Electric vehicle adoption faces infrastructure and workforce challenges

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is driving significant shifts in both technical infrastructure and labor requirements. In India, the rise of electric mobility is necessitating a transformation of the automotive workforce. To address this, the state of Tamil Nadu has announced a plan to train 22,500 people in EV servicing over the next five years, including 12,500 existing mechanics. This shift requires technicians to move from traditional engine repairs to specialized tasks involving battery packs, battery-management systems, motor controllers, and power electronics.

On the infrastructure front, concerns regarding charging gaps and range anxiety persist. GlobalData suggests that dynamic in-motion wireless power transfer (WPT) could mitigate these issues by delivering power directly to vehicles while they are in transit. A system co-developed by Honda R&D, Taisei Corporation, and Taisei Rotec is scheduled for initial demonstration tests in 2027. If successfully commercialized, this technology could allow for smaller, more affordable onboard battery packs by reducing the need for large capacities to cover long distances.