Skill development is crucial for the growth of the EV industry, providing the workforce with the expertise needed to address complex challenges
In the heart of the 21st century, we stand at the precipice of a significant shift in the automotive industry. The unmistakable roar of the combustion engine is being gradually replaced by the ‘silent hum’ of electric motors. India, a country with an ever-expanding urban landscape, is embracing this electrifying change with open arms. Electric Vehicle (EV) revolution in the country is not just about sustainable transportation, it's about rewriting the career roadmap for thousands of enthusiasts.
Let’s explore the pivotal role of skill development with a glimpse at the EV market size, skill gaps, current scenario of skilling in EV industry, its potential, government support, and challenges going forward. So buckle up your seatbelts as we get ready to zoom into an energising new world of possibilities in India's EV future!
EV Industry: A Booming Career Sector
The EV industry in India may still be in its nascent stage, but it stands on the brink of remarkable expansion in the years to come. As per a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), India is poised to ascend to the position of the world's second-largest EV market, trailing only behind China, by the year 2030. The Indian government is championing this cause, setting an ambitious target of having 30% of the vehicles on the nation's roads powered by electricity by 2030. According to a report by NITI Aayog, this growth trajectory could propel the Indian EV market to a staggering size of $300 billion by the same year, opening up a multitude of career prospects for professionals possessing the requisite skills and expertise. The Indian government has taken proactive measures to incentivise EV adoption. Programs like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme offer financial incentives to both EV manufacturers and buyers, making EVs an attractive choice.
Fig 1: Vinkesh Gulati, VP, ASDC
Policy Support: Driving the EV Revolution
The substantial growth of EVs in India has been significantly driven by government support. A range of policy measures and incentives has been implemented to foster the adoption of EVs and facilitate the development of the electric mobility ecosystem. The government's focus on promoting clean energy and reducing pollution led to the introduction of various policies and initiatives to support EV adoption.
One of the key initiatives was the FAME scheme, launched in 2015, and later revised as FAME India Phase II. Under this scheme, financial incentives were provided to consumers buying electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers. Subsidies were also extended to manufacturers to promote the indigenous production of electric vehicles and components.
In 2015, encouraging indications of gradual but consistent EV adoption emerged among Indian consumers, notably in the NCR region, particularly with the increased usage of E-rickshaws. With government support, E-rickshaw sales soared, expanding their popularity to states like Punjab, UP, West Bengal, Bihar, and Haryana. The unexpected success of E-rickshaws surprised everyone with massive sales year after year.
The period from January to November 2023 witnessed a remarkable surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales in India, registering an impressive 50% increase, with a total of 1.38 million units sold. This substantial growth has captured the attention of both domestic and international entities. Recognizing the promising prospects of the electric vehicle sector in India, global companies such as Citroën, Volvo Cars, BMW, Mercedes, Audi and many more have entered the market, unveiling fully electric vehicles. Their active participation reflects a robust confidence in the immense potential of the Indian electric vehicle industry.
Additionally, various state governments have introduced their own incentives, such as reduced road tax, registration fees, and toll charges for Electric Vehicles. Some states have even provided land at concessional rates to set up charging infrastructure, creating a favourable environment for EVs to thrive.
Skill Gaps and Curriculum Analysis
While the government has made giant strides in addressing EV-related issues such as battery life and charging infrastructure, a major issue that needs attention is the lack of a skilled workforce that can design, develop, and test EVs built on new-age, sophisticated systems. As the EV industry continues to grow, the demand for engineers with cross-disciplinary knowledge in mechanical engineering, electricals, and electronics is becoming increasingly important. However, the automotive sector currently lacks the necessary niche skills to work in the EV segment, which may lead to manufacturers having to hire from other industries such as software, aerospace, and consumer electronics where personnel are familiar with the role of connectivity and AI-enabled technology in the workings of machines.
To bridge the gap between demand and supply, the root cause of the issue needs to be addressed by updating course curriculums to align with the requirements of the EV industry. Mechatronics, a technology that combines electronics and mechanical engineering, is becoming increasingly important in the EV industry. As a multidisciplinary branch of engineering, mechatronics engineers specialise in creating smarter yet simpler systems by combining mechanics, electronics, and computing.
While mechatronics has been taught in American universities since the 1990s, India has been slow to adopt this new age speciality. As the country moves forward in its EV journey, multi-domain engineering specialists will need to manage mechanical motors while understanding the electronics driving them and the smart software controlling the same. To meet this need, educational institutions, universities, and industrial training institutes will need to revise their curriculums to include more focus on EV technology.
