In the U.S., almost everyone depends on their car for daily life. Indeed, 91% of households own at least one (Forbes), making cars a key part of our routines.
But change is coming fast; electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining ground over gasoline-powered cars, and for good reason: they make financial sense in the long run.
According to Consumer Reports, “EV owners can save up to $6,000 over the lifetime of their vehicle. With fewer moving parts to maintain and less wear on essentials, like brakes, the savings add up quickly. More drivers are turning to EVs not just for sustainability but for real savings and benefits.”
It’s clear the EV market is shifting into high gear. The U.S. market is expected to grow to $137.43 billion by 2028, and globally, sales could reach $858 billion by 2027 (Fortune Business Insights).
Yet, as the industry picks up speed, one major obstacle is becoming clear: there simply aren’t enough skilled professionals to fill critical roles.
Companies are struggling to find the talent they need, whether it’s software engineers, battery specialists, powertrain engineers, or those who can develop the charging infrastructure. Without addressing this shortage, even the best innovations risk stalling.
Also Read: STEMming the Talent Shortage
Where the EV Industry Needs Talent the Most
The speedy development of electric vehicles EVs has exposed significant talent shortages across key technical areas, each requiring specialized expertise to fill. Here’s where the gaps are most acute:
1. Software Engineers
While demand for software engineers in the EV sector is rising, there’s a shortage of professionals with automotive experience and expertise in cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning.
Many companies struggle to find engineers who can develop sophisticated systems for autonomous driving and vehicle-to-grid integration.
2. Battery Manufacturing Experts
As EV adoption accelerates, battery production is failing to keep up due to a lack of skilled manufacturing specialists. Professionals with expertise in lithium-ion battery production, quality control, and scaling manufacturing processes are in short supply.
This is particularly problematic as companies work to meet the growing consumer demand for longer-lasting, faster-charging batteries.
3. Powertrain Engineers
Traditional automotive engineers are well-versed in internal combustion engines, but fewer engineers possess the skills needed for electric powertrain development. The gap is particularly acute in designing electric propulsion systems that improve efficiency and extend vehicle range.
Powertrain engineers who understand both mechanical and electrical systems are especially difficult to find.
4. Charging Infrastructure Developers
With the rise of EVs, the pressure to build a widespread, reliable charging network is immense. However, the industry lacks enough specialists who are experienced in developing large-scale infrastructure projects.
Engineers who can balance the need for rapid growth with energy management and sustainability are rare, creating a bottleneck in the expansion of charging networks.
5. Mechanical Engineers
While mechanical engineers remain essential to vehicle design, the shift to EVs demands new skills in materials science and thermal management.
There’s a shortage of engineers who can design lightweight, efficient components while also managing the unique challenges of electric powertrains, such as heat dissipation in batteries and motors.
6. Project Managers
EV development is a complex process that requires the coordination of cross-functional teams. However, many project managers in the automotive sector lack experience with the specific demands of EV production, from software integration to battery management.
Finding project managers who can oversee the entire lifecycle of an EV project is a growing challenge.
Charging Ahead: How to Win the EV Talent Race
Now that we’ve established the urgency of winning the EV talent race, the real question is: how can companies stay ahead in such a fast-moving market? The answer lies in a specialized recruitment strategy.
Plugging into Talent: Software Designs that Fly While On-Site Teams Build
In the EV industry, innovation in software development drives competitive advantage. However, sourcing top software engineers with experience in autonomous driving systems and vehicle-to-grid communication isn’t always straightforward.
This is where VDart’s contract staffing solutions come in, providing companies with highly skilled engineers who can work remotely to design complex systems while on-site teams of developers and technicians implement those ideas. This hybrid approach ensures seamless execution, managing the entire talent pipeline, from contract staffing to permanent placement, so that companies can focus on accelerating their product development.
Precision Placement: Battery and Powertrain Experts Working Together
Battery manufacturing and powertrain engineering are at the core of every electric vehicle. But finding the right mix of experts to handle these tasks requires precision. With VDart’s expertise in contract-to-hire solutions, companies can access battery specialists who are skilled in large-scale battery production, as well as powertrain engineers who optimize electric propulsion systems for efficiency and range.
We can help, we have experience placing these specialists exactly where they are needed, on-site in gigafactories or research labs; while also offering digital solutions to streamline hiring processes, ensuring the perfect fit for each role.
Scaling Up with Ease: Charging Infrastructure Developers for Rapid Expansion
As EVs become more mainstream, building a scalable and reliable charging infrastructure is essential. On-site developers are critical for designing and implementing fast-charging stations and integrating them into the existing grid.
VDart provides a scalable talent solution that grows alongside your business needs, ensuring the right mix of permanent staff and contract teams who can expand charging networks quickly. Whether you need supplier rationalization to optimize your contractor relationships or contract staffing to handle seasonal demand spikes, VDart can modify its services to your business, minimizing disruptions while maximizing efficiency.
Powering Up Skills: Reskilling Project Managers for Cross-Functional EV Teams
Effective project management is essential in proceeding over the complexity of EV production. Project managers must oversee cross-functional teams while balancing the integration of both software and hardware.
With VDart’s Hire, Train & Deploy (HTD) solutions, companies can reskill their existing managers to handle these specific demands. From training in the latest EV project management software to upskilling engineers on battery technology, VDart ensures that your internal teams are prepared for the future, minimizing the need for external hires while promoting internal growth.
Expanding Your Horizons: Global Talent for Specialized EV Roles
When local talent pools fall short, the solution often lies in reaching beyond borders. We specialize in accessing global talent networks to fill niche roles like powertrain engineers or autonomous software experts.
With expertise in digital sectors such as SMAC (social, mobile, analytics, and cloud) and ERP systems, VDart identifies and places highly skilled professionals from across the world, ensuring that companies never have to compromise on quality or wait too long to find the right fit. Whether it’s through permanent staffing or contract-to-hire, VDart delivers solutions that keep EV companies moving forward.
Winning with Reliable Partnerships: Grab Your Share of the EV Market
The EV market is accelerating, with billions at stake for those who can keep up. But winning this race requires more than just innovative ideas; it demands the right people in place.
With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, staffing agencies like VDart give you access to the skilled professionals that power growth and innovation. Whether you’re scaling up infrastructure or perfecting software, long-term partnerships with trusted staffing agencies ensure you’re always ready to seize the opportunity.
The time to act is now; grab your share of this booming market with a reliable talent partner by your side.
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