In line with India’s push for clean mobility, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) unveiled a whitepaper on skilling for EV charging infrastructure at the Mercedes-Benz Sustainability Dialogue India 2025.
The whitepaper, titled “EV Charging in India: Ecosystem Perspectives and Skilling Opportunities”, highlights the crucial role of charge point operators (CPOs) in India’s EV transition and identifies skill gaps such as lack of hands-on training, absence of standardised modules, and shortage of qualified trainers.
Based on inputs from 150 experts across the EV ecosystem, the study found that nearly half of the skills needed for CPOs are in installation, testing, and IoT-enabled applications, followed by troubleshooting, service optimisation, and smart grid integration.
To address these gaps, MBRDI and TERI launched the Future-In-Charge programme under Mercedes-Benz’s Sustainability Garage initiative. Approved by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and endorsed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the programme blends classroom learning with hands-on training on charging infrastructure, safety practices, and battery technology. The first cohort of 60 trainees has already begun at TERI’s Gwal Pahari campus.
Manu Saale, MD & CEO, MBRDI, said, “With Future-In-Charge, we are not only bridging the skills gap but also tackling systemic barriers to build a holistic EV skilling ecosystem. This is an investment in India’s sustainable future.” Dr. Vibha Dhawan, DG, TERI, added that the programme will empower young professionals with the expertise to lead India’s green jobs in EV charging.
The third edition of the Sustainability Dialogue also saw participation from policymakers, industry leaders, and climate experts, underscoring the collaborative effort required to build a sustainable mobility future for India.
