Electric Car Repair Technician Milestone Has Been Reached
As repair training expands, owners of older electric vehicles face higher failure rates during inspections.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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The automotive service group MEKO has certified more than 3,500 vehicle technicians to handle electric car repairs. This training expansion follows data showing that 10-year-old electric vehicles are failing roadworthiness inspections at nearly double the rate of gas-powered cars.
Why it matters
The gap in inspection failure rates highlights the critical need for specialized maintenance as electric vehicle fleets age. Developing a robust network of trained technicians is essential to ensuring these vehicles remain safe and reliable as they hit the 10-year mark.
Of the 3,500 technicians certified, 1,600 reached the second-highest level of E+ certification, while 150 attained the highest tier. These technicians primarily serve the markets of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
The players
MEKO
An automotive service group that operates the MEKO Academy and manages a large network of vehicle workshops across Europe.
Norwegian Public Roads Administration
A government agency responsible for managing road safety, infrastructure, and vehicle inspection standards in Norway.
The details
The MEKO Academy provides the E+ certification program, which features three tiers of training ranging from basic high-voltage safety protocols to complex battery repair. The training is designed to standardize service quality across electric, hybrid, and combustion engine models. The high failure rates among older electric cars reflect wear-related defects that emerge after a decade of regular use.
Timeline
2021: MEKO initiated the systematic rollout of the E+ certification program.
2025: The Norwegian Public Roads Administration performed annual roadworthiness inspections.
January 2026: Official inspection statistics were published by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
October 2026: The total number of trained technicians surpassed 3,500.
The Home Front
As electric vehicles mature, the automotive service market is shifting to address the specific wear-related needs of decade-old cars. This development marks a transition from a focus on new-car delivery to the maintenance of an aging electric fleet.
If you own an electric vehicle approaching its tenth year, prioritize a professional inspection to identify potential wear-related issues before your next mandatory roadworthiness test. Check with your local workshop to confirm if your technician holds current high-voltage certifications.
The takeaway
Reliability for older electric vehicles is increasingly tied to the availability of specialized service expertise. Owners should proactively schedule inspections to address wear patterns that typically emerge after 10 years on the road.
Further reading
Learn more about keeping your vehicle in top shape in our Car Maintenance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZoCleantech.
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Do you feel electric vehicles require more frequent maintenance than traditional gas-powered cars?