Fig 2: Production of electric Rivian R1T pickup trucks on April 11, 2022 at the company’s plant in Normal, Ill. Michael Wayland / CNBC
The Need for EV Skills Development
As the EV industry undergoes continuous evolution, the demand for skilled professionals is also on the rise. Skill development is crucial for the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry, providing the workforce with the expertise needed to address complex challenges. This is especially important as skill development in the EV sector creates new job opportunities and meets the demands of a rapidly growing industry. However, the current curriculum in India's engineering institutes may not sufficiently cover the specific skills required for designing, manufacturing, and maintaining electric vehicles. To bridge this gap, Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) under the aegis of MSDE, has taken proactive measures to equip India's automotive workforce with EV infrastructure knowledge.
Skill Development Program for E-Mobility
In order to address the skill gap in the e-mobility industry, various skill development programs and initiatives have been launched. These programs and initiatives are aimed at providing training and certification for individuals in various e-mobility-related roles such as EV technicians, charging infrastructure technicians, and service managers etc. The government has implemented an initiative to establish ASDC, approved by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), which aims to continually develop, and upgrade automotive skills for higher value additions. ASDC is also providing various EV courses in collaboration with leading industry players through both online and offline channels.
In addition to government-led initiatives, private companies and organisations are also working to improve the availability of skill development programs. For example, Tata Motors has launched a program to train and certify technicians in the maintenance and repair of EVs. Similarly, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has launched a program to train individuals in the installation and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure. These programs are designed to provide hands-on training in the real-world scenarios and to prepare the trainees for the job market.
Apart from this, several institutions such as IITs in Delhi, Roorkee and Kharagpur, and UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies) are offering courses and research facilities for EVs. Short courses and EV training are also available through NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning), which is an initiative of the IITs and IISC.
Fig 3: Battery recycling could address challenges of the lack of availability of lithium in India (BLOOMBERG)
Program and initiative from ASDC for EV Industry
ASDC is a council that is primarily focused on skilling, upskilling and re-skilling the workforce for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. ASDC has initiated various programs and collaborations with industry manufacturers, training partners, and academic institutions to upgrade the skills of the workforce. The council's strategy involves creating qualifications and curricula using National Occupation Standards (NOS), which are formally approved by the National Skill Qualifications Committee under NCVET.
ASDC provides a comprehensive range of training programs within the EV industry, covering manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and charging infrastructure. Through meticulously designed courses and Qualification Packs (QPs) such as EV Assembly Operator, EV Assembly Technician, EV Maintenance Technician, EV Quality Control Inspector, EV Service Assistant, EV Service Technician, EV Service Lead Technician, EV Test Engineer, and EV Product Design Engineer, ASDC equips individuals with hands-on training and practical experience. This comprehensive approach not only hones their technical skills but also instils vital soft skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
ASDC's initiatives include the Electric Mobility Nanodegree Programme, a six-month program in collaboration with DIYguru, for individuals with an engineering or diploma background, and the Dakshta training program, in partnership with Autobot India and MG Motor, focusing on AI (artificial intelligence) and EVs. Autobot Academy has also introduced a program called 'EV Engineering: Architecture and Components,' future-proofing job seekers in the EV technology sector.
ASDC's commitment to staying current with industry advancements ensures their curriculum remains relevant and equips workers with the latest skills. In addition, Toyota Kirloskar Motor launched ‘xEV SHIKSHA' with ASDC to create awareness about electrified vehicle technologies, benefits to customers, and the environment.
Another area of focus for ASDC is training drivers for electric buses in urban environments. The workforce has to be upskilled on safety norms related to electric vehicles and its devices. With Castrol India and several other partners, ASDC started a program to upgrade the skills of the existing workforce in the automotive industry.
In addition to creating jobs and improving the quality of EVs, skill development is also important for the expansion of the EV infrastructure. The installation and maintenance of charging stations, battery storage systems, and other components of the EV infrastructure require skilled workers. Skilled professionals can ensure that these components are installed and maintained correctly, reducing downtime and ensuring the smooth operation of the infrastructure.
Conclusion
The EV industry in India represents far more than a mere mode of transportation; it symbolises a voyage into the future. With the unwavering support of organisations like ASDC, an array of career opportunities is accessible across diverse domains. As the world charts a course towards cleaner and sustainable mobility solutions, the Indian EV industry stands at the forefront of innovation and change, poised to shape the future of transportation while propelling your career towards unprecedented horizons. Embrace the electric evolution; your future in India's EV industry awaits with open arms.
Vinkesh Gulati, is the Vice President of Automotive Skills Development Council
