The Talent Engine Behind MG’s EV Revolution

Fossil-fuel vehicles, much like steam engines in the industrial age, are fast becoming relics of a bygone era. In their place, electric mobility is steering the automotive industry into a bold new chapter. As electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) surge ahead, conventional manufacturing roles are being reshaped by the demands of a smarter, software-led automotive future. Mechanical expertise is increasingly complemented—and often replaced—by electrical engineering and software capabilities.
In the third episode of Taggd India’s Decoding Jobs: Lighthouse Series, presented in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), two industry stalwarts break down this transformation:
• Mr. Yeshwinder Patial, the Chief Human Resource Officer, JSW MG Motor India, who is steering MG’s people strategy through the EV transition.
• Mr. Devashish Sharma, the Founding Member & CEO of Taggd, offers a forward-looking perspective on digital hiring, skill-based recruitment, and the future of work.
Together, they decode how MG Motor is redefining its talent strategy to fuel India’s electric revolution—from hiring to upskilling, inclusion to innovation.
Glimpses of the most insightful moments from the discussion:
• Future-Ready Hiring Philosophy
• Reimagining the EV Landscape
• Talent Farming, Not Fishing
• Inclusive Workforce & Women Empowerment
• S.P.E.E.D Culture in Action

You can find the podcast here:

At the heart of MG’s workforce strategy is a future-focused, skill-first hiring approach. The company is moving away from chasing “perfect resumes” and toward valuing mindset, adaptability, and cross-functional potential. This shift is evident in how MG recruits connected car specialists, battery technologists, and EV service engineers that sit at the intersection of automotive engineering, software, and AI.

To meet such dynamic needs, Taggd is building AI-driven solutions that map talent readiness in EV domains. Their platforms emphasize learning agility and competency over pedigree, aligning perfectly with MG’s mindset-first culture.

MG’s transformation is not limited to its vehicles. The company is also reshaping its business model and ecosystem. A major milestone: 70% of MG’s current sales come from electric vehicles. New launches like the MG Windsor, ZS EV, and Comet reflect this shift. Notably, MG introduced Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), an industry-first initiative allowing customers to purchase EVs without batteries and lease them separately, reducing upfront costs.

The palpable consumer excitement around MG Windsor proves that cost-effective innovation is the way forward.

From Fishing to Farming: Rethinking Skill Development
With digital talent in short supply, MG isn’t waiting for the ecosystem to evolve. The company believes in “talent farming, not fishing”, choosing to train and grow talent from the ground up.

Key initiatives include:
• MG Nurture: Partnerships with ITIs and engineering colleges
• 21-Day Bootcamps: Fast-tracked training for young professionals
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Team members gain holistic experience by rotating across manufacturing, digital, and product functions.

These programs ensure a workforce that’s not only technically equipped but also agile and collaborative.

It’s encouraging to see diversity being embraced as a fundamental necessity rather than a mere initiative. As per the Taggd India Decoding Jobs Report, 2025 “The industry anticipates a 30% increase in hiring compared to previous years, with significant growth in engineering, R&D, and technology applications”.

MG Motor is known for its bold strides in diversity. The company’s “Drive Her Back” initiative offers structured re-entry programs for women on career breaks—no questions asked. Anti-bias training, inclusive selection frameworks, and on-site skill centers help ensure women are hired—and retained—in core technical roles.

The results are remarkable:
• 42% of MG’s total workforce are women
• 45% of the shop floor team comprises women

This initiative transcends standard DEI protocols, marking a fundamental redefinition of our workplace ethos.

MG’s employee value proposition is centered around S.P.E.E.D:
• Startup Spirit: Agility of a startup
• Passion: Mission-driven, purpose-led work
• Execution: Converting intent into impact
• Ease of Doing Business: Encouraging policy and ecosystem reform
• Diversity: Embedding inclusion into every business layer

S.P.E.E.D isn’t just a mantra—it defines how MG hires, trains, and scales.

MG’s people strategy extends beyond the workplace. Through “MG Sewa”, employees engage in grassroots initiatives—from volunteering in schools to supporting underserved communities. This people-first ethos is reinforced through flexible work models, career mobility, and constant upskilling opportunities.

MG understands that selling electric cars isn’t enough. The entire ecosystem—charging infrastructure, education, and public trust—needs nurturing.
MG’s broader initiatives include:
• MG eHub App: Maps 85%+ of India’s charging stations (all brands)
• Battery Leasing: Reduces EV entry cost
• Lifetime Battery Warranties: Reinforces customer trust

Yet challenges remain. A key concern: outdated academic curricula that fail to equip students for new-age EV roles. MG encourages policymakers and academic institutions to:
• Introducing real-time curriculum upgrades
• Encourage industry-academia apprenticeships
• Offer subsidies and incentives for EV adoption

The discussion ended with a beautiful advice for budding engineers, where Mr. Yeshwinder Patial said, “Flow like a water, be agile like water, take the shape of container, don’t lose yourself in it, don’t become the container…things will change and be that change agent. Keep learning, unlearning or re-learning things.”

Mr. Devashish Sharma concluded by saying, “Don’t get trapped in silos, in boxes, be agile flow like water, mold yourself to what is the latest opportunity, grab them, morph that change to keep yourself relevant for the future world.”

Human strength, not horsepower, will win the EV race. As demonstrated by MG Motor’s playbook, innovation and inclusion lead to acceleration. The entire podcast contains such interesting insights. Do watch the full episode.