Aligning EV Education with Industry Needs in Southeast Europe

As European car manufacturers increasingly commit to fully electric vehicles in alignment with the European Green Deal and EU climate targets, the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles necessitates a new skill set for engineers, particularly in Southeastern Europe. This paper examines the integration of industry feedback in developing an EV-focused curriculum across four Southeastern European countries. The EvolvEV project, funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, aims to support climate action by creating an open-access learning platform to advance technical and entrepreneurial skills in the EV sector. It addresses the skill gaps by developing specialized courses aligned with industry needs, promoting practical knowledge, and fostering continuous collaboration between academia and industry. Key technical and non-technical skills required by the EV industry are identified through stakeholder consultations, highlighting the need for updated educational programs that balance theoretical knowledge with practical application and non-technical competencies.