To strengthen technical capacity in the electric mobility sector, ICLEI South Asia, with the support of the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department, organised a week-long training programme on Electric Vehicles (EVs) from 15-23 September 2025. The programme, held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, aimed to upskill Industrial Training Institute (ITI) instructors from across Himachal Pradesh in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies. 

The training combined theoretical learning with practical sessions, equipping participants with in-depth knowledge of vehicle design, components, charging systems, and maintenance. It marked an important step toward bridging the skill gap in the EV sector in Himachal Pradesh.

As more electric vehicles enter the state, particularly with the rise of eco-tourism, there is an increasing need for technically trained professionals who can maintain and support this growing ecosystem.

As part of the project “Technical Support to Enable Accelerated E-Mobility Adoption in Himachal Pradesh,” this initiative aligns with ICLEI’s commitment to advancing sustainable mobility and capacity building. It directly contributes to global goals, including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The 12 participating ITI instructors engaged in interactive sessions, Q&A discussions, and lab-based demonstrations, which encouraged knowledge sharing and experiential learning. They explored EV architecture, battery systems, charging infrastructure, and hybrid engine models, gaining both conceptual clarity and technical expertise. Practical tools such as EV dismantling kits, IC engine models, and simulation-based learning frameworks were also demonstrated to give instructors hands-on experience with real-world and fast-growing electric mobility sector and EV technologies. 

The event facilitated meaningful collaboration between IIT Mandi, ICLEI South Asia, and the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department, creating pathways for continued skill development and innovation in the EV sector. Participants also discussed challenges for continuous technical updates and ready access to advanced EV training equipment in ITIs. 

Representing the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department, Mr. Naveen Kumar, Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Mandi, who attended as the chief guest, emphasised the importance of sustained learning in this field. “We will continue to organise such training programmes to help instructors and students stay updated with the latest technologies. Our goal is to build a strong network of skilled EV technicians across all Industrial Training Institutes,” he said.

Participants shared highly positive feedback, noting that the training was practical, well-structured, and easy to follow. Many expressed that it enhanced their ability to teach emerging mobility technologies and requested that similar programmes be organised regularly.

Highlighting the programme’s significance, Mr. Tushar Jain, Head of the Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) at IIT Mandi, said: “This was our first training focused on electric vehicle upskilling, and we received an excellent response. We plan to continue such programmes in collaboration with the Himachal government and ICLEI South Asia and aim to introduce new innovations through IIT Mandi’s ongoing initiatives. In the future, we also plan internship programmes for ITI students.”

Recommendations emerging from the training included regular EV-focused capacity-building programmes for ITI instructors and stronger institutional linkages between government departments and educational institutes.

Through this initiative, Himachal Pradesh is taking proactive steps to build a cleaner, more sustainable, and future-ready transport system, driven by its vision for green mobility and skilled human resources. ICLEI South Asia remains committed to supporting the state’s efforts by facilitating knowledge exchange, capacity building, and partnerships that accelerate the transition toward sustainable and inclusive electric mobility.