As EV adoption grows, many shops are still in the early stages of readiness, which is an opportunity for those willing to invest in EV training and tools
Cambridge, Mass.—Despite representing a relatively small share of the total vehicles on the road today, EVs are on an accelerating adoption curve. Projections suggest by 2030, annual EV sales are expected to reach 7.7 million, representing nearly 46% of light-duty vehicle sales — 2 million more than earlier forecasts.
Below are a few takeaways from PartsTech’s “2025 State of General Auto Repair Shops in the U.S.” report which surveyed 752 shops and spoke with industry experts.
By 2035, EVs on U.S. roads could total 78.5 million vehicles, making up over 26% of the nearly 300 million vehicles expected nationwide.
Few EVs enter general repair shops — for now
Most repair shops service only a small number of EVs each year. Whether due to little customer demand, historically limited access to EV repair information and parts, or a lack of training, 25% of shops do not work on EVs, and 70% report that EVs account for 10% or less of their annual car count.
Top-performed EV services today
Tire maintenance emerged as the most common service for shops that service fully electric vehicles, with 65% of respondents listing it among their top three EV services.
Industry insight: Helping EV drivers choose the right EV tires
J.P. Brooks, Chief Revenue Officer, Fitment Group, states:
“Tire maintenance is the top-performed EV service because tires on EVs wear out faster than
those on ICE vehicles due to factors like instant torque, increased weight (15%-20% heavier), unique tire compounds, and more aggressive driving habits. Major tire manufacturers report up to a 20% increase in wear rates, with some EV drivers needing replacements after just 15,000 miles.
“This fact is an opportunity for your shop to become an expert in EV tires. Regular tire rotation is essential to maximizing tread life. While non-EV tires can be used if they match load and speed specifications, customers may notice drawbacks like increased road noise, reduced rolling resistance efficiency, and diminished performance.”
Tip: Your shop staff and sales team must understand the available EV-specific tires, their
features, and the benefits of recommending the right tire to match the vehicle and the customer’s needs.
The EV service opportunity — Now is the time to train your team
As EV adoption grows, many shops are still in the early stages of readiness. Fewer than a third of the survey participants reported that their shop’s technicians have received EV-specific training, and confidence in servicing EVs remains low. This gap presents a strategic opportunity for shops willing to lead by investing in EV training and tools.
Industry insight: The need for offering both ICE and EV vehicle maintenance
Josh Martalock, VP of Sales, Tire Guru, states:
“Only 4% of the market is comprised of households that own an EV vehicle exclusively. This means that 96% of EV owners own both an EV vehicle and an ICE vehicle. Customers prefer the convenience of going to one shop for all of their vehicles. Shops have an opportunity to stand out by offering both ICE and EV services.”
Industry insight: Prepare for the future: EV and alternative fuel training
Dave Kusa, Shop Coach, The Automotive Coaching and Training (ACT) Group, states:
“Now is the time to start training your team in EV repair and service. Strategize and budget for the new EV tooling your shop will need to protect your technicians and vehicles.
“We may see fewer EVs than expected due to a lag in charging infrastructure, but we will see the continued push toward reducing and eliminating petroleum-powered vehicles. Remember to expand your knowledge and training on alternative fuel sources, such as hydrogen fuel cells and plug-in hybrids.
“Though EV and alternative fuel training are not widely available nationwide, keep an eye out
in your area as options are growing. NAPA is developing programs, and Earthling Automotive in San Francisco offers excellent training.”
Industry insight: Closing the EV skills gap in automotive repair
Donovan Ringo, Sr. Manager Emerging, Markets, NAPA Auto Parts, states:
“NAPA Autotech recognizes the critical need for comprehensive EV training through our EV Ready program. With only about 3% of automotive technicians currently proficient in electric vehicle maintenance and fewer than 10% qualified to work directly on EV batteries, we are committed to bridging this skills gap.
“Our proactive investment in technician education ensures that shops have the opportunity to fully prepare their team to meet the evolving needs of customers in this rapidly changing automotive landscape. Our Tools of the Trade website furthers that mission by providing resources for prospective trade workers and driving education of the future of automotive repair, including in EV.”
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