Charge Your Career With EV Charging Station Technician: Ravi P. Singh CEO, Power Sector Skill Council

In the modern era, Mobility has become a critical economic factor both directly and as a means of providing the goods and services necessary for the foundation of economic life. It is required in every aspect of life from earning the daily bread to helping in a social circle. To curb the pollution level, the Government of India is making efforts towards promoting Electric Vehicles (EVs). In view of the growth in demand for Electric Vehicles, automobile manufacturers are also taking rapid steps in the direction of manufacturing e-cars and e-bikes. As the Indian EV industry is growing substantially, new career opportunities are coming up for the youth in this field as EV Charging Station Technician. Looking at the future energy and technology needs, Power Sector Skill Council (PSSC), formed under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has prepared the courses related to EV Charging Station Technician. Let’s know in detail.

What is an E-Vehicle?

E-Vehicles mean Electric Vehicles (EVs) which have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. The vehicles use lithium-ion batteries that are excellent at retaining energy and have greater longevity. E-vehicles are environmentally friendly as they use little or no petrol or diesel. In the initial phase, the vehicles could cover only 10 to 20 kilometers, but now research in this area is going on continuously and now the capacity to cover around 250 to 300 kilometers has been developed in these vehicles.

Opportunities as EV Charging Station Technician

With the expansion of the EV segment, the government is focusing on developing EV infra across the country. An EV charging network comprising many normal powered charging points is preferable to one with limited high-power charging stations. For EVs, any parking location where the vehicle is stationary, and which has access to an EV charging point, can be an opportunity to recharge the vehicle battery. Due to this EV Charging Station Technician for different job roles will be required.

Therefore, if you are looking forward to making a career this field, refer to the listed below job-oriented courses designed by PSSC keeping in mind the opportunities in the EV sector:

1. EV Charging Station – Technician (Installation and Commissioning): The Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Technician (I&C) performs tasks for ensuring smooth installation and commissioning of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station as per standard practices. They conduct site surveys and evaluate various parameters to decide suitability of site for the installation of EV charging stations. Also, the individual installs and commissions the EV charging station at the respective site.
2. EV Charging Station – Technician (Operation and Maintenance): The Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Technician (O&M) performs tasks for ensuring smooth operation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations as per standard practices. They provide support to customers for charging various types of electric vehicles. Also, the individual ensures effective maintenance of the charging station as per standard practice.

Personal Attributes: The job holder must have an eye for detail as well as the patience and discipline required to carry out detailed and repetitive tasks. The candidate should be able to read and understand technical manuals, instructions and warnings.

As per standard norms for these courses/Qps, the minimum Educational Qualification should be Class 12th or 10th with ITI in relevant engineering trade and minimum job entry age is 18 years and above. A candidate who is interested in these QPs, the training can be undertaken from one of the various training centers, affiliated with the Council, offering this course.

Career Growth Driver

1. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has shortlisted 11 cities in the country for the introduction of EVs in their public transport systems under the FAME [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and EVs in India] scheme.
2. GOI will also set up incubation centers for startups working in EV space.
3. The National Mission for Electric Mobility has launched the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) – 2020 with an aim to invest INR 140 bn in the next 8 years for the development of electric infrastructure.
4. The Electric Vehicle Policy 2019 offers to waive off – road taxes and registration charges till 2024 and provides hefty subsidies on charging equipment.
5. To bolster the charging infrastructure, there is a de-licensed activity to set up a charging station and the electricity received from any company would be free of cost.
6. Private charging stations are permitted at residential places, and any charging station can get electric power from any company through open access protocols.

Reason of Huge Career Opportunities in EV Industry –

Emphasis is being laid upon developing infrastructure across the country for Electric Vehicles. Preparations are being made to bring trucks along with cars and bikes. For this, a special green energy corridor may be constructed by the Government of India. This will increase the demand for E-Vehicles in the country at a rapid pace.

Future of Electric Vehicles –

The Government of India has decided to procure 30 percent electric vehicles by the year 2030. The electric vehicle market is growing at a rate of about 35 percent.  According to the private sector report, by the year 2025, there will be a market of $ 707.4 billion. People are increasingly attracted by government policies and concessions for purchasing Electric Vehicles. The budget for 2022–23 gives a huge impetus to the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Introducing the battery swapping policy and recognizing battery or energy as a service will help to develop EV infrastructure and increase the use of EVs in public transportation. It would motivate businesses engaged in delivery and car aggregation businesses to incorporate EVs into their fleet. It will create new avenues for companies to venture into the business of battery swapping. Additionally, creating special clean zones will further accelerate the adoption of EVs and spread awareness amongst the citizens. The move will benefit the whole segment, i.e E2W, E3W, E-cars, and buses. This will lead to growth in EV production as well as good career opportunities for youth in this industry.