Skills Shortage Roadblock For India's EV Charging Infrastructure Expanion: MBRDI–TERI

A new whitepaper released on Friday by Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) highlighted the urgent need for specialised technical expertise to support the country's rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging network.

The joint report detailed the workforce requirements for India's EV charging sector. The whitepaper is the first comprehensive assessment of its kind in the Indian market. It emphasises that successful EV infrastructure development extends far beyond physical installations, requiring significant investment in human capital and technical expertise.

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"Sustainability goes beyond technology; it is about people. With Future-In-Charge, we are not only bridging the skills gap but also tackling the systemic barriers to bringing about a holistic change in the EV skilling and infrastructure landscape. By partnering with TERI to equip young professionals with future-ready skills in areas like smart grid integration and IoT, we see this as a foundational investment in India's future and a model that can inspire similar initiatives worldwide," Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, MBRDI, said in a statement.

Technical Competencies Identified For EV Charging Sector

The whitepaper outlines several crucial areas where specialised knowledge is required, including electrical engineering expertise, power electronics proficiency, cybersecurity protocols, renewable energy system integration, and comprehensive consumer safety measures.

The research advocates for coordinated efforts among government agencies, educational institutions, and private sector organisations to address these workforce challenges.

TERI Emphasises Clean Mobility Workforce Importance

"With India accelerating its shift towards clean mobility, building a skilled workforce in EV charging infrastructure is crucial. Future-In-Charge, a joint initiative of TERI and MBRDI, is a forward-looking step to bridge industry needs with youth talent. By providing NCVET-approved training aligned with the latest technological standards, we aim to empower the next generation of professionals to lead India's green jobs in the clean mobility journey with expertise and confidence," said Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI.

Recommendations For National Skills Development

The whitepaper further outlines specific measures for addressing the workforce shortage, including specialised training programme development, standardised certification protocols, and targeted educational curricula focused on EV charging technologies. 

Additionally, the report advocates for establishing a nationwide skills development framework that supports India's clean mobility goals.

As electric vehicle adoption picks pace across India, the whitepaper also says that thousands of qualified technical professionals will be required to maintain dependable charging infrastructure while advancing the nation's carbon reduction initiatives.