As British Columbia accelerates toward broader adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), one reality is becoming increasingly clear – the success of this transition depends as much on people as it does on technology.
British Columbians continue to show strong interest in electrification with Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) sales jumping early in 2026 – 36 per cent in February alone compared to the previous month. While the New Car Dealers Association of BC supports electrification – and dealers across the province are selling multiple EVs every day – this rapid growth is intensifying demand for skilled, EV-trained workers, from technicians to sales and service professionals.
A recent report from Electric Mobility Canada reinforces what our industry is already experiencing on the ground, calling on governments to better align workforce development priorities and funding programs with EV specific training needs. The report identifies key skills gaps and outlines practical recommendations to ensure education and training systems keep pace with real-time industry demand.
In recent weeks, both senior levels of government have made announcements on the skills training front.
Through the Province’s Look West strategy, the government is investing $241 million over three years to train British Columbians for in-demand jobs. At the same time, the federal government unveiled a $6 billion trades plan. However, in both cases, our sector is awaiting details that indicate if/how the auto industry may benefit.
Electric vehicles are built around high‑voltage battery systems that differ fundamentally from internal combustion engines. As a result, battery manufacturing, recycling, and end‑of‑life management require advanced technical skills and rigorous safety protocols, yet significant gaps remain in the training currently available. Battery safety, recycling, hazardous materials handling and internal practices across dealerships, sales centres, and collision repair environments are just some of the areas where training has not kept pace. Expanding pilot programs, leveraging partnerships between EV manufacturers and Canadian post‑secondary institutions, and developing tiered high‑voltage and battery safety training programs could help close these gaps.
As EV adoption grows, shortages in high‑voltage safety and diagnostic expertise are becoming more apparent, particularly amid an already constrained technician workforce. Together, these pressures send a clear message: building the future automotive workforce will require targeted training investments and greater awareness of EV career pathways. The report recommends that governments fund OEM‑led shared training hubs with access to specialized equipment, as well as provide additional grants to post‑secondary institutions and training providers to expand baseline EV training capacity.
Workforce readiness does not stop at the vehicle itself – gaps in charging infrastructure and the skilled labour required to install, maintain and operate it present an equally pressing challenge. The NCDA has continuously called for an increase in charging infrastructure, as well as infrastructure that allows for equitable access for those living in large apartment complexes and more rural areas. Even once infrastructure is built, there remains a shortage of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting skills. Scaling existing charging‑network training programs, encouraging charging providers to train installers and maintenance personnel, and funding train‑the‑trainer initiatives are among the recommendations outlined in the report.
Together, these challenges underscore the need for a coordinated, forward‑looking approach to EV workforce development. If broader EV adoption is to continue in British Columbia, sustained investment in people, skills, and safety will be essential to support the transition and ensure the future automotive workforce is equipped to keep vehicles, and community members, safe on our roads.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. He can be reached at [email protected]
