India is undergoing a profound energy transformation, focusing on sustainability and green energy as crucial components of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions and embrace cleaner alternatives. While significant progress has been made in enhancing energy accessibility for the population, the journey toward a fully sustainable future requires ongoing improvements in energy infrastructure and the diversification of fuel sources. As part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, India aims to meet 50 per cent of its energy needs through renewable sources by 2030 and seeks to cut carbon emissions by one billion tonnes. A pivotal aspect of this transformation is the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), which play an essential role in decarbonising the transportation sector. The integration of EVs into the broader energy strategy highlights the connection between sustainable energy and clean transportation, creating a cohesive approach to addressing climate change.
Key Government Schemes Supporting Electric Vehicle Adoption
The EV market is projected to grow at an impressive annual rate of 45-50 per cent, potentially reaching a market value of Rs 20 trillion by 2030. To facilitate this growth, the Indian government has introduced several initiatives, particularly the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) schemes, which are crucial for promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. These initiatives set ambitious targets, including electrifying 70 per cent of commercial vehicles, 30 per cent of private cars, and 80 per cent of two- and three-wheelers by 2030. A key component of this strategy is the recently introduced Rs 10,900 crore PM E-Drive subsidy scheme, which has successfully supported over 1.6 million EV purchases since its inception in 2015. Additionally, the allocation of Rs 2,000 crore to establish a nationwide fast-charging network is essential for ensuring that the infrastructure keeps pace with the growing demand for EVs, enhancing accessibility and convenience for users.
However, this ambitious transition to electric vehicles requires more than just supportive policies; it needs a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of this rapidly changing sector. Estimates indicate that over 200,000 skilled workers will be needed by 2030, particularly in technology, manufacturing, and after-sales services. This significant skills gap emphasises the importance of aligning education and training programs with industry needs to ensure the success of India’s EV revolution. Creating partnerships between educational institutions and industry players can help develop targeted training programs that equip individuals with the necessary skills. Furthermore, investing in research and development will be vital in driving innovation and sustainability in the EV sector.
Rising Talent Gap
To remain competitive on the global stage, India must focus on skilling and upskilling its workforce to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) sector. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), India will need between 100,000 and 200,000 skilled professionals by 2030 to achieve the government’s target of 30 per cent EV adoption. The industry’s annual intake of EV-ready workers must increase from 15,000 to 30,000 to keep up with the sector’s exponential growth. However, a 40-45 per cent skills deficit presents a significant challenge that needs immediate attention.
With the establishment of 60 new research and development (R&D) centres and a complete overhaul of training curricula, closing this skills gap is more critical than ever. The EV sector promises substantial employment opportunities, potentially creating up to 10 million direct jobs and 50 million indirect jobs by 2030. These roles will span the entire EV value chain, including manufacturing, assembly, after-sales services, repair, and charging infrastructure development. There will be high demand for technical roles such as battery engineers, power electronics specialists, and EV software developers, as well as expertise in battery chemistry, electrochemical engineering, and AI-based data analysis. Additionally, soft skills like adaptability and continuous learning are becoming increasingly valuable in this evolving sector. To successfully close this talent gap, significant investments in skilling initiatives, apprenticeships, and curriculum modernisation are essential to prepare India’s workforce for a future driven by electric vehicles.
Apprenticeships: Paving the Path for EV Talent Development
Apprenticeships have emerged as a crucial strategy to tackle the growing skills gap in India’s fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) sector. As the industry expands, the demand for a highly skilled workforce with both technical knowledge and practical experience becomes increasingly critical. At TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, we are dedicated to addressing this gap by training approximately 3,000 to 4,000 apprentices currently collaborating with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Our apprenticeship programs encompass the entire EV value chain, including manufacturing, assembly, after-sales services, repair, and maintenance. This comprehensive approach ensures that apprentices are well-equipped for specialised roles in essential areas such as electric powertrain technology, battery systems, and the necessary infrastructure for EV charging. By offering targeted, role-specific training, we empower these individuals to develop the skills required to excel in a sector marked by rapid innovation and transformation.
Furthermore, our efforts are bolstered by strategic collaborations with leading educational institutions and sector skill councils, such as the Electronics and Power SSCs and the Automotive Skills Development Council. Through these alliances, we develop tailored Work-Integrated Learning Programs (WILPs) specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the EV industry. These programs integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, offering apprentices hands-on training and recognised qualifications in the form of certificates and diplomas from bodies like the National Occupational Skills Standards (NOSS) and PACTS. This structured approach ensures that our apprentices possess a robust understanding of essential areas, including vehicle design, manufacturing processes, and maintenance protocols, enabling them to excel in a competitive market that demands adaptability and expertise. At TeamLease, we stand at the forefront of this initiative, merging academic learning with real-world experience to equip apprentices with the skills needed for the rapidly advancing EV sector; by prioritising industry relevance and career progression, we are shaping the future workforce to meet the demands of this sector.
