Employment Trends In EV Sector For 2024

Employment Trends In EV Sector For 2024: The electric vehicle (EV sector) scene in India is at a turning point, gearing up for massive growth. The Indian government is taking the driver’s seat, steering initiatives to boost the electric mobility scene. Not only are big players making their moves, but startups are acing the game with inventive business models, attracting significant investments.

The road ahead for electric vehicles (EVs) in India holds great promise. The Indian government has an ambitious plan – aiming for 30% of all vehicles on Indian roads to be electric by 2030. For the same, the government has rolled out impactful initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric vehicles (FAME) scheme.

Driven by increasing demand for EVs, the sector is witnessing increased hiring and employment trends. There has been significant growth in employment in the EV sector. The average growth in employee numbers stands at a massive 108% over the last two years. In the short term, i.e., 1 year and six months, the growth is 35% and 13% respectively.

Here are the employment trends for the EV sector –

1. Strengthening Executive Prowess : One noteworthy trend currently steering the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry involves a concerted effort by manufacturers to fortify their top-level leadership teams. Recognising the critical role leadership plays in navigating the evolving landscape of electric mobility, companies are strategically appointing seasoned professionals with substantial expertise.

In recent months, a discernible uptick has been observed in the hiring initiatives of EV companies, aligning with their overarching business strategies and future vision. These strategic top-level recruitments are integral components of companies’ plans to bolster their organisational structure and leadership prowess.

This trend highlights the industry’s commitment not only to technological innovation but also to cultivating a leadership cadre capable of propelling the sector’s sustained growth.

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2. Skill development in the EV sector: There is now increased focus on skill development and up-skilling as well. Employers are looking for people to have an understanding of sustainability and emerging technologies. Recognizing the need to meet the surging demand for EVs, companies are keenly focusing on honing technical and specialized skills.

Renowned institutions like the IITs in Delhi, Roorkee, and Kharagpur, alongside UPES (University of Petroleum and Energy Studies), have joined the EV education drive. These institutions are not merely offering courses but also providing cutting-edge research facilities dedicated to the electric vehicle sector.

3. Industry-Academia partnerships in the EV sector: Establishing robust academic-industry partnerships to foster a talent pool with the practical learning experience of working on the product is also shaping the employment trends for 2024. Adding another layer to this educational revolution, NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning), an initiative led by the IITs and IISC, is stepping up with its own suite of EV programs. This concerted effort to enhance skills at both professional and academic levels reflects the industry’s commitment to preparing a workforce that can steer the EV revolution with proficiency and innovation.

In essence, the electric vehicle industry is not only transforming how we move but is also sparking a revolution in education, ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is well-versed in the intricacies of EV technology. This emphasis on skill development is a testament to the industry’s dedication to staying ahead in the fast-paced EV race.

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4. Increased Women’s participation in the EV sector: India’s EV industry is seeing many women in the leadership positions. The sector is now witnessing a welcome change with more women assuming key positions. This evolution reflects a broader societal shift towards inclusivity and gender diversity. Notable figures in leadership roles are making significant contributions to the growth and development of the EV industry. The increasing presence of women in decision-making roles brings diverse perspectives and skills to the table, fostering innovation and a more inclusive work environment.

As per a report by CIEL WORKS, EV manufacturers are making some strategic mid level recruitments in keeping with their business vision. 41% of the job postings are for Associate level, followed closely by Mid-Senior level at 34% and 21% of the job posting are in the entry level.

Bengaluru stands out as the primary hub for electric vehicle (EV) talent, hosting a significant 62% of job postings in this field. Delhi NCR accounts for 12%, Pune at 9%, Coimbatore at 6%, and Chennai at 3%.

The auto industry is likely to largely require in- person physical presence on premises, with only 12 per cent of the jobs in this sector expected to continue remotely, and 8% in the hybrid mode.

Companies today are looking at hiring technical and specialised talent with emphasis in areas like AI, big data & analytics, app development, cyber defence and IoT.

By K. Vijaya Kuma, MD & CEO, Lectrix EV

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