We face bottlenecks in most walks of life but when it comes to the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, there's a complex and bureaucratic labyrinth in the face of progress - particularly frustrating for businesses eager to accelerate their EV transition. 

This interesting article covers research conducted by Charge Point Operator Believ, highlighting the booming demand for EV charging infrastructure (88% of businesses installing chargers, 57% planning to double capacity) hindered by a tangled web of regulations and infrastructure limitations (70% face delays due to grid upgrades, inconsistent planning laws etc).

Whilst businesses are ready, more often than not, the system isn't. What's more, there is a significant lack of skills and talent across the sector to drive forward the transition at the pace we need to. 

At Hyperion Executive Search, we work with several players across the EV and energy ecosystem, helping build their teams at a senior, executive and board level and we know first-hand how important it is to bridge the skills and expertise gap across the sector, putting the right people in the right places in order to overcome bottlenecks.

For one, there's a real need for power infrastructure specialists who understand the grid, and can streamline communication with electricity companies in order to overcome upgrade delays.

We're seeing an increasing demand for more planning specialists to understand and navigate regulations across different regions in order to significantly expedite project approvals.

Then, there's a need for finance strategists. Those who serve as EV charging investment advisors to CPO's and businesses, helping streamline business models, optimise costs, identify funding opportunities, and ensure a healthy return on investment in what is a capital intensive sector. 

Furthermore, when it comes to sales, we are seeing greater emphasis on consulting and solutions selling. Gone are the days of the quick wins for salespeople. In order for businesses to choose the right infrastructure and get things right first time to avoid expensive replacement or upgrade costs further down the line, we are seeing more and more demand for individuals with a consultative and data-driven background. 

Beyond that, as highlighted by Believ, greater emphasis on public-private partnerships are vital. Local authorities are, and need to continue appointing in-house EV expertise to work hand-in-hand with businesses to speed up processes, overcome local planning hurdles and ensure a smooth nationwide rollout. 

Ultimately, it's all about collaboration and the EV sector needs to continuously invest in developing a skilled workforce equipped to navigate complex regulations and bridge the gap between businesses and the power grid. Through collaboration we can unlock the full potential of electric vehicles and ensure a faster transition away from fossil fuels.

At Hyperion Executive Search, we work with leading organisations who are supporting businesses with their transition to electric vehicles. With a strong network and track record delivering exceptional talents for our clients since 2014, we work with our clients to attract the very best talent. Get in touch today to learn how we can support your business.