MBRDI & TERI Launch EV Charging Skills Program

Electric cars, two-wheelers, and battery technology dominate conversations, yet these advancements lose significance when charging stations malfunction. India’s critical challenge isn’t just charger availability—it’s the shortage of skilled personnel to operate, maintain, and manage them.

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) address this gap through their ‘Future-In-Charge‘ skilling program. Launched during the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2025, the initiative coincides with a whitepaper analyzing India’s EV charging ecosystem workforce readiness.

The Hard Truth About India’s Charging Workforce

The whitepaper “EV Charging in India: Ecosystem Perspectives and Skilling Opportunities” presents a clear picture based on input from 150+ industry stakeholders. Key findings include:

• Outdated training materials lacking coverage of modern battery systems, fast chargers, or IoT-enabled monitoring technology, with minimal practical training.
• No standardized curriculum for charge point operators (CPOs), leading to inconsistent skill levels across regions.
• A severe shortage of qualified trainers with both technical expertise and operational experience.

Compounding these issues, EV charging careers remain largely unknown to job seekers, despite the sector’s rapid growth. Frequent technological advancements—new connectors, smart-grid integrations, faster charging—further widen the skills gap.

Approximately 50% of required skills involve practical competencies like installation, testing, diagnostics, and IoT platform management. The remainder focuses on troubleshooting and customer service, blending engineering with problem-solving.

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The ‘Future-In-Charge’ Solution

The Future-In-Charge programme, accredited by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, creates structured pathways for charging professionals. The curriculum spans:

• EV and battery fundamentals
• Charger installation, maintenance, and safety protocols
• Compliance standards amid fragmented policies
• Digital monitoring and smart charging concepts like vehicle-to-grid (V2G)

The program emphasizes hands-on learning: TERI’s Gwal Pahari campus hosts the initial 60 trainees working directly with charging hardware, conducting case studies, and visiting operational sites.

What the Big Names Are Saying

Manu Saale, MD and CEO of MBRDI:

“Sustainability goes beyond technology; it is about people. With Future-In-Charge, we are not only bridging the skills gap but also tackling systemic barriers… a foundational investment in India’s future.”

While phrased formally, the message emphasizes human capital as critical to EV infrastructure.

Dr. Vibha Dhawan, DG of TERI:

“With India accelerating its shift toward clean mobility, building a skilled workforce in EV charging infrastructure is critical… empowering the next generation of professionals to lead India’s green jobs journey.”

Those who have experienced delays at malfunctioning charging stations would recognize this urgency.

Why This Matters Right Now

India’s EV market could exceed ₹5.7 trillion by 2025, but unreliable charging infrastructure threatens adoption. Negative experiences—like broken chargers or untrained staff—could hinder growth more than battery costs.

The solar sector’s Suryamitra programme, which trained thousands of technicians, offers a blueprint. EV charging requires similar workforce development. The whitepaper recommends:

• Regional skilling centers
• Industry-academia collaboration
• Apprenticeships with charging networks
• Soft skills integration (customer service)

The Road Ahead

Though beginning with 60 trainees, MBRDI and TERI aim to scale Future-In-Charge nationally through partnerships and government support. As EV sales and policies advance, operational workforce development can no longer lag.

Final Thoughts

Beyond corporate social responsibility, Future-In-Charge addresses a systemic need: reliable charging infrastructure depends on skilled personnel. India’s EV transition requires not just investment in technology but also in people who ensure seamless user experiences—especially in Tier-2 cities where adoption is accelerating.