India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector is growing rapidly, with an aim of 30% EV penetration by 2030. However, a major skills gap and overall shortage of skilled workers might impede progress. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) notes that to meet the government’s ambitious target of 30% EV penetration by 2030, in addition to deploying significant resources to meet the gap, it will require 100,000 to 200,000 skilled workers in the sector by 2030. To meet the skills gap, various solutions must work with the education system, cooperate with industry, and coordinate with government.
1. Industry-Academia Partnerships
EV Industry-Academia partnerships are an essential underpinning of developing a skilled workforce within the EV space. Kia Motors India, for example, recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati (IIT-T), to promote engineering excellence, research-informed innovation, and creating future talent in automotive and industrial engineering. Kia is investing ₹35 crore over five years (2025-2029) in partnership to develop their academic infrastructure, research capacity, and student engagement. Internship with Pre-Placement Offers (i.e., PPOs) were key components of the collaboration, as well as Scholarships for M. Tech students – based on merit and financial need. They also decided to invest funds to build their own state’s newest ‘Makers Laboratory’ to promote cross disciplinary thinking and prototyping development.
2. Centers of Excellence (CoEs)
Centres of Excellence (CoEs) can provide focused training and research opportunities. L&T EduTech has launched a Centre of Excellence for EVs, which develops and promotes state-of-the-art training, skill development, and capabilities, and partners with industry players to advance India’s e-mobility market.These centres allow students to actually gain hands on experience with various EV technologies, translating theory into practice and simultaneously developing skills aligned with their educational goals.
3. Government Skill Development Initiatives
The Indian government has announced many programs to improve skill development in the EV space. In the Union Budget 2025, The government allocated ₹3,000 crore to strengthen Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) where vocational training takes place and supplies a skilled workforce. The Skill India Digital platform has updated its vocational education and training program by introducing EV-related modules so that students have the latest skills relevant to industry and job opportunities.
4. Vocational Training and ITI Upgradation
In order to provide the workforce with the necessary EV skills improving vocational training institutes. The Centre and Uttar Pradesh have made strides to promote skill development through a ₹60,000 crore programme to upgrade ITIs over the coming five years with a focus on training more than 20 lakh youths. This initiative will focus upgrading facilities and programmes to meet the increasing demand from the EV industry.
5. Private Sector Training Programs
Private organisations are also partners in skill development. Schneider Electric India Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Andhra Pradesh, to develop industry-relevant skills among youth across the state. The partnership will develop the skills development asset infrastructure by establishing 20 technology focused training laboratories at government ITIs, polytechnic colleges, and NAC training centres.
6. Global Collaborations
Developing skills through knowledge transfer is possible through international collaboration. Mentor to Impact established an entirely new project with worldwide partners to improve competencies and skills in the electric vehicle sector in India. These global collaborations introduce best practices and modern technology to Indian training programs.
7. Skills Development Events and Competitions
Events and competitions produce interest and creativity in the EV industry through engagement. Srijan programme was a two-day innovation, research, and entrepreneurship programme at Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) in Bhopal that highlighted award-winning inventions like wireless charging devices for EVs. Events like these encourage students and professionals to become aware of emerging EV technologies.
8. Customised Training Modules
It is important to offer a range of customised training courses that meet the requirements of the electric vehicle sector. The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) is currently soliciting submissions for the National Automobile Olympiad project as a way to enhance how EV apprentices in the automotive sector are assessed. These modules focus on unique skill sets in EV manufacture, maintenance and servicing.
9. Digital Learning Platforms
Utilising digital or online platforms will also ensure increased access to EV education. L&T EduTech offers a wide range of forward-thinking assessment solutions designed to create value for students, educational institutions and employment organizations, such as online courses, certifications in EV technologies etc. For students in many locations, digital or online platforms will allow competency in EV related activities to be achieved remotely.
10. Focus on Next-Gen Technologies
Incorporating future technologies into education and training keeps the workforce “future-fit.” The upcoming Indian EV Show 2025 in June will highlight the key skills needed for the future EV workforce as well as the need for education-industry partnership in upskilling the current workforce and creating new talent. The future technologies of battery technology, power electronics, and smart charging infrastructure are critical.
Conclusion
Closing the skill gap in India’s EV industry will require a joint commitment between industry, academia, and government. With the measures put forth, India can develop the skilled workforce that will move the EV revolution forward. With proper training programs, partnerships outside the country, and digital learning platforms, we can achieve the ambitious targets for EV adoptions in the country.