How women’s contribution has enhanced the EV ecosystem in India
The contribution of women to the EV ecosystem in India has been significant and diverse. By creating job opportunities in practically all economic sectors, women-owned enterprises and their engagement have impacted the economic paradigm of the country, thus, the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry has witnessed a commendable rise in the participation of women entrepreneurs in recent times. Currently, the automobile industry contributes 7.1% of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 49% of its manufacturing GDP with the EV sector being a prominent part of the stated contribution. This implies that various auto ancillaries and related sectors will grow with the EV industry in the approaching years to cater to the rising demand for electric vehicles. The EV market in India is estimated to be valued at $2 Bn by 2023 and $7.09 Bn by 2025. Between 2022 and 2030, the EV market is projected to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 49%, reaching 10 million annual sales.
Increment of women workforce in the automobile sector (including EV)
As per the recent industry studies, women professionals are actively being recruited in India's developing EV market. While pursuing their goals of carbon neutrality, several of the industry's reputed EV players anticipate working with more women professionals. Various automobile manufacturers anticipate 50% of their workforce to be constituted of women by 2023. Many automobile companies have reported that women comprise over 30% of their workforce. According to a report by the Economic Times in 2021, there has been a rise in the number of women entrepreneurs in the EV industry in India. The report cited various women-led startups in the EV space, which are working on innovative solutions in areas such as battery recycling and charging infrastructure.
Green job opportunities for women
To promote the concept of green employment, the Indian government announced a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in 2021 for the manufacturing of advanced battery cells, which are a key component of electric vehicles. This initiative has created numerous job opportunities in the EV industry and subsequently, there has been a drastic surge in the demand for women in manufacturing, design, and leadership roles in the EV firms during the past two years as EV sales in India increased by over 200%. Industry experts assert that EV companies are focused on electronics, assembly, software, design etc., the skill sets that many women professionals are blessed with. Advocates for labour rights perceive women's participation in the EV industry as an opportunity to improve their remuneration, responsibilities, and overall impact at work.
Government initiatives to promote women’s participation in the EV sector
With the assistance of the government’s initiatives, the EV industry is anticipated to generate approximately 50 million employment avenues in the approaching years and as per the industry experts, women will be benefited from these employment opportunities. There are some initiatives aimed at increasing women's participation in the EV sector in India. For example, the government of India launched the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles) scheme, which includes provisions for promoting women entrepreneurs in the EV industry. Additionally, some companies in the EV industry are taking steps to increase gender diversity in their workforce. Additionally, the government of India launched the Startup India scheme, which includes provisions for supporting women entrepreneurs. Under the scheme, women-led startups in the EV industry can apply for funding and other support from the government.
Women entrepreneurs, mentors, leaders and employees are emerging as a catalyst to the wave that is disrupting the EV landscape in India.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Indian Transport & Logistics News.
