The EV revolution isn’t being stalled by batteries, infrastructure, or regulation: it’s being stalled by a lack of skilled technicians.

Martijn Gerlag

We can pour billions into gigafactories, charging networks, and OEM innovation, but if there aren’t enough trained people to install and maintain those systems safely, the wheels of progress grind to a halt.

Let’s be blunt:

• EV demand is outpacing the workforce supply chain

• Universities and apprenticeships are moving too slowly

• Many technicians on the ground today are either unequipped or uncertified to deal with high-voltage EV systems

 This isn’t just a skills gap, it’s a safety gap. It puts both technicians and the communities they serve at risk. We need a plan to bolster the future of this industry from the ground up with some strong foundation to scale upon.

 Our tools are in the hands of the people building Europe’s EV future and they tell us the same thing: training and safety must catch up, or the entire sector risks bottlenecking.

 Let’s not forget the EV chargers themselves need ongoing maintenance. Before we rush to install millions more, we should be bolstering the efficiency of the charging infrastructure already in place. Only then can we scale effectively and sustainably.

 Europe doesn’t just need more EVs; it needs a reliable and protected workforce behind them. Until we start treating technician training and safety investment with the same urgency as infrastructure, the EV transition won’t just be delayed, it will be dangerous.

Martijn Gerlag, field application engineer, Fluke Corporation