Curious about the electric vehicle (EV) field, and wondering if this is a career path that’s right for you? Below, we have an overview of EV’s career outlook, as well as how you can gain the skills required to enter into this quickly-developing industry!
We’re seeing a rise in demand for electric vehicles in the market
With ever-increasing concern for environmental sustainability and improved performance, demand for electric vehicles has skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency’s annual Global Electric Vehicle Outlook, over 10 million EVs were sold worldwide in 2022 — with that number expected to grow by another 35% in 2023, up to 14 million. And in just two years, from 2020–2022, their share of the overall care market rose from around 4% to 14%. Across the globe, due to both governmental policy changes and consumer interest, more and more economies are their shifting focus to electrification.
Because of this, there’s an increasing need for skilled engineers to help meet that demand
With such growing numbers of electric vehicle users, there’s a subsequent growth in the need for engineers to help make them. In their 2023 United States Energy & Employment Report, the US Department of Energy notes that jobs in the battery EV industry increased by 27% from 2021–2022, to 28,366 available jobs — the fastest growth within any energy technology. And of all net new jobs in motor vehicles, clean vehicles accounted for 59%.
How are career opportunities looking?
There’s an abundance of job opportunities in several parts of the world
In a field like electric vehicles, you’re not relegated to one location. Whether you prefer coastal or landlocked, warm temperatures or cool, or small city or large, electric vehicles are likely relevant. There’s also no shortage of specializations that someone interested in EVs can pursue, including but not limited to:
- Design and development careers such as software developers to create computer applications that run EVs; electrical engineers to develop electric systems and parts, such as the motor; electronics engineers to design control systems, the electronics that enable advanced driver safety systems, and battery management systems; and chemical engineers to design processes and equipment for large-scale battery manufacturing, plan and test production methods, and direct battery-making operations
- Battery manufacturing careers such as electrical, electronic, and electromechanical assemblers to build electrical or electronic equipment, as well as miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators to rotate through different tasks on an assembly line rather than specializing in a single task
- Charging network development and maintenance careers such as urban and regional planners to ensure the optimal placement of charging infrastructure; electricians to install, maintain, and repair chargers and their associated infrastructures; electrical power-line installers and repairers to install, upgrade, and expand the lines that connect EV charging station sites to the power grid; and construction laborers to prepare sites for the installation of wiring, conduit, and charging units
And you can get the skills needed to enter these jobs
All over the world, education programs are emerging to help people get started on careers within the electric vehicle industry. For example, one of Climb’s school partners — Skill-Lync — provides their learners with the training needed to break into this field through courses such as Electric Vehicle Design and Analysis, Embedded Systems for EV Applications, Introduction to Battery Technology, and much more! Shorter-term, lower-cost programs (like those offered at Skill-Lync) can help those looking for an alternative means of entry beyond traditional higher education. Ultimately, it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a career and in a training program, and which school can best support you in those goals.
What are skills required for a career in EV?
Interested in a career in the electric vehicle industry, and curious what Skill-Lync can provide?
*Skill-Lync does not endorse loans originated by Climb InvestCo, LLC, and Climb InvestCo, LLC is not affiliated with Skill-Lync.