EV industry leaders hail ‘mainstream moment’ as SMMT data shows one in three new cars now fully electric

The SMMT's latest figures represent a significant milestone for the electrical trade. When one in three new cars leaving UK forecourts is fully electric, the implications extend far beyond the automotive sector. Every one of those vehicles needs somewhere to charge, and the majority of that charging will happen at home or at the workplace on infrastructure installed and maintained by qualified electricians. This sustained growth in BEV adoption signals a long-term, structural shift in demand for domestic and commercial charge point installation, rather than a temporary spike driven by incentives or novelty. For electricians and trainees weighing up where to focus their skills, this is a clear indication that EV charging work is moving from a niche specialism to a mainstream part of the trade. For those already established in the industry, this trend reinforces the value of formal EV charging qualifications that sit on top of a solid grounding in electrical installation. The 2921 EV charging installation qualifications, for example, equip electricians to install domestic and commercial charge points to current standards, while an understanding of the wiring regulations remains essential given the specific requirements around earthing arrangements, protective devices and load management that charge point installations demand. As uptake grows, so too will the volume of larger commercial and destination charging projects, opening opportunities for those willing to develop expertise in larger scale infrastructure. It is worth remembering that charge point work also intersects increasingly with domestic solar PV and battery storage, as households look to power their vehicles from their own generation. For aspiring electricians and trainees, the message is one of long-term career security. The competent installation of EV infrastructure requires the fundamentals delivered through Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas and, ultimately, the NVQ route to becoming a fully qualified installer. Building that core competence first, then adding specialist EV credentials, positions newcomers to capitalise on a market that is clearly maturing rather than plateauing. As the vehicle fleet electrifies over the coming decade, demand for properly trained, competent installers is only likely to intensify, making now a sensible time to build the foundational skills that this growing area of work depends upon.