BY Stacy Noblet

Continued momentum in U.S. electric vehicle adoption rates will require robust and reliable charging infrastructure where EV drivers live, work, play, and travel. One industry sector critical for the build-out and reliability of that network is electricians. But are electrical companies ready to lead the charge?

Electricians are directly involved in EV charger installation, pre-wiring, and electrical upgrades, as well as maintaining and repairing EV chargers. 

As EV sales continue to increase, so does the need for charging stations in residential and commercial settings, and so does the demand for electricians. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects nearly 80,000 openings for electricians each year through 2030. To be successful in the transportation electrification space, electricians must have the right skills and resources, including certifications, access to funding, information, and greater connections throughout the industry.

Federal Initiatives Provide Focus and Funding

Clean energy workforce development is a primary focus of the Biden administration’s Investing in America agenda, and the funding is flowing. In January 2024, the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation dedicated $46.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to projects focused on EV charging infrastructure enhancements, including nearly $9 million in transportation electrification workforce development initiatives.

While the impact of these programs may not be realized immediately, the increased resources and awareness surrounding EV charging at the federal level translates to opportunities for electricians, including new companies and well-established businesses.

EV Industry Progress Inspires New Business Models

Justin Mauch, founder of Effortless Electric, turned his enthusiasm for the budding EV industry into a business opportunity. Mauch was inspired to launch his Washington, D.C. metro area company after talking to new EV owners and recognizing the need for a convenient, well-informed, and all-inclusive process to select, procure, and install home chargers. Effortless Electric focuses exclusively on EV chargers, initially just residential installations but now inclusive of commercial facilities.

“As with any new industry, EV charging brings its own challenges. But we’re navigating it the best we can, and I am excited about what’s ahead,” Mauch said. Mauch stated the biggest hurdles facing electrical companies today are looming labor shortages and a lack of education for recruits. Effortless Electric is prioritizing growth in the number of apprentice staff and leveraging local mentorship and continuing education electrical training programs. 

Mauch also recognizes the unique opportunity to develop team members into not just skilled electricians but industry experts. Electricians performing electrical upgrades and installing EV chargers can educate customers about EVs and charging, addressing misconceptions and setting new EV drivers up for success. Effortless Electric supports its team by sharing educational articles, training from charger vendor partners, and staying up to speed on the latest products and features.

The Importance of Networking

Edson Hilaire, owner of EH Electric & HVAC LLC in Waltham, Massachusetts, recognizes the value of relationships in his expansion into the EV market. Hilaire has served the Boston area for two decades and, with the advent of EVs, made it his business to understand where his business may be headed. “I started planting the seeds about EVs with customers as far back as 2010,” said Hilaire. “Many have gotten back in touch to inquire about EV charger installations.”

In preparation for the demand he saw coming, Hilaire pursued certification through the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program, which helps electricians gain a comprehensive understanding of the EV charging installation process. EVITP is backed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, of which Hilaire is a member via IBEW Local 103.

Perhaps most impactful to his future in the EV charging industry is Hilaire’s involvement in the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. In addition to the professional network, he’s developed and the knowledge he’s gained through BECMA, EH Electric & HVAC received a small grant to help the company purchase needed tools and equipment. Considering the lack of access to capital for many small businesses, especially minority-owned businesses, every bit helps.

To bring things full circle, Hilaire finds time to connect with high school students about the electrician profession as they begin to map out and navigate their career paths, something he finds very rewarding.

The Utility’s Role in Supporting Electricians

Utilities are able to help bolster the local market, leveraging the strong relationships utilities maintain with trade allies, including electricians. For example, Seattle City Light’s EV Charging Installer Program supports minority-owned businesses to gain the skills and certifications needed to install charging infrastructure. Key aspects of the program include helping companies secure Women and Minority-owned Business Enterprise and EVITP certifications to bolster business credibility, exposure, and provide access to a broader network of customers, contracts, and resources, as well as enhancing the EV charger installation proficiency of participants.

In addition to covering the EVITP certification fee, the program ensures smooth navigation through the certification process, with staff fostering critical connections for expedited application responses. The program is also designed to match firms with an opportunity to bid on suitable projects based on skills and capacity. Another example is ComEd’s Take Charge: EV Pre-Apprenticeship Program, a partnership between the utility and HIRE360, a nonprofit organization. The paid training program provides participants with an introduction to the EV charging industry and helps them transition into local apprenticeships through IBEW Local 134.

The road ahead is challenging, but filled with opportunity and excitement from electricians, utilities, and other stakeholders in the EV transition. Through education, mentorship, and funding, electricians are increasingly well-positioned to play a key role in our EV-centric future.