Careers in electric vehicle research expected to soar

According to James Hamilton, economist in the Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the jobs of the future will be in electric cars.

Although modern electric cars were developed in 1996, new and improved electric vehicle technologists are in demand. Chemists and material scientists as well as electrical engineers will be needed to improve battery life and recharging time. A Ph.D or PE certification will be necessary to fill these positions, and medium pay in 2010 was between $68,320 and $100,450 for those holding advanced credentials.

“A degree is certainly useful for these jobs, however, there are many jobs available that do not require one,” said Hamilton. He also says the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium may be helpful in providing career training. For more information, go to www.naftc.wvu.edu.

In order for electric vehicles to be a viable alternative to gas powered vehicles, however, access to charging stations in the U.S. will have to be drastically increased. A map of charging stations in the U.S. confirms that there are over 500 electric vehicle recharging stations in California, but 27 states have less than 10 charging stations, with 12 having none at all.

To read the full report, go to http://www.bls.gov/green/electric_vehicles/electric_vehicles.pdf.

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©2011 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved.