As Bhutan’s electric vehicle (EV) sector expands, there is an opportunity for job creation. However, a new study by the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship found that the growing demand comes with major challenges. The sector faces a serious skills gap and a shortage of trained technicians, which could slow Bhutan’s shift toward a greener, more resilient economy.
The study assessed 173 automobile workshops and car dealers in Thimphu to understand workforce needs in the growing EV sector. Of these, around 140 respondents participated in the survey.
It found that the sector is set to create over 180 jobs in the next two years.
However, the study highlights a pressing skills gap as nearly 45 per cent of respondents reported a major shortage of trained EV technicians.
The study also found that lack of skilled workers, limited practical exposure, high cost of EV tools, and shortage of spare parts were among the biggest challenges cited by service providers.
Moreover, battery diagnostics, EV maintenance basics, software or electronics knowledge, and charging system management were identified as the most critical skills needed.
Most EV drivers BBS spoke to say the long wait for spare parts is their biggest challenge. Many EV taxi drivers added that these delays directly affect their earnings.
“It takes so long to get spare parts when our vehicle breaks down. It is also expensive. However, I think that price is fine as long as we get spare parts on time. But most of the time, we get it only after 2 to 3 months. As most of the EV taxis are bought through loans, it makes it difficult to make a living and pay our loans,” said Guru Tshewang, EV Taxi Driver, Thimphu.
“My vehicle has been facing issues as the system for cooling the battery after charging the car is dysfunctional for almost two months now. The dealers are trying to help, but the problem still isn’t fixed. They told me it may take up to three months to get the required part. I have loans to repay, so it’s becoming very difficult to earn enough in the meantime,” said Sonam Dendup, Taxi Driver, Thimphu.
According to the study, most of the respondents said they would be willing to hire graduates who completed an EV mechanics course from a technical institute, indicating strong demand for trained workers in the EV sector.
Some EV dealers told BBS that getting spare parts takes time because of long transportation processes. Others said certain parts are produced only after they place an order.
Dealers also noted challenges in finding enough skilled technicians.
“In our country, there are no EV-specific courses, so we face challenges in getting the right expertise. To ensure smooth service delivery, we rely on senior technicians with experience from other companies, provide on-the-job training, and also hire TTI graduates,” said Susan Lama, Director for Business, ST Pvt. Ltd (ST Motors).
The study recommends expanding EV-related courses at Technical Training Institutes and strengthening collaboration between businesses and institutions through apprenticeships, curriculum feedback, and student internships.
Such partnerships, the report notes, will be crucial in producing industry-ready graduates and meeting emerging labour demands.
According to the study, while only almost 36 per cent of businesses currently engage in EV-related services, the sector is expected to expand rapidly.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Kipchu
