What are the key differences between AC and DC charging for electric vehicles, and where would you deploy each?

Cover power levels, charging speed, connector types, cost, and typical use cases like home, workplace, or highway.

Explain the role of OCPP in charging infrastructure and why it matters for a network operator.

Describe OCPP as an open protocol for communication between chargers and central management systems, enabling remote monitoring, billing, and firmware updates.

How would you integrate a solar PV system with an EV charging station? What components are needed?

Mention solar panels, inverter, battery storage (optional), charge controller, and grid connection. Discuss net metering and load balancing.

What safety standards and codes apply to EV charging installations in India?

Reference IS 732, IEC 61851, AIS-138, and local electricity authority rules. Highlight earthing, protection devices, and cable management.

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EV, cleantech and mobility

Vikram Solar Charging Infrastructure Lead Interview: Rounds, Questions and Preparation

For Charging Infrastructure Lead roles at companies like Vikram Solar

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What the job involves

A Charging Infrastructure Lead plans, deploys, and maintains electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, often integrating them with solar power and energy storage. Day to day, you assess sites, coordinate with vendors and utilities, ensure safety and compliance, and monitor charger uptime and usage. In a cleantech company like Vikram Solar, you may also work on solar-powered charging solutions and grid interaction.

Role and Technical Knowledge

1
What are the key differences between AC and DC charging for electric vehicles, and where would you deploy each?
Cover power levels, charging speed, connector types, cost, and typical use cases like home, workplace, or highway.
2
Explain the role of OCPP in charging infrastructure and why it matters for a network operator.
Describe OCPP as an open protocol for communication between chargers and central management systems, enabling remote monitoring, billing, and firmware updates.
3
How would you integrate a solar PV system with an EV charging station? What components are needed?
Mention solar panels, inverter, battery storage (optional), charge controller, and grid connection. Discuss net metering and load balancing.
4
What safety standards and codes apply to EV charging installations in India?
Reference IS 732, IEC 61851, AIS-138, and local electricity authority rules. Highlight earthing, protection devices, and cable management.

Practical Scenarios

5
A site has limited grid capacity but high EV charging demand. How would you design a solution?
Propose solar plus battery storage, smart load management, or staggered charging. Discuss demand charges and peak shaving.
6
You are setting up a charging station in a remote area with unreliable grid. What factors will you consider?
Consider solar with battery backup, diesel generator as last resort, maintenance access, and remote monitoring for uptime.
7
A charger frequently trips due to overload. How would you diagnose and fix the issue?
Check load distribution, cable sizing, breaker ratings, and grounding. Suggest load balancing or upgrading infrastructure.
8
How would you estimate the cost and timeline for deploying 10 AC chargers in a corporate parking lot?
Break down equipment, installation, electrical upgrades, permits, and labour. Mention vendor quotes and project milestones.

Behavioural and HR

9
Why do you want to work in EV charging infrastructure, and how does it fit your career goals?
Show passion for sustainable mobility, mention growth of EV sector in India, and align with long-term clean energy goals.
10
Describe a time you worked in a team to complete a project under a tight deadline.
Use STAR method: situation, task, action, result. Highlight coordination, prioritisation, and outcome.
11
How do you handle a situation where a vendor fails to deliver on time?
Emphasise communication, escalation, finding alternatives, and learning to build buffer in future plans.
12
Where do you see yourself in three years in this role?
Show ambition to grow into project management or network expansion, and willingness to learn new technologies like V2G or smart charging.

Industry and Company Awareness

13
What are the main challenges for EV charging infrastructure in India today?
Discuss high upfront cost, grid reliability, land availability, interoperability, and low utilisation in some areas.
14
How does solar power complement EV charging, and what are the business models?
Mention captive solar for charging, net metering, battery storage, and models like charging-as-a-service or subscription.
15
What recent government policies or incentives support EV charging in India?
Reference FAME II, state EV policies, subsidies for charging stations, and electricity tariff concessions.
16
Why are you interested in working for a company like Vikram Solar in the EV charging space?
Connect the company's solar expertise with EV charging synergy, and express interest in contributing to integrated clean energy solutions.

Typical rounds

1
Aptitude and Technical Screening
Tests basic electrical concepts, quantitative reasoning, and general awareness of EV technology.
2
Technical Interview
Assesses knowledge of charging standards, site design, solar integration, and problem-solving for real-world deployment issues.
3
Managerial or Case Round
Evaluates project planning, cost estimation, vendor management, and ability to handle practical scenarios.
4
HR and Behavioural Round
Checks communication, teamwork, adaptability, and motivation for the EV and cleantech sector.

Skills to revise

EV charging standards (AC/DC, Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO)
Electrical load calculation and site assessment
Solar PV and battery energy storage integration
Utility interconnection and net metering
Charging management systems (OCPP, back-end software)
Safety codes (IS 732, IEC 61851, AIS-138)
Project management and vendor coordination
Data monitoring and uptime analysis

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This is practice material for Charging Infrastructure Lead roles, written with AI. It is not a list of questions Vikram Solar or any other company has asked.