Have you ever thought of becoming a renewable energy technician as an occupation? If so, there’s good news: as our nation’s fleet of vehicles transitions from fossil fuels to electric power, EV technicians can expect more and more job opportunities in both residential and commercial settings. Moreover, academic programs are emerging to help people transition into these entry-level positions.
Here’s everything aspiring service technicians need to know about the EV industry and installing EV charging stations in particular, from securing the right equipment and understanding the relevant safety regulations to obtaining EV charger certification and everything in between. By the end of this article, you’ll understand if this promising new career path is right for you.
More and more American consumers want alternative energy systems
Can you imagine American roadways full of electric vehicles (EVs)? That future is coming toward us fast as more and more people embrace the EV revolution.
According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 38 percent of Americans report being somewhat or very likely to seriously consider purchasing an EV the next time they need a vehicle.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) tracks this sector’s growth, which it characterizes as “robust.” In 2023, EVs made up 18 percent of all cars sold, up from 4 percent in 2020. EV sales are also strong this year; the IEA predicted a more than 20 percent increase in new EV sales by the end of 2024.
As the nation’s transportation system transitions away from fossil fuels and toward EVs, EV charging stations will become increasingly in demand. The same is true for EV technicians, who enjoy the benefits of graduating into a fast-growing field. This is great news for those who want a job in renewable energy.
The U.S. needs a large workforce of skilled renewable energy technicians
The Department of Energy anticipates the number of EVs in use will increase by 33 million in the next five years. Moreover, the agency predicts that millions of private charging ports and public charging stations will be necessary to serve all these vehicles.
Indeed, the agency calls for 25,700,000 ports for single-family homes, 570,000 ports for multifamily homes, and 490,000 for private workplaces. But that’s not all — more than 1 million ports will be needed for public access in general, and an additional 182,000 public fast-charging ports.
Given numbers like these, perhaps it should come as no surprise that becoming an expert in renewable energy systems is a promising career path in today’s energy industry. EV technicians not only install EV charging ports and stations but also maintain and repair them and replace parts as needed.
“A shortage of skilled and certified technicians available to service EV charging stations has a significant trickle-down effect within the EV sector,” says Elaina Farnsworth, co-founder and CEO of SkillFusion. “Imagine pulling into a charging station to unexpectedly find that it is broken and has been for some time. This is the reality many drivers face. Providing a smooth, user-friendly experience for EV drivers by maintaining charger availability and reliability is essential for growing EV adoption over time.”
According to the World Resources Institute, most EV-industry jobs are currently located in states and regions where EVs are being manufactured. As these new vehicles take over the roads and highways, however, highly trained and skilled technicians can expect to come into even higher and higher demand nationwide. As their recent report states, “although private investments for charger manufacturing are mainly occurring in a few states like Ohio, Texas, and California, electricians and technicians who are trained to install and maintain chargers will also be in demand throughout the country as charging deployment increases.”
In this way, understanding electrical work and how to install EV charging stations will lead to lucrative contracts and job opportunities wherever people drive EVs.
Another advantage to a career as an EV technician is the opportunity to work at the forefront of the green energy revolution. With every task accomplished and day of work completed, EV technicians can take pride in knowing they are reducing carbon emissions and helping usher in the era of clean energy. If protecting the planet is important to you, then a future as an EV technician could be the right option for you.
The first thing aspiring technicians should understand is the different kinds of EV chargers.
Overview of the kinds of EV chargers
Three different types of EV chargers are already available, some of which are appropriate for residential use, while others are only for industrial customers and the public at large.
The first type, called “Level 1 Chargers,” is the slowest of the three. They use a 120-volt outlet, which is the standard type in American houses and other buildings. While these chargers take longer due to their lower level of power, the ease and convenience of using a port that’s already in place makes them ideal for most EV owners. You can just roll into your garage and plug your car in overnight.
Level 2 Chargers are much faster than Level 1 Chargers since they use 240-volt outlets. Since ports like these do not come standard in most residences or buildings, installing them requires unique expertise.
The same is true for the last option, DC Fast Chargers. These draw so much power that they can fully charge an EV in less than an hour. Since DC Fast Chargers are expensive, they are rarely found in private residences. Instead, these are the kinds of ports that are installed for public use off interstate highways and high-traffic commercial areas.
Installation of these three types of chargers requires different equipment. Learning the ins and outs of each is one of the key things that aspiring EV technicians learn in their credentialing programs.
What an EV service technician certification program covers
EV certification programs give aspiring technicians the fundamental skills and experience they need to succeed in their chosen profession without needing to be an electrician or obtain a four-year degree. These programs cover every aspect of this alternative energy technology. Students learn how to install the three types of EV chargers, experiencing the physical demands for themselves and becoming knowledgeable about how to handle even the powerful high-voltage of DC fast chargers.
In addition, students learn how to ensure that the EV chargers and ports are grounded and wired correctly. They become comfortable working with electrical systems and thoroughly understand the difference between AC and DC currents and electrical load balancing.
They also learn how to install overcurrent protection devices (OCPDs), such as fuses, circuit breakers, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCFIs). This equipment keeps the flow of electricity stable and steady, forestalling short circuits, ground faults, and current overloads.
In most cases, installing an EV charging station will involve permits, inspections, and paperwork. EV technician programs also explain how each step of these processes should be completed.
But that’s not all — programs also enable individuals to communicate effectively with clients, coworkers, and interested members of the public.
By earning an EV charger certification, diploma, or degree, technicians demonstrate their working knowledge and expertise in this field. This gives prospective clients or employers confidence that you would do the work correctly and in compliance with any relevant laws in the jurisdiction.
For instance, SkillFusion offers an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Technician Certificate that helps aspiring EV technicians learn their trade. This program provides comprehensive training in every aspect related to EV chargers, ports, and stations. Students will study not only routine diagnostics, installation, and maintenance but also techniques for when things don’t go to plan.
The SkillFusion EVSE Technician Certificate gives students practical, real-world training. Graduates emerge from this program confident that they can handle any situation that could come up regarding EV energy sources. For more on EV Charger certification, check out SkillFusion’s complete guide.
Program requirements also typically include a mastery of safety practices as well as electrical codes and regulations.
Gaining familiarity with codes and regulations for renewable energy systems
Different parts of the country have different regulations governing EV charging stations and ports. For instance, California has a reputation for having stringent regulations in this area. Some parts of the country also have zoning requirements that limit where EV charging stations can be installed.
Top EV technician certification programs take pains to instruct students on the local codes and regulations that are pertinent for electrical wiring. They also include thorough training in the National Electrical Code (NEC), the standard federal guidelines that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regularly updates and publishes. While these rules aren’t legal requirements, they do constitute best practices that prevent fires and other dangerous accidents.
The best EV technician certification programs, including SkillFusion’s EVSE Diagnostic Technician (EDT) Training for Renewable Energy Technicians, help students understand the regulations in their own local communities and prepare them to succeed in this work, no matter what the regulatory environment specifies.
To get the most out of your certification program, make sure you have the right tools from the beginning.
The right tools for the job description
An EV technician’s toolbox isn’t complete without the following:
- Insulated screwdrivers and insulated pliers are essential for making electrical connections safely. Unlike the typical versions of these common tools, these specialized versions are made from materials that do not conduct electricity. They act as a protective barrier, preventing the electricity from reaching the technician.
- Power drills are necessary to mount the charging port or station.
- Wire cutters enable EV technicians to cut wires to the correct size.
- Wire strippers expose part of the wire to make connections.
- A voltage tester assesses whether or not electricity is currently running through a given system. This enables EV technicians to ensure that the power is off and the system is safe to work on. Basically, it is a safety tool that protects people from electric shocks.
- Cable management tools keep cables from becoming tangled and secure them appropriately. Examples include plastic cable ties, which bundle multiple cords together; velcro straps, which can secure cables; cable sleeves, which are tubes that protect cables or bundles of them; mounting brackets, which secure cables in place at points along their path; and raceways, which are wall- or floor-mounted channels that guide cables along their path. These remove potential tripping hazards and create a cleaner, more organized environment.
- Conduit benders, which can be handheld tools or large power tools, make bends in the metal pipes that protect wires, called conduits. Being able to make precisely the best angles allows EV technicians to route wires along the most advantageous path for the particular job, regardless of the corners, beams, or obstructions that might be in the way.
Are you eager to get started immediately? You’ll also need safety equipment to protect yourself while installing EV charging stations and ports.
The right personal protection for EV charging station installers
Installing sustainable energy systems can be a dangerous job, which is why investing in the following personal protective equipment (PPE) is indispensable:
- Insulated gloves are usually made out of rubber, which doesn’t conduct electricity. These gloves are sometimes referred to as “Lineman gloves” and are different from those used by welders. Lineman gloves must be tested every six months to ensure they are still effective.
- Supplemental leather gloves, worn over these insulated gloves, can further protect hands from cuts, punctures, or abrasions.
- Dielectric safety goggles are another must. These should have no metal parts and be composed of non-conductive materials like polycarbonate. They should also come with side shields to provide full protection. Make sure they fit snugly; you don’t want them to slide out of place in the middle of a tricky maneuver. These goggles protect your eyes from the bright light and intense heat that an electrical arc flash — the explosion that can happen when the current leaves its rightful path and surges through the air — can generate.
