Electric Vehicle Servicing: What Your Garage Needs to Know

Electric vehicle registrations in the UK passed the one million mark in 2025, and the trajectory is only accelerating. By 2030, when new petrol and diesel car sales end, EVs will dominate the parc. Independent garages that prepare now will capture this growing market. Those that do not risk becoming irrelevant.

The good news is that EV servicing is more accessible than many garage owners think. The barrier to entry is lower than you might expect, and the work is genuinely profitable.

EVs have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which changes the service landscape:

• No oil changes — No engine oil, oil filter, or sump plug to worry about.
• No exhaust system — No catalytic converter, DPF, EGR valve, or exhaust manifold.
• Reduced brake wear — Regenerative braking means brake pads last two to three times longer than on ICE vehicles.
• No clutch or gearbox — Single-speed reduction gears require virtually no maintenance.

However, EVs still need:

• Tyre replacement — EVs are heavier and produce instant torque, meaning tyres wear faster. EV-specific tyres are a growing market.
• Brake fluid changes — Hygroscopic fluid still needs replacing every two years.
• Cabin air filter replacement — Standard service item.
• Suspension and steering — The additional weight of battery packs means bushings, ball joints, and dampers can wear faster.
• Coolant system servicing — Battery thermal management systems use coolant that needs periodic replacement.
• Software updates — Many EVs require periodic software updates and diagnostics.
• 12V battery replacement — EVs still use a standard 12V battery for auxiliary systems.

Working on high-voltage systems without proper training is both illegal and potentially fatal. The voltages in EV battery packs (typically 400-800V) are lethal. Every technician working on or near high-voltage components must hold the appropriate qualification:

• IMI Level 1 — EV/Hybrid Awareness. Suitable for all workshop staff. Covers the risks and basic safety procedures. A half-day course.
• IMI Level 2 — EV/Hybrid Routine Maintenance. Allows technicians to carry out service work on EVs, including working near high-voltage components. Essential for any garage servicing EVs.
• IMI Level 3 — EV/Hybrid Repair and Replacement. Allows technicians to work directly on high-voltage systems, including battery removal and replacement.
• IMI Level 4 — EV/Hybrid Diagnostic, Testing and Repair. The highest level, covering advanced diagnostics and complex repairs.

At a minimum, you need Level 2 qualified technicians to offer EV servicing. The course typically costs £300-£500 and takes one to two days.

The equipment needed for EV servicing is relatively modest:

• Insulated tools — VDE-rated tools for working near high-voltage components. A basic set costs £200-£400.
• High-voltage PPE — Insulated gloves (Class 0 minimum), safety glasses, and a face shield. Budget £150-£300.
• Isolation and lockout equipment — For safely de-energising high-voltage systems. £100-£200.
• EV-capable diagnostics — Your existing diagnostic tool may need an EV-specific software update or module. Check with your supplier.
• Battery lift or support — For Level 3+ work involving battery removal. This is a significant investment (£5,000-£15,000) but only needed for advanced work.

For a garage looking to offer EV routine servicing (Level 2 work), the total equipment investment is typically under £1,000.

EV servicing requires a different pricing approach. Because there are fewer consumables and the service interval is often longer, you cannot simply apply your ICE service pricing:

• Annual EV health check — £99-£149. Covers brake fluid test, tyre inspection and pressures, coolant level, cabin filter, 12V battery test, software check, suspension inspection, and a multi-point vehicle health check.
• Brake fluid change — Standard pricing applies, typically £59-£89.
• Tyre replacement — EV-specific tyres carry a premium. Charge accordingly and explain the difference to customers.
• Diagnostics — EV diagnostics commands a premium rate. Your investment in training and equipment justifies this.

You do not need to become an EV specialist overnight. Here is a sensible roadmap:

1. Get your team trained to Level 2 — This is the essential first step. Book IMI courses now as demand is high.
2. Invest in basic EV equipment — Insulated tools and PPE. Under £1,000 total.
3. Update your diagnostic capability — Ensure your diagnostic tool covers the most popular EVs in your area.
4. Market your EV capability — Update your website, Google Business Profile, and social media to highlight EV servicing. Many EV owners are actively searching for independent garages that can service their vehicles.
5. Build EV knowledge progressively — Start with routine servicing and expand into more complex work as your confidence and customer base grow.

ashdub supports EV-specific service templates and inspection checklists out of the box. Track EV and ICE work separately in your reporting to monitor this growing revenue stream.