Electric Vehicles in the UK: Licences, Maintenance & Careers — What You Need to Know

Which Licence Do I Need to Drive an Electric Car?

Good news: if you hold a standard UK Category B driving licence, you can legally drive a zero-emission electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle — provided the vehicle’s maximum authorised mass (MAM) doesn’t exceed the EV limits.

As of June 2025, legislation now allows Category B licence holders to drive electric cars, vans, minibuses or small trucks up to 4,250 kg MAM — increased from the previous 3,500 kg limit to reflect the extra battery weight.

That makes many EVs — even larger vans and minibus-style vehicles — accessible without needing higher licence categories or extra tests. Always check the vehicle’s licence plate or designation to confirm its classification before driving.

Which Type of Course Is Best for Electric Cars?

Because EVs are built differently — with high-voltage battery systems, complex electronics, and different maintenance requirements — traditional combustion-engine servicing courses aren’t enough. Instead, technicians and aspiring mechanics should aim for a recognised electric vehicle course.

In the UK, accredited courses such as Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Level 3 or Level 4 in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Repair give the right skills and legal compliance for working on EV systems.

Such courses teach core elements like battery safety, diagnostics, isolation procedures, and safe working practices. Whether you’re new to EV repairs or already a mechanic with ICE experience, these EV training pathways are strongly recommended.

What Happens to EVs After 5+ Years?

One common question is — as EVs age, do they become risky, less efficient, or problematic to maintain? The honest answer: it depends. EV longevity depends on build quality, battery condition, usage, and maintenance.

With regular servicing and appropriate care, many EVs continue to perform well after 5 years — often with fewer moving-part issues than internal-combustion cars. Unlike ICE vehicles, EVs don’t rely on fuel systems, gearboxes, or exhaust systems, which reduces mechanical wear.

However, older EVs do require specialist knowledge: battery health must be checked, high-voltage wiring inspected, software updates maintained, and corrosion or wear managed properly. That makes having a trained EV mechanic of real value.

Can Anyone Work on EVs — What Licence or Qualification Do You Need?

In the UK, there is no simple “licence to tinker under the bonnet.” Instead, industry-recognised qualifications are used to demonstrate competence. For EVs, these typically mean IMI-accredited or similar courses for working safely on electric/hybrid systems.

For basic maintenance or non-high-voltage work, some tasks may be done by general mechanics — but for anything involving the battery, high-voltage wiring or diagnostics, a specialised EV qualification (Level 3 or above) is strongly recommended.

This ensures technicians understand battery behaviour, safe isolation procedures, correct tooling, and compliance with legal/regulatory safety standards.

Which Is Better: Mechanical (Mech) or Electrical/Electronic Engineering (EEE) for EV Technicians?

It’s not strictly “Mech vs EEE” — EV work combines both. But the shift toward EVs has increased demand for technicians with solid electrical, electronics and diagnostics skills, rather than traditional mechanical-only skills.

If you aim to work on EVs long-term, gaining an EEE-focused qualification (battery systems, wiring, high-voltage safety, electronics diagnostics) alongside mechanical skills gives the broadest range and greatest job security. EVs aren’t simpler than ICE cars — they’re different, and the more you understand the “electric side,” the more valuable you become.

How Hard Is It to Work on Electric Cars?

Working on EVs is different — not necessarily harder, but requiring a different mindset and training. You still need to be methodical, careful, and up-to-date with safety regulations. Once you have the right training and tooling, many EV repairs become straightforward maintenance or diagnostics.

That said — working with high-voltage systems demands respect, proper PPE and safe procedures. That’s why accredited EV courses, such as IMI Level 3 or Level 4, are vital before attempting significant repairs or battery-system work.

Why Towing Solutions Recommends EV Training — and How We Can Help

At Towing Solutions, we know towing and trailer traffic is evolving fast — and so is the automotive world. As EVs become more common, so do EV-powered tow vehicles, and the demand for safe, qualified technicians grows.

By investing in EV training courses (Level 3/4), technicians and business owners future-proof themselves. They’ll be ready to service modern vehicles, meet safety standards, and offer towing-specific modifications or installations compatible with EVs.

FAQ — EV Driving & Maintenance Questions Answered

Do I need a special licence to drive an electric car?

No. A standard Category B licence is sufficient to drive most electric cars, vans or small trucks (up to 4,250 kg MAM). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

What kind of training or qualification is needed to work on EVs?

For basic maintenance, general mechanic experience may suffice. But for high-voltage systems, battery diagnostics or complex electrical work, an accredited EV repair qualification (like IMI Level 3 or 4) is strongly recommended. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Can I combine EV repair skills with trailer servicing/trailer safety courses?

Absolutely. With more EV tow vehicles hitting UK roads, technicians skilled in both EV servicing and trailer / towing systems will be increasingly valuable — especially for caravan, horsebox, or boat-trailer owners switching to EV tow cars.

Is EV maintenance harder than traditional cars?

Working on EVs requires respect for high-voltage safety and proper training. Once qualified, many services are similar in complexity to ICE vehicle maintenance — but require different skill sets and tools. High-voltage work should never be attempted without the right training.

What’s the benefit of choosing EV training over traditional mechanical-only training?

EV training unlocks access to modern vehicles, broadens your career prospects, meets rising demand in the auto industry, and ensures safety compliance. As demand for EVs increases, those with EV credentials will be highly sought after.