SMMT figures show EVs are entering the mainstream: why UK garages need the right technical data to keep up

The UK aftermarket is entering a new phase of electrification. EVs are no longer a future trend or a niche opportunity; they are already becoming part of everyday service, maintenance and repair.

Latest SMMT figures show how quickly the UK market is changing. UK motorists can now choose from more than 167 BEV models, compared with just 14 in 2016, while battery electric cars now account for 40.9% of available new car models. SMMT also forecasts BEVs to reach 26.8% of the new car market by year-end.

For UK garages, repair networks and tyre fitment businesses, this growth creates a clear opportunity. But it also creates a risk: businesses that do not have easy access to accurate, vehicle-specific technical data could fall behind as the vehicle parc becomes more complex.

Source: SMMT, 2026 UK EV market figures and new car outlook.

The opportunity: faster access to data means faster vehicle turnaround

Every minute spent searching for service, maintenance, diagnostics or repair information can affect workshop productivity. For garages and repair networks, easy access to the right technical data is not just a technical advantage, it is a commercial one.

In practice, this means being able to identify the correct service schedule, diagnostic information, wiring diagram, repair method, torque setting, tyre specification or fluid requirement without losing time across multiple sources.

When technicians can quickly identify the correct procedures, service schedules, repair methods and diagnostic information, they can work more efficiently and confidently. That helps reduce downtime, improve vehicle throughput and support higher workshop revenue.

In a market where vehicle technology is changing quickly, the ability to service, maintain and repair more vehicles accurately is a direct advantage.

HaynesPro and e3technical: built for the changing UK vehicle parc

Powered by Infopro Digital Automotive’s technical and maintenance datasets, HaynesPro and e3technical give UK aftermarket businesses access to trusted, vehicle-specific technical data for the vehicles coming through their doors today, as well as the hybrid and electric vehicles that will increasingly shape the future.

This includes service, maintenance, diagnostics and repair information across the UK vehicle parc, helping technicians quickly find the information they need to complete work accurately and efficiently.

For repair networks, this supports consistency across multiple locations. For independent garages, it helps technicians access the information they need to compete with confidence. For larger aftermarket businesses, it provides a scalable data foundation that supports technician productivity, operational control and customer satisfaction.

Specialist coverage for high voltage EV and hybrid vehicles

As EV choice grows, garages need more than general repair information. High voltage EV and hybrid vehicles require accurate, vehicle-specific guidance to help technicians understand systems, follow the right procedures and work with confidence.

Technical data supports technicians in identifying the correct vehicle-specific procedures, but high-voltage work must always be carried out by competent, appropriately trained professionals following recognised safety procedures.

HaynesPro and e3technical support this transition by providing specialist technical coverage for high voltage EV and hybrid vehicles. This helps workshops prepare for a growing mix of petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

The result is simple: technicians get the right vehicle-specific technical information at the right time, helping reduce uncertainty and improve first-time accuracy.

Helping workshops increase revenue and keep vehicles moving

For garages and repair networks, the value of technical data is measured in real workshop outcomes.

The right service and repair data helps businesses:

• Reduce time spent searching for technical information.
• Improve technician efficiency during service, maintenance and repair work.
• Increase vehicle throughput.
• Support first-time accuracy.
• Reduce rework and avoidable delays.
• Improve consistency across teams and locations.
• Build capacity to work on newer EV and hybrid vehicles.
• Improve customer confidence in the repair process.

This matters because the aftermarket is becoming more competitive. Customers expect faster turnaround, accurate diagnosis and confidence that their vehicle is being serviced or repaired correctly. Workshops that can meet those expectations are better placed to retain customers, grow revenue and win new business.

Tyre fitment support for modern EVs

The EV transition also affects tyre retailers and fitment centres. EVs can have specific tyre requirements linked to vehicle weight, torque delivery, rolling resistance, noise performance and manufacturer recommendations.

For tyre retailers and fast-fit centres, this means EV growth is not only a service and repair issue. It also affects product recommendation, fitment accuracy and customer advice.

Alongside HaynesPro and e3technical, DriveRightData tyre product catalogues support EV tyre classification and fitment data, helping tyre retailers and fitment centres identify and recommend products that match vehicle-specific requirements.

This gives tyre businesses another way to improve accuracy, support better customer advice and reduce the risk of incorrect fitments.

Lubricant and fluid information where it matters

While EVs are growing quickly, the UK vehicle parc remains diverse. Petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles will continue to coexist for many years, each with different service and maintenance requirements. This mixed vehicle parc makes accurate fluid and lubricant information important for both traditional service work and newer vehicle technologies.

That is why access to accurate lubricant and fluid information remains important. From oil grades and capacities to vehicle-specific coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid requirements, having this data available alongside technical repair information helps workshops make faster, more confident decisions during service and maintenance work.

Don’t fall behind as the vehicle parc changes

The latest SMMT data shows that EV growth is accelerating, with more models, more manufacturers and more choice entering the market. SMMT reports that 51 manufacturers now offer EVs in the UK, compared with 12 in 2016. 

For UK garages, repair networks, tyre fit centres and tyre retailers, the message is clear: the vehicles entering the aftermarket are changing, and businesses need the right data to keep pace.

With HaynesPro and e3technical, supported by wider vehicle, tyre and lubricant intelligence, Infopro Digital Automotive helps aftermarket businesses access the information they need to service, maintain and repair vehicles with confidence.

Don’t fall behind as the UK vehicle parc changes. With coverage across petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, HaynesPro and e3technical help service and repair businesses access the technical information they need to keep vehicles moving, improve workshop efficiency and support revenue growth.

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