Opinion 14 EV and hybrid servicing gap could define aftermarket winners and losers The UK aftermarket is approaching a tipping point, as the rapid growth of hybrid and electric vehicles begins to reshape what it takes to run a successful workshop. According to MAHLE, the shift is not just about new vehicle technologies, it’s about a complete rethink of skills, equipment and service capability, with those failing to adapt at risk of being left behind. The traditional workshop model, built around mechanical repair, is giving way to a far more complex environment centred on diagnostics, software and high-voltage systems. The industry has already moved from purely mechanical work to on-board diagnostics (OBD) and high-voltage technology, a shift that is only accelerating as vehicle technology continues to evolve. This transformation is being driven by the rapid expansion of the hybrid and EV parc. While electric vehicles are often perceived as requiring less maintenance, the long-term servicing picture tells a different story. By 2030, there are expected to be 34 million high-voltage batteries in operation across Europe, with around 1.3 million requiring annual maintenance. With battery lifespans typically stretching between 10 and 14 years, the independent aftermarket is set to inherit a significant share of this work as vehicles move out of warranty. Opportunities and challenges For workshops, this creates both an opportunity and a challenge. Battery diagnostics is fast becoming a core service area, enabling technicians to assess battery condition and performance, and even predict remaining lifespan. At the same time, thermal management is emerging as one of the most critical, and potentially lucrative, areas of service in hybrid and electric vehicles. As electrification increases, so too does the demand for sophisticated cooling systems to manage batteries, power electronics and drivetrains. Both rising customer comfort expectations and the technical demands of modern vehicles are driving a significant increase in cooling requirements. This opens the door for workshops to expand into new service areas, from battery cooling system maintenance to advanced air conditioning and heat pump servicing. While, beyond powertrain and thermal systems, the growing complexity of modern vehicles is also driving demand for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) calibrations. However, unlocking these opportunities requires investment, not just in equipment, but in people. The modern technician is evolving into a high-voltage, IT-literate specialist, with formal qualifications now essential for working safely on hybrid and EV systems. Structured certification levels for high-voltage work reflect the increasing complexity and safety considerations involved. Andy Lees, Head of Western Europe at MAHLE Aftermarket UK, said: “The workshop of the future is already here, but there’s still a gap between where some workshops are today and where they need to be. Electrification isn’t something that’s coming, it’s already in the workshop. The businesses that invest in training, equipment and service capability today will be the ones that benefit as EV and hybrid demand continues to grow.” That investment extends to the workshop environment itself. Electrification is driving new requirements around infrastructure, tooling and safety, from insulated tools and personal protective equipment to EV-compatible lifting platforms and dedicated highvoltage work areas. So e-mobility must now be considered in every equipment decision. Digitalisation Alongside these technical changes, digitalisation is reshaping how workshops operate and interact with customers. Paperless processes, automated vehicle
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