India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is on a meteoric rise, growing at an annual rate of 94%, nearly three times the global average. With projections estimating India’s EV market to reach $150 billion by 2030, it’s clear that the nation is rapidly embracing sustainable mobility. However, this transition is not without its challenges, particularly when it comes to repair and maintenance—a critical component of a sustainable EV ecosystem.
The Urgency for Skilling
- India sold 1.17 million EVs in 2023, up from just 300,000 in 2020, a 4x increase in three years.
- The EV workforce demand is projected to grow by 24% annually, reaching 1.25 million by 2030.
- Globally, the EV repair market is valued at $18 billion and is expected to grow by 8% CAGR, highlighting the economic opportunities in skilling.
A report by the Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) estimates that by 2025, India will require at least 500,000 EV-specific skilled professionals to meet market demands. EVs differ fundamentally from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, relying heavily on advanced electronics such as battery management systems, semiconductors, and electric motors.India faces several challenges in this regard –
- Lack of Expertise: India has over 1 million traditional mechanics, but only a fraction are trained to handle EVs.
- Safety Risks: High-voltage systems in EVs require specialised training to avoid accidents, posing risks for unskilled mechanics.
- Cost Barriers: Dependence on authorised service centres often leads to higher repair costs, deterring consumers from switching to EVs.
- Accessibility: Tier-2 and tier-3 cities face significant gaps in EV repair infrastructure, limiting adoption in non-metro regions.
Bridging the Gap
Semiconductors are at the heart of EVs, powering systems such as powertrains, battery management, and sensors. Recognising this, India has launched a $10 billion Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost local semiconductor manufacturing. However, the growth of this sector must be matched with a skilled workforce capable of integrating and maintaining these technologies.
Currently, India imports 92% of its semiconductors, highlighting a heavy dependency on global supply chains. As the EV industry scales, this reliance could create bottlenecks. Skilling programs focused on semiconductors and electronics will not only strengthen the EV repair ecosystem but also reduce India’s import dependency.
To bridge the skill gap in EV repair and maintenance, India must act swiftly on –
- Battery Technology Training: Lithium-ion batteries are the most expensive EV component, accounting for 40%-50% of the vehicle cost. Specialized training in battery diagnostics, repair, and recycling can reduce costs and improve sustainability.
- Electronic Systems Expertise:EVs rely on systems like regenerative braking and power electronics, which are vastly different from ICE vehicles. Training in these systems can empower local mechanics to take on EV repairs.
- Software and IoT Skills:Modern EVs are essentially “computers on wheels,” with over 100 million lines of code in some models.Familiarity with diagnostics, over-the-air updates, and telematics systems is essential for technicians.
- Safety Protocols:Handling high-voltage batteries and electric drivetrains requires adherence to strict safety standards, reducing risks to technicians and consumers alike.
Building a Self-Reliant EV Ecosystem
The shift to EVs represents not just a technological advancement but also a societal transformation. Skilling programs focusing on EV repair and semiconductor technology are critical to ensure that India’s workforce is ready to meet the demands of this new era.
Collaboration between the government, private sector, and educational institutions will be key. From launching EV skilling modules in ITIs to partnering with manufacturers for real-world training, India must create an ecosystem where skilled labour drives the EV revolution forward.
The question is no longer if India can lead the EV transition but whether it can empower its workforce to sustain it. Let’s ensure that the mechanics and technicians who have supported us for decades are not left behind but instead become pioneers of India’s green mobility journey.
