India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is on track to employ 200,000 professionals by 2030, according to projections by industry experts and government bodies. This growth aligns with the nation’s goal to reduce carbon emissions by one billion tonnes and achieve net-zero targets by 2070. Central to this vision is the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI), which offers reduced customs duties (15% vs. 70%) for global carmakers committing to local manufacturing investments of at least ₹4,150 crore. The policy aims to attract foreign players like Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai while strengthening domestic production under the “Make in India” initiative.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) estimates that 30% EV adoption by 2030 will require 2 lakh skilled workers, with an annual addition of 30,000 professionals—double the current rate. This push is critical for localizing EV component manufacturing, which demands a ₹13,552 crore investment in workforce training and hiring.
Skill Gap Emerges as Key Challenge:
Despite the projected job boom, the industry faces a significant skill gap. Only 30% of technical competencies in EVs overlap with traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, necessitating fresh skilling for roles in battery management, thermal engineering, and charging infrastructure design. A study by SIAM highlights that 43% of EV-specific skills require entirely new training, particularly in advanced domains like battery chemistry and electric propulsion systems.
The lack of EV-focused academic courses exacerbates the challenge. While institutions like IITs and UPES have introduced specialized programs, most engineering curricula remain ICE-centric. Companies like Tata Motors and Hero Electric are addressing this through in-house training and partnerships with organizations like the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC). For instance, Delhi’s EV Mechanics Training Programme, launched in collaboration with DSEU and Hero Electric, combines theoretical and practical modules to create a skilled technician workforce.
Training Initiatives Bridge the Divide:
To meet the 2030 targets, public and private stakeholders are rolling out large-scale skilling initiatives. ASDC offers certification programs in EV manufacturing, maintenance, and charging infrastructure, while NPTEL provides online courses on EV technology7. State-led efforts, such as Delhi’s ambition to become India’s EV capital, include internships and hands-on training for students.
Private players are equally proactive. Tata Motors certifies technicians in EV maintenance, while Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) trains professionals in installing charging stations. Startups like Ather Energy and Ola Electric are partnering with ITIs to design industry-aligned curricula, ensuring a pipeline of job-ready talent. These efforts aim to address the demand for roles such as battery engineers, data scientists, and ADAS specialists, which currently see a 110% annual growth in hiring.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects:
The EV sector’s expansion is reshaping India’s economy. In 2023, the industry contributed $53.6 billion to GDP, with projections suggesting a $113.99 billion market by 2029. Direct employment in manufacturing, R&D, and sales is expected to reach 5 million jobs, while indirect roles in tourism, logistics, and component supply chains could add 30 million positions. States like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, housing major EV hubs, are witnessing a surge in investments, with ₹20 trillion projected for the sector by 2030.
The focus on sustainability is also driving innovation. India plans to begin Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production by 2026 and aims to capture a $4 billion share of the global MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) market by 2031. With 356 domestic EV manufacturers and 1,240 dealerships operational, the ecosystem is poised to support 14.8 million EV sales by 2030—a 2,218% jump from 2020.
Conclusion:
India’s EV industry stands at the cusp of a transformative decade, with 200,000 professionals expected to drive its growth by 2030. While challenges like skill gaps and infrastructure development persist, collaborative efforts between the government, academia, and private sector are laying the groundwork for a robust, future-ready workforce. As the nation accelerates toward its net-zero goals, the EV sector promises not only environmental benefits but also unprecedented economic opportunities, positioning India as a global leader in green mobility.
