Concerns about accessing the diagnostics needed to repair newer EV brands are the biggest factor discouraging independent garages from investing further in electric vehicle servicing and repair capability, according to the first LKQ Euro Car Parts Plug In-Dex.

The findings come from the first LKQ Euro Car Parts Plug In-Dex, a new tracker measuring how independent garages are adapting to the shift towards electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

The research show that nearly nine in 10 independent garages have turned away or referred at least one EV or plug-in hybrid enquiry in the past six months, despite the sector investing significantly in the skills, training and equipment needed to support the transition to electric vehicles.

LKQ Euro Car Parts warns that unless garages can access the vehicle data, diagnostics and technical information needed to keep this work in-house, drivers could face fewer local repair options and greater reliance on costlier franchised dealers. Its analysis suggests this could collectively add at least £260m to UK plug-in car drivers’ servicing bills across one round of routine servicing – and potentially as much as £550m.

More than one in four garages (27%) identified concerns about diagnostic access for newer EV brands as a barrier to further investment, making it the most commonly cited factor. The findings suggest local workshops are willing to adapt, but uncertainty around access to vehicle information is making it harder for them to invest with confidence and keep EV work in-house.

Mark Cranmer, Owner at Station Garage in Hyde, Manchester. said: “We’re consistently seeing more EVs and hybrids coming through the door, and our customers need to know that, as their local independent garage, we’re able to service and repair them safely and to the right standard.

“For us, it’s about staying competitive and making sure we can keep offering the level of service our customers expect as vehicles change. People come to independent garages because they trust us and value the relationship they have with us, so we want to be able to keep supporting them as their cars become more complex. The more straightforward it is to access the information, training and support we need, the easier it is for garages like ours to keep more of that work in the workshop.”

As newer cars become more reliant on software, digital fault codes and manufacturer-controlled systems, garages may need specialist information from the vehicle manufacturer before they can identify and repair a problem.

One framework designed to address part of this challenge is SERMI – the Security-Related Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Information scheme – which went live in the UK in April this year and gives approved technicians secure access to manufacturer data specifically related to security systems.

SERMI has been rolling out across the EU and Northern Ireland since 2023, giving approved technicians a recognised route to access security-related repair and maintenance information from vehicle manufacturers. While SERMI is mandatory in the EU, in the UK, participation remains voluntary. This means some manufacturers can continue to operate separate access schemes, adding cost and complexity for independent repairers that may need multiple approvals to work on the vehicles coming through their workshops.

LKQ Euro Car Parts’ supporting analysis estimates that if the UK’s plug-in car drivers were pushed towards costlier franchised dealers for servicing, maintenance and repair, they could collectively spend an additional £260m across one round of routine servicing.

The figure could rise to £550m depending on the servicing premium charged by franchised dealers compared with independent garages. Published comparisons suggest that a routine service can cost between £80 and £170 more at a franchised dealer.

LKQ warns that without fair access to vehicle information, drivers could face fewer competing quotes, longer journeys for repairs and greater reliance on manufacturer-approved workshops, potentially leaving them with little choice but to pay more.

Andy Southby, Chief Commercial Officer for LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “Our data shows that independent garages are not standing still on EVs. They’ve invested heavily in skills, training and equipment – and we’re seeing that appetite first-hand through our LKQ Academy training platform – but they can only realise the return on this investment if they can access the data, diagnostics and technical information they need to do their jobs. 

“Quality local garages keep servicing accessible and affordable for drivers, seven in ten of whom say they prefer to use independent workshops. The independent aftermarket supports more than 40,000 workshops and 345,000 jobs across the UK, and we have to protect that network as the transition to EVs continues.” 

The research from LKQ Euro Car Parts also found that 83% of garages expect electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to account for most workshop enquiries within five years, underlining the importance of protecting local repair choice as the UK vehicle parc changes.

Andy Southby continued: “This is about safeguarding livelihoods and making sure motorists still have real choice over where they service and repair their cars. While EVs have broader repair data challenges not covered by SERMI, it is still an important example of the kind of secure, consistent access framework the aftermarket needs. Mandating it in the UK is the logical next step, and would give manufacturers, garages and motorists a consistent framework, protect vehicle security and help create the level playing field needed to keep repair work open, competitive and local.”