- Women represent 25% of the auto manufacturing and EV workforce in the US and under 20% in the UK, showing slow progress.
- Initiatives like the 30 by 30 pledge and Top Women in EV are working to increase female representation in the EV workforce.
- Diverse teams in the EV sector foster innovation and creativity, making gender equality essential to the future success of the industry.
Boosting female representation in the EV workforce for a diverse future
The automotive sector has traditionally been male-dominated, but women are increasingly making their mark—especially in the EV workforce. Although there’s been progress, significant gender gaps remain, highlighting the need for more action toward gender equality across the sector’s workforce.
In the United States, women made up 25% of the auto manufacturing workforce in 2022, according to Deloitte. However, the automotive repair and maintenance workforce still lags behind, with women comprising just 9.9% in 2019. These statistics emphasise the need for greater gender balance in all areas of the automotive and EV workforce.
In the United Kingdom, women accounted under 20% of the automotive workforce. That figure is inconsistent across the industry. For example, women now hold 13% of senior roles in automotive retail, and even higher percentages in subsectors like car sales (24.5%) and parts manufacturing (19.2%). However, female representation in maintenance and repair sectors has slightly decreased since 2021 to 13.8%. Despite these positive changes, there’s still much work to be done, especially in traditionally male-dominated areas of the EV workforce.
Recent initiatives are helping accelerate this change.
One notable program in the UK is the 30 by 30 pledge, which aims to ensure 30% of the automotive workforce will be female by 2030. The Institute of the Motor Industry’s Diversity Task Force is increasing the amount of women in leadership positions, while organisations like Women in Transport offer mentorship to guide women in their careers within the EV workforce.
The Top Women in EV campaign, which ran last week, celebrates women making significant contributions to the EV sector. This initiative highlights role models and inspires more women to join the rapidly expanding EV workforce. Auto Trader, headline partner of the campaign, has been actively supporting these efforts through initiatives such as the Women in the Driving Seat podcast, hosted by Erin Baker, which features female voices discussing the automotive industry.
These efforts reflect a global movement toward diversity.
In Europe, women made up 16% of the automotive workforce in 2019, with the number rising to 20% in 2021. The automotive and EV sectors must prioritise inclusivity to attract and retain female talent, particularly in engineering, manufacturing, and leadership roles.
The issue starts early, as only 35% of STEM students in the UK are women, according to HESA. EV companies and automakers should reach out to schools and universities to demonstrate the transformative potential of e-mobility and attract more women to the EV workforce.
The push for more women in the EV workforce is about much more than gender equality. It’s about fostering innovation, stronger business performance, and more diverse perspectives. Diverse teams can lead to better decision-making, increased creativity, and improved problem-solving. As the EV industry continues to grow, promoting diversity and inclusion will be crucial for its long-term success.
The industry is making progress in increasing female representation in the automotive and EV workforce, but much more needs to be done. Industry initiatives play a critical role in supporting women and driving this transformation. By continuing to prioritise diversity, the EV workforce can reach its full potential, ensuring a future that’s both innovative and equitable.
