The Indian electric vehicle market is transitioning, and by 2030, the forecast is that it will account for 30% of the sales of new vehicles.

The technology drive creates 10 million direct jobs and 50 million indirect ones in manufacturing, infrastructure, and service divisions. Nonetheless, an approximately forty to forty-five percent skill gap is a significant obstacle to the shift, so the workforce needs to be upskilled before anything else.

The Changing EV Landscape in India

The report stated a spectacular 49% compound annual growth of the India EV sector between 2022-2030, and by market volume, it will be valued at $113.99 billion in 2029. The meteoric rise is only attributable to the policies by the government, the increase in the price of fossil fuels, and the surging desire of the people for green choices. So, this should be rewritten in a stylish text. Key factors driving this expansion include:

• FAME II Scheme: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME II) scheme is a USD 1.3-billion pilot project dedicated to stimulating e-mobility through incentives for battery-operated vehicles and supporting infrastructure by rolling out a total of 20,000 e-buses in Phase 3 of the scheme from 2024 to 2027. (Source: Ministry of Heavy Industries)
• PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery: The government has allocated ₹18,100 crore for the financial year from April 2021 to 2024 to promote domestic battery manufacturing. (Source: NITI Aayog).
• EV Sales Growth: In 2022, India's EV usage saw a 155% jump year on year, making the country one of the fastest adopters of electric mobility. Two-wheelers and three-wheelers were the key drivers (Source: VAHAN Dashboard).

The Skill Gap Challenge

However, despite the high growth, the industry faces a shortage of skilled professionals in areas including (but not limited to) battery technology, charging infrastructure, and power electronics. The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) report shows that:

• Only 20-25% of the workforce has EV-related expertise.
• Battery technology, charging station management, and software development will boost the number of skilled workers in EV manufacturing to over 1 million by 2030, up from 2025.
• Battery manufacturing itself will require 200,000 skilled professionals by 2025. (Source: ASDC).

Strategies to Bridge the Skill Gap

• Strengthening Education and Vocational Training
  Less than 10% of Indian universities offer specialized Electric Vehicle (EV) training courses. To address this gap, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is actively working to integrate EV modules into over 300 engineering colleges by 2025. Additionally, under the Skill India Mission, the government has set a goal to train 500,000 professionals in EV-related skills by the same year.
• Promote Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training
  The government has allocated ₹3,000 crores under NAPS to support EV apprenticeships, providing hands-on experience for engineers. Automakers like Tata Motors and Mahindra Electric partner with IITs and NITs to develop specialized e-mobility courses.
• Renewal of R&D and Technology Innovation
  India's EV industry is set for a tenfold surge in battery demand, driving ₹5,000 crore in R&D investment over five years. Under the PLI scheme, ₹26,000 crore is allocated to boost domestic EV component manufacturing, supporting the 'Make in India' initiative, per the DPIIT.
• Leveraging Global Best Practices
  China, which produces 60% of global EVs, uses a dual-training model blending classroom and practical learning. Germany's Meister system has trained 1.5 million EV professionals in a decade. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India's MoU with Japan focuses on skill development in battery recycling and vehicle automation.
• Strengthening Collaboration Between Government and Industry
  Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are driving EV skill development in India, with companies like BUD and MG Motors setting up training hubs in collaboration with the government. States such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat support this through EV policies with targeted skill development incentives.

How 2COMS Empowers Staffing in India's EV Industry?

• Pioneers in EV Staffing – Among the first to provide workforce solutions for India's EV industry.
• Robust Recruitment Framework – Expertise in identifying, training, and deploying skilled professionals for the automotive sector.
• Strong Industry Collaborations – Partnerships with major EV manufacturers and training institutions for a job-ready workforce.
• Workforce Strategy & Recruitment Campaigns – Implementing targeted hiring strategies for seamless EV transition.
• Comprehensive Retraining Programs – Upskilling solutions to enhance operational efficiency in the EV ecosystem.
• Future-Ready Talent Development – Helping businesses gain a competitive edge with an industry-dependent workforce.

Implications for Business Leaders

Job relocation and continuous upskilling are two major tasks that automotive companies need to look into when they move toward the electric vehicle segment.:

• Talent Acquisition and Retention: With EV job demand growing at 40% annually, companies must provide competitive compensation and continuous learning opportunities.
• Strategic Workforce Planning: Businesses must assess skill gaps and implement upskilling programs to stay competitive.
• Automation and AI Integration: While AI-driven assembly lines reduce workforce dependency by 25%, trained personnel will still be required for advanced manufacturing roles.
• CSR and Government Incentives: Investing in skill development qualifies businesses for government grants and subsidies.

Conclusion

India’s shift to electric mobility is not just an industrial evolution—it’s a workforce transformation. Bridging the 40-45% skill gap requires a multi-pronged approach, integrating education reform, vocational training, industry collaboration, and global best practices. Businesses must take proactive leadership to seize the $113 billion EV market opportunity. Future-proof your workforce for the EV era. Connect with 2COMS to design your talent roadmap today.