New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) unveiled a first-of-its-kind whitepaper on skilling for EV charging infrastructure at the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2025.
Titled ‘EV Charging in India: Ecosystem Perspectives and Skilling Opportunities,’ the report highlights the critical role of charge point operators (CPOs) in India’s transition to electric mobility and identifies key barriers to developing a skilled workforce.
Identifying Skill Gaps in EV Charging
According to the whitepaper, the biggest challenges in building EV charging infrastructure skills include limited hands-on training opportunities, a lack of standardised training modules for CPOs, and a shortage of qualified trainers who understand both technical and operational aspects of the sector.
The study, based on consultations with 150 experts across the EV value chain, found that nearly 50% of the skills required by CPOs are in the installation and testing of EV charging infrastructure and IoT-enabled digital applications. Other critical skill areas include troubleshooting, service quality optimisation, and smart grid integration.
Launch of the ‘Future-In-Charge’ Programme
To address these gaps, MBRDI and TERI announced the launch of ‘Future-In-Charge’, a structured training initiative under Mercedes-Benz’s Sustainability Garage. The programme aims to build a comprehensive ecosystem that blends classroom learning with hands-on exposure to real-world charging equipment.
The curriculum, approved by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and endorsed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), introduces participants to electric mobility, battery technology, installation, charging operations, and safety practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, said, “Sustainability goes beyond technology; it is about people. With Future-In-Charge, we are not only bridging the skills gap but also tackling the systemic barriers to bringing about a holistic change in the EV skilling and infrastructure landscape. By partnering with TERI to equip young professionals with future-ready skills in areas like smart grid integration and IoT, we see this as a foundational investment in India’s future and a model that can inspire similar initiatives worldwide.”
Pilot Cohort Begins Training
The programme’s first pilot cohort of 60 trainees has already commenced at TERI’s Gwal Pahari campus, where students are gaining practical exposure and case-based learning. This pilot will form the foundation for scaling the programme across multiple locations in India in collaboration with CPOs, academia, and industry stakeholders.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, The Energy and Resources Institute, said, “With India accelerating its shift towards clean mobility, building a skilled workforce in EV charging infrastructure is crucial. Future-In-Charge, a joint initiative of TERI and MBRDI, is a forward-looking step to bridge industry needs with youth talent. By providing NCVET-approved training aligned with the latest technological standards, we aim to empower the next generation of professionals to lead India’s green jobs in the clean mobility journey with expertise and confidence.”
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