How to Make a Career in the Electric Vehicle Industry

The electric vehicle (EV) industry has taken the automotive industry by storm and is garnering a lot of attention as the poster child against climate change. World over, governments, policymakers and the general public have been vociferously advocating for EVs and against traditional fuel vehicles. The EV sector in India is buzzing with excitement since there are a lot of investments in this space and consequently, the number of job opportunities in the industry are also growing exponentially. 

What is an EV?

As the name suggests, these vehicles are powered by electricity. EVs do not use combustion engines, instead they use electric motors to power the vehicle. The electricity is from an external source such as a battery or a plugged-in charger rather than burning fuel. EVs are preferred because they have zero emissions and are a boon from the environment point of view. The most common type of EV is the battery electric vehicle or BEV. It uses a large battery to store electricity and power the motor instead of fossil fuel. EVs can travel significant distances with just one charge. 

The electric vehicle industry in India is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 43.13% between 2020 and 2027, according to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.

Opportunities in the EV sector

The government gives the EV industry a lot of subsidies making these vehicles very affordable for customers. Resultantly, the EV sector is growing at a very fast pace. The EV space is looking for engineers from different streams and the current talent supply is inadequate since there is a short supply of people with the right skills. Generally, professionals with skills in electrical, chemical, electronics and embedded software engineers is what the industry is looking for. Based on these requirements, a new field called mechatronics engineering is gaining popularity when it comes to hiring new talent for the EV industry. 

A good way to get opportunities in the EV industry is to build projects relevant to the industry, get internships, do research projects and teach fellowships to improve your skills. Good knowledge of electrical engineering, automotive mechanics, a good grip over computer programming, understanding of battery technology, software engineering and data analysis will all be very useful to get a job in this industry. 

If you are keen to get into this industry, get the right education and gain some work experience by working on projects for EV companies. Developing the specialized skills required for this industry and networking and building relationships with people in relevant places will also help you. To get into the industry, you could be in engineering and design, manufacturing, sales and  marketing, research and development or even in finance and business. The industry needs people from all fields.

Making a shift to the EV industry

Making a shift for a career in the electric vehicle industry will require you to acquire or develop specific hard skills, soft skills, and industry knowledge. Here are some changes you may need to make in each of these areas:

Hard Skills:

1. Knowledge of Electric Vehicle Technology: To work in the electric vehicle industry, you will need to have a thorough understanding of electric vehicle technology, including battery chemistry, motor design, power electronics, and charging infrastructure.
2. Software and Programming Skills: Many electric vehicles rely on complex software and computer systems to function correctly. Therefore, having a good understanding of programming languages like C++, Java, Python, and MATLAB can be an asset in this industry.
3. Design and Engineering Skills: Design and engineering skills are essential to creating and developing electric vehicles that are efficient, reliable, and safe. Knowledge of AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and other computer-aided design tools can be valuable in this field.

Soft Skills:

1. Problem-Solving Skills: Electric vehicle technology is continually evolving, so you will need to have excellent problem-solving skills to adapt to new challenges and find innovative solutions.
2. Communication Skills: Working in the electric vehicle industry involves collaborating with a diverse group of professionals, including engineers, designers, and business leaders. Therefore, excellent communication skills are critical to ensure successful teamwork.
3. Adaptability: The electric vehicle industry is evolving rapidly, and you must be adaptable to change to stay ahead of the competition.

Industry Knowledge:

1. Understanding of Government Regulations: The electric vehicle industry is heavily influenced by government regulations and incentives. Therefore, you must understand regulations governing electric vehicles and how they affect the industry.
2. Knowledge of Electric Vehicle Markets: A good understanding of the electric vehicle market can help you identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
3. Industry Trends: Keeping up with the latest trends and innovations in the electric vehicle industry can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Building a career

Once you have entered the industry, keep abreast of everything happening and practice whatever you have learnt. Update your skills regularly and bring it up to industry standards. Join courses and update your fundamentals. According to analysts, EVs will see a continued infusion of technological innovation and new business models which also increase the job opportunities in the field. The EV industry is growing at a breath-taking pace and if you have the right skills and mindset, you could be a part of an industry that is ushering in the next phase of human travel!

Conclusion

EVs are becoming increasingly popular and are in demand due to their environmental benefits and improved performance. Technological advancements are making EVs more popular, affordable, efficient and user-friendly. As EVs are becoming more popular, more charging stations are coming up which is making EVs more feasible. With so much growth happening, the job opportunities in the EV space are all set to grow making it one of the hottest industries in the talent market.