Indian EV industry to have demand for 200,000 skilled workers: ET report
The EV market is poised to become a ₹20 trillion business by 2030, with an anticipated 45–50% annual growth rate, solidifying its place as a key component of sustainable mobility.
Thu, 6 Feb 2025
Green energy and sustainability are transforming India's energy transition and bringing in a new era focused on cutting carbon emissions and switching to cleaner, more sustainable options. Even while the country has achieved incredible progress in expanding access to energy, India must keep improving its energy infrastructure and diversifying its fuel sources if it hopes to have a truly sustainable future, a report by the Economic Times said.
As part of India’s ambitious commitment to attain net zero emissions by 2070, the country plans to decrease its expected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030 and meet 50% of its energy demands from renewable sources. Moreover, a different approach to ensuring India's future economic and environmental prosperity is this crucial green transition in this vision.
The Indian automotive industry is poised for a significant transformation as it aligns with the government's vision of achieving 30% electric vehicle (EV) adoption by 2030. This ambitious target underscores the need for a substantial influx of skilled professionals across various sectors within the EV ecosystem.
Projected Demand for Skilled Workforce
According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the industry will require up to 200,000 skilled individuals by 2030 to meet the government's EV adoption goals. This demand spans a wide range of roles, from technicians in manufacturing and testing to PhD-level scientists and engineers in research and development. The talent requirements encompass multiple disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, chemical, and electronics engineering.
Investment in Talent Development
To bridge the existing skill gap, a total investment of approximately ₹13,552 crore is anticipated for hiring and training the necessary workforce. This includes an estimated ₹7,671 crore allocated for hiring and ₹5,881 crore for training initiatives. The SIAM EV Skill Gap Study highlights that 43% of technical competencies between internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs have minimal overlap, necessitating fresh skilling of talent. Conversely, 27% of competencies have a high overlap, which may require re-skilling of existing personnel.
Strategic Focus Areas
Industry leaders emphasize the need for specialized domain skills in areas such as battery technology, power electronics, and motor design. Vinod Aggarwal, President of SIAM and MD & CEO of Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles Ltd., stated, "To keep the pace of global trends and make our auto industry a globally competitive industry, there is an urgent need that our workforce be equipped with new skills by upskilling, reskilling, and skilling them."
Path Forward
Addressing this skill gap is crucial for the sustainable growth of the EV ecosystem in India. It calls for collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and government bodies to develop comprehensive training programs and curricula that cater to the evolving demands of the EV sector. By investing in human capital, India can position itself as a leader in the global transition towards sustainable mobility.