𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞

…𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔-𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏’𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒈𝒐𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒔

By Kezang Choden

Samthang Technical Institute in Wangduephodrang is advancing innovation with the launch of a new Electric Vehicle (EV) technician course on May 2, 2025. This addition to the institute’s offerings, alongside its diploma program in Automotive Workshop Supervision, reflects its commitment to modern, sustainable technical education. The course aligns with Bhutan’s green development goals, preparing students for emerging technologies in the rapidly evolving field of electric mobility. With the rise in electric vehicles, the institute is addressing the growing demand for specialized repair and maintenance services, providing students with hands-on experience using modern tools and equipment to excel in the industry.

The training will be delivered by qualified instructors, including one international master trainer, ensuring global standards in both theory and practical learning. The instructors have undergone specialized training in the relevant fields to provide students with industry-aligned skills and knowledge. By embracing this timely initiative, the institute aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in green technology, while contributing to Bhutan’s broader mission of environmental sustainability and self-reliance. The launch of the EV technician course is expected to not only provide job-ready skills to the youth but also support the country’s growing electric vehicle ecosystem. With the right training and resources, Samthang Technical Institute is ready to lead the charge in shaping Bhutan’s future in clean transportation.

In response to the growing demand for skilled professionals in the EV sector, Samthang Technical Institute has launched a specialized course aimed at preparing youth for emerging opportunities in the industry. Ugyen Dorji, the Principal of Samthang Technical Institution, stated that the course is primarily designed to equip young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to work professionally in the electric vehicle market. He emphasized that the increasing number of EVs on roads has created a pressing need for trained technicians who can handle and maintain these vehicles effectively.

He said, “This course is mainly to encourage the youth to become professionally qualified in the field of electric vehicles. With the number of EVs rising in the country, there is a need to train individuals who can manage the maintenance and servicing of these vehicles.”

The introduction of this course is aligned with the government’s vision to promote green mobility and reduce the country’s carbon footprint. By focusing on technical training in EV technology, the institute hopes to contribute to both environmental sustainability and employment generation for the younger population. The course will cover key areas such as EV components, battery systems, safety protocols, diagnostics, and repair techniques. Samthang Technical Institute’s initiative is seen as a timely move to address the skills gap in the evolving transport landscape and support country’s broader goals of clean energy and sustainable development.

Prabhat Biswa, the Senior EV Technician from Bhutan Hyundai Motors, conducted a training session focused on electric vehicles (EVs) for selected trainers. The main objective of the training was to equip individuals and sector-specific personnel with essential knowledge, practical skills, and the confidence to understand, handle, and operate electric vehicles safely and efficiently.

He emphasized the importance of understanding the basics of EV technology, introducing the fundamental principles of electric vehicles, including their key components such as the battery, motor, and inverter. The training also provided an overview of the different types of EVs, including Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), along with their specific use cases.

Participants were educated on the environmental benefits of EVs, their energy efficiency, and the role of electric mobility in shaping the future of transportation. The session also familiarized participants with EV specifications, range considerations, and performance characteristics to ensure proper understanding and operation.

Samthang Technical Institute is set to begin EV training for youth, having completed the curriculum required for the new program. Tashi Dorji Tamang, the EV instructor at the institute, confirmed that they are fully prepared to start training aspiring EV technicians. To strengthen his knowledge and teaching skills, Tashi recently visited Bhutan Hyundai Motors, where he received hands-on exposure to various aspects of electric vehicle systems.

He said the visit was crucial in enhancing his understanding of EV technology, which will directly benefit the trainees at the institute. “With the rapid development taking place in our country and our national commitment to preserving the environment, EVs are expected to become more common on Bhutanese roads,” said Tashi Dorji Tamang. “However, there are still very few trained EV technicians in the country. This is why I have committed myself to training more youth in this field.”

He emphasized that the EV curriculum has been carefully developed to meet current industry needs and equip trainees with practical knowledge. His goal is to groom certified technicians who can contribute to Bhutan’s green transition and also find meaningful employment. Tashi believes that as Bhutan moves toward establishing the Gelephu Mindfulness City, the demand for skilled EV technicians will grow further. “This is a great opportunity for young people to secure jobs in a field that is both environmentally friendly and forward-looking,” he said.

In an effort to promote the safe and effective use of EVs, a recent hands-on training session focused on educating new and prospective EV owners about practical usage, safe handling, and charging techniques. The training targeted environmentally conscious drivers, and individuals keen to explore the future of sustainable transportation. Participants were trained in safe starting, driving, and stopping procedures that are unique to EVs.

The sessions also included demonstrations of real-life scenarios such as regenerative braking, silent operation, and torque response, which are commonly encountered when driving EVs. The training further emphasized practical learning. Attendees engaged in hands-on exercises to explore onboard systems, display panels, and smartphone applications that support EV functions, including range estimation and locating nearby charging stations. Basic vehicle maintenance was also covered, such as checking tire pressure and inspecting charging ports.

On the topic of charging techniques, the program explained the various types of EV charging options like Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging and the different connector types like Type 1, Type 2, CCS, and CHAdeMO. Participants were taught how to safely connect, start, monitor, and disconnect from chargers. In addition, the training provided information on home, workplace, and public charging options.

Discussions covered the costs and time required for each option and offered best practices to extend battery life and improve energy efficiency. “This initiative is important to make users confident and capable in handling electric vehicles in real-world conditions,” said Prabhat Biswa. “It’s not just about driving. It’s about understanding how these vehicles work, how to maintain them, and how to charge them safely and efficiently.”