A significant gap in electric vehicle (EV) repair infrastructure has been identified across South West Wales. While EV adoption increases, an analysis by Scrap Car Comparison shows that several counties lack the certified personnel required to maintain high-voltage systems.
In the Swansea Bay City Region, Swansea performs best with 30% of repair businesses employing an IMI TechSafe-qualified technician. However, neighbouring areas face a different reality:
- Neath Port Talbot: 3% certification rate
- Carmarthenshire: 1% certification rate
- Pembrokeshire and Bridgend: 0% — no certified garages found
This shortage poses a risk to motorists, as many manufacturers mandate the use of qualified technicians to preserve vehicle warranties. Matt Clamp, Customer Service Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, commented:
“Though most garages will likely repair EVs, the data shows that many may not have the appropriate certifications for handling vehicles with high-voltage electrical systems. Some manufacturers require owners to use technicians with the right qualifications to maintain the vehicle warranty. There’s also a risk to business owners and technicians if they’re working on EVs without being properly educated on the risks.”
Despite over 6,100 UK garages now having at least one EV-qualified mechanic, the “postcode lottery” persists. Local authorities such as Ceredigion and Torfaen also rank among the bottom 20 areas in the UK for EV-friendly repair businesses. Drivers in these rural regions may be forced to travel significant distances for specialist maintenance.
Source: Swansea Bay News