- Heavy work boots can protect your feet, while arc-flash flame-resistant (AR/FR PPE) clothing can shield the rest of your body.
Whenever electricity is involved, safety must be the first priority.
Safety comes first with EV energy technology
Failure to take adequate precautions when working with electricity can result in serious injury or even death. The Cleveland Clinic states that in the U.S. alone, 500 to 1,000 people die from electrical accidents annually. Another 30,000 such accidents resulted in injuries.
Disaster doesn’t just strike amateurs — more than four out of every five deaths due to these accidents happen to professionals in construction, installation, maintenance, reparation, and facilities management.
That’s why the first step to installing any new EV charging port or station is to turn off the power. Use your voltage tester to ensure no electricity is still moving through the system. Don’t start work until the voltage tester shows safe conditions.
The next step is to don your protective gear. Put on those insulated gloves, leather overgloves, dielectric safety goggles, and other PPE.
Now, it’s time to assess the site thoroughly.
How field service technicians assess EV charging station sites
In your coursework to become an EV technician, you will also develop expertise in assessing the sites where EV charging stations should be installed. Where is the EV charging station or port going to be located? Given the surroundings, what setup would be best? These are the sorts of questions you’ll be able to answer.
To do so, you will need to evaluate many factors, including:
- The EV charging station needs to be close to an adequate source of power. This is more challenging for Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers than Level 1 Chargers.
- Similarly, the length of the charging cable needs to be long enough to reach the vehicle easily.
- There needs to be enough space not only for the equipment but also for the vehicle that is going to use the charging station or port. How is it going to get in or out? Where are other vehicles going to wait while the charging station is in use? What traffic pattern would likely result from one configuration versus another? Accessibility is key.
- If the site is outdoors, then consider how the charging station can be shielded from the elements. Will the roof overhang the area? Can a canopy be constructed?
- Another consideration is the safety and security of the charging station’s users. The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation has issued recommendations for designing the best EV charging stations. For instance, they advise using surveillance cameras, having bright lighting, and providing free Wi-Fi or an emergency call box.
Once you have installed the EV charging port or station, it’s time to verify that the work has been done correctly. Experienced technicians carefully test each connection, ensuring they are all secure and functioning. Only once the whole system comes up green will the electricity be turned back on.
However, installing EV stations and ports is just the beginning of an EV technician’s work. You will also be the one people turn to when an EV charging port or station stops working.
Servicing EV charging stations and ports
People who own EV charging stations or ports will run into difficulties from time to time. One common issue is a charging port or station that refuses to power up. This problem may be due to faulty connections or a piece of degraded equipment.
Another frequent problem is declining energy efficiency or other performance. For example, a charging station or port might start charging much slower than it used to. Problems with the power supply could be responsible, or the charger’s settings may have changed.
For those charging stations and ports that communicate with other devices through the Internet, problems with the network can cause challenges. For example, communication errors can happen, or communication can break down completely.
Troubleshooting difficulties like these also make up a large part of the curriculum at an EV technician certification program. Having participated in hands-on training for each of these issues, you can have the confidence that you’ll always know how to fix whatever problems your clients are facing.
EV technician certification program prepares students to take advantage of a growing field
If you’re serious about becoming an EV technician, consider enrolling in a training program. With EV technology advancing rapidly — not to mention new governmental regulations and safety standards appearing all the time — getting a cutting-edge education will give you a solid foundation to build upon long into the future.
For a comprehensive range of courses on the many elements involved in EV charging station installation, maintenance, and reparation, check out SkillFusion’s EDT Training for Renewable Energy Technicians. This in-depth, hands-on education will not only give you the necessary knowledge and skills but also provide you with a valuable credential that will impress prospective employers and clients. It will also give you the peace of mind of knowing you have a top-tier certification from a leading program in the industry.
Moreover, the entire program only costs $350 and takes place entirely online. You can master energy installation and become qualified to work on federally funded infrastructure projects from the convenience of your own home!
Start your first semester with SkillFusion
The demand for EV charging station installers and other EV technicians is projected to skyrocket in the coming years. Luckily, new programs like SkillFusion’s EDT Training for Renewable Energy Technicians meet this need.
By learning the right skills and getting the right certification, you can position yourself to succeed in this exciting and lucrative field. With SkillFusion’s EV charger certification program, you’ll be able to master everything from EV charging station installation and compliance to troubleshooting and repair.
It’s time to make the green energy grid happen. Take your place in the workforce that will usher in renewable energy technologies. Sign up with SkillFusion to start becoming an EV technician today!
