in H1 2025 alone (27% increase). The £63 million government funding (July 2025) targets 300,000 points by 2030, while domestic installs rose 22% in H1 2025 amid 1.5 million EVs on roads (target 7 million by 2030). Skills shortages (100,000+ electricians needed) and net-zero policies (ZEV mandate) drive this, with the market worth £620 million in 2024, projected at £9.68 billion by 2030. Installers are essential for domestic/commercial setups, but grid constraints and 1,445 monthly additions highlight urgent need for qualified pros. 

5 – What qualifications do electricians need to install EV chargers?

To install EV chargers, electricians need: 

• Core Qualification: NVQ Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services (C&G 2357) with AM2 assessment and ECS Gold Card for unsupervised work. 

• Wiring Regulations: 18th Edition (C&G 2382-22) for BS 7671 compliance. 

• EV-Specific: C&G 2921-34 (Level 3 Award in EV Charging Installation, 2–3 days) or LCL equivalent, covering design, testing, and IET Code of Practice (5th Edition). 

• Scheme Registration: NICEIC/NAPIT for Part P self-certification; OZEV approval for grants (requires Gold Card). 

• Optional: Inspection & Testing (C&G 2391-52) for commissioning. These ensure safe installs (e.g., PEN-fault protection), with 2025 updates emphasizing renewables integration. 

6 – Can career changers enter the EV charging sector, or is it only for qualified electricians?

Career changers can enter the EV charging sector but must first qualify as electricians, as installs require core electrical competency: 

• Pathway: Start with fast-track (1–2 years) or apprenticeship (3–4 years) to NVQ Level 3/AM2/18th Edition (£3,000–£7,000 self-funded or free Bootcamps). 

• EV Training: Then add C&G 2921-34 (2–3 days, £400–£600) for specialization. Direct entry without quals is impossible due to safety regulations (BS 7671, Part P), but changers with allied trades experience (e.g., plumbing) accelerate via EWA (6–12 months). In 2025, Skills Bootcamps target adults 19+ for green skills, enabling transition in 1–2 years amid 160,000+ jobs. 

7 – How does EV installation training fit into the wider electrical career path?

EV installation training (C&G 2921-34) is a key CPD step in the electrical career path, building on core quals: 

• Foundation: NVQ Level 3/AM2/18th Edition for general installs (£33,000–£38,000 roles). 

• EV Fit: Adds specialist skills (2–3 days), enabling OZEV/MCS work and 20–30% pay boost (£40,000–£60,000). 

• Progression: Complements inspection/testing (C&G 2391), solar PV (C&G 2399), and battery storage (EESS), for bundled net-zero projects (whole-home electrification). 

• Advanced: Leads to supervisor/design roles or self-employment, aligning with 2030 EV targets and 315% green skills demand. It’s essential for future-proofing amid 84,218 chargers in July 2025. 

8 – What skills are covered in an EV charging installation course?

EV charging courses (e.g., C&G 2921-34, 2–3 days) cover: 

• Theory/Regulations: BS 7671 Section 722, IET Code of Practice (5th Edition), Part P compliance, and OZEV grant requirements. 

• Design Skills: Charger types (Modes 1–4, AC/DC), site assessment, cable sizing, earthing, and PEN-fault protection. 

• Installation: Single/three-phase wiring, load management, smart charging, and DNO notifications. 

• Testing/Commissioning: Inspection (RCDs, insulation resistance), handover documentation, and fault diagnosis. 

• Practical: Simulated installs, tool use (multimeters, testers), and integration with solar/batteries. Focuses on domestic/small commercial (up to 22kW), ensuring safe, compliant work for 2025’s 300,000-point target. 

9 – Are EV charging installations mainly domestic, or is there also commercial demand?

EV installations are balanced between domestic and commercial, with strong growth in both: 

• Domestic: ~50–60% of demand; 22% rise in H1 2025 (e.g., home wallboxes via EVHS grants, £350/home). Focus on single-phase (7–22kW) for garages. 

• Commercial: 40–50%, driven by Workplace Charging Scheme (£350/point, up to 40) and fleets; 8,670 new public points in H1 2025 (27% YoY), targeting workplaces/shops. Overall, 84,218 public devices (July 2025, up 30% YoY) and £620 million market (2024, £9.68 billion by 2030) reflect commercial push, but domestic leads due to 1.5 million EVs. Commercial offers larger contracts (£10,000+ sites), while domestic provides volume. 

10 – How can training with Elec Training help electricians future-proof their careers in the EV sector?

Elec Training (elec.training) future-proofs careers by offering accredited EV programs tailored to 2025’s 300,000-point demand: 

• C&G 2921-34 EV Charging (2–3 days, £400–£600): Provides OZEV/MCS certification for grants, boosting earnings 20–30% (£40,000–£60,000). 

• Bundled CPD: Integrates with solar PV (C&G 2399), battery storage (EESS), and inspection/testing (C&G 2391) for whole-home projects. 

• Guaranteed Placements: Arranges NVQ work experience, accelerating to ECS Gold Card and scheme registration. 

• Funding Support: Secures Skills Bootcamps (free for adults 19+) and 95–100% apprenticeship funding. 

• Career Guidance: 100% placement success connects to EV roles amid 160,000+ jobs by 2030, ensuring stability in net-zero transition.