The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) hosted a crucial workshop in New Delhi under its विद्युतीकरण (Electrification) initiative. Themed 'Charging Ahead – Empowering an EV-Ready Workforce in India’s Automobile Sector,' the event focused on identifying and addressing the skill gaps in India's rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) sector. In his first public appreance, H D Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, and other industry leaders shared their insights on the critical need for a skilled workforce to support the growing EV industry.
During the event, SIAM unveiled a comprehensive report titled ‘SIAM EV Talent Landscape in India: Bridging the Skill Gap for 2030’. Prepared in collaboration with Deloitte, the report outlines the technological competencies required to foster innovation and excellence in the EV ecosystem. It identifies 40 technical competencies in areas such as EV batteries, powertrains, regenerative braking, and integration of software and hardware. This blueprint provides a roadmap for stakeholders to invest in skill development to meet the industry’s evolving demands by 2030.
Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM, emphasised the organisation's commitment to economic growth, decarbonisation, and road safety. He noted that SIAM's efforts aim to aid the government’s environmental objectives while reshaping mobility in India.
H D Kumarswamy highlighted the importance of training and education to ensure a skilled workforce for the burgeoning EV sector. He assured that the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Steel would support the Indian auto industry through transparent administration and initiatives like the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024).
The workshop also featured insights from Sudhendu J Sinha, Advisor at NITI Aayog, who stressed the need for skilling the workforce to make India a global hub for electric mobility. Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Heavy Industries, commended SIAM for identifying necessary skills and addressing existing gaps in the industry. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the industry’s initiatives to ensure a skilled workforce.
Vinod Aggarwal, President of SIAM, spoke about empowering individuals to navigate the dynamic auto technology landscape. He emphasised the importance of creating a skilled workforce to drive the industry forward. Shailesh Chandra, Vice President of SIAM and MD of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, highlighted the industry’s goal of investing INR 80,000 crore to develop a robust EV ecosystem in India. He stressed the need for 1-3 lakh skilled professionals to achieve EV goals by 2030.
Sushant Naik, Chairperson of the SIAM Electric Mobility Group, pointed out that India aims for 30% EV penetration by 2030 and stressed the importance of skilled professionals to maintain this momentum. Rajesh Menon, Director General of SIAM, concluded the session by expressing gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister and other dignitaries for their support and insights. He urged stakeholders to make concerted efforts towards skilling in the EV sector.
Arindham Lahiri, CEO of ASDC, and Dr Abhilasha Gaur, CEO of ESSCI, discussed the various facets of skill development within the EV ecosystem, including technicians, engineers, and R&D personnel. Dr B K Panigrahi from IIT-Delhi emphasised that the EV domain involves all aspects of engineering.
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