How to Build High-Performing AV & EV Development Teams

The global race to lead in Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) is accelerating. Organizations are being asked to do more than ever before: push innovation, meet evolving safety regulations, and deliver programs on aggressive timelines, all while managing risk in an industry where failure isn’t an option.

At the center of this challenge lies one truth: AV and EV programs demand specialized expertise, certifications, and skills that go far beyond general automotive engineering.

Why Specialized Engineering Expertise is Critical for AV & EV Programs

• Autonomous Vehicles (AVs): Breakthroughs in AI/ML, perception, and sensor fusion allow vehicles to process their surroundings and make decisions in real time. Delivering this requires knowledge of robotics, advanced embedded software, cloud/edge computing, and ISO 26262 functional safety standards.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): EV growth is driven by advances in batteries, high-voltage systems, and charging infrastructure. Success depends on skills in power electronics, battery management systems (BMS), and compliance with global charging standards.

Expert Certifications and Credentials 

In safety-critical fields, certifications aren’t just nice-to-have, they’re a proof of trust. Leading programs rely on experts who bring credentials such as:

• ISO 26262: Functional safety for both autonomy and high-voltage EV systems.
• ASPICE (Automotive SPICE): Ensures rigorous processes for software and systems engineering.
• ISO/SAE 21434: The global standard for automotive cybersecurity.
• Battery Management Standards (ISO, IEC, UL): Required for safe BMS and high-voltage systems.
• HIL / SIL / MIL Testing Frameworks: Validating autonomy algorithms, charging infrastructure, and energy optimization in simulation.
  
• ROS (Robot Operating System) & SLAM frameworks: Core for autonomous navigation and real-time mapping.

When evaluating subject matter experts (SMEs) or consulting partners, these certifications are often the clearest indicators of technical depth and compliance expertise.

For an inside look at the certifications needed for these AV/EV experts, check out our guide here.

Core Skills for Autonomous & Electric Vehicle Development Teams

Beyond certifications, there are core technical skills that define program success:

• Embedded & Software Engineering: ECU development, real-time embedded platforms, model-based design (MATLAB/Simulink).
• AI & Perception: Machine learning, sensor fusion, trajectory optimization, and simulation.
• Systems & Simulation Engineering: Digital twin modeling, vehicle dynamics, and end-to-end validation.
• Battery & Energy Systems: Lithium-ion and solid-state BMS design, thermal management, energy recovery.
• Functional Safety & Cybersecurity: ISO 26262 compliance, high-voltage safety, penetration testing of connected systems.
• Technical Program Management: Coordinating integration across autonomy, electrification, and compliance.

How to Choose an AV & EV Engineering Consulting Partner 

No single organization can do it all in-house. That’s why leaders in this space increasingly turn to external partners and SME networks. The right partner brings:

• Proven access to specialized SMEs in autonomy, batteries, and high-voltage systems.
• A track record of compliance with safety and cybersecurity standards.
• Scalable delivery models that flex with program demands - from early R&D through to production.
• Strategic insights into emerging trends in AV/EV technology and regulation.

Since 1940, Yoh has partnered with organizations to provide the expertise needed to keep pace with change. As demand for Autonomous Vehicle (AV) and Electric Vehicle (EV) talent has surged, we’ve expanded our focus to support this fast-evolving sector. Today, we work with leading automotive innovators to advance R&D, optimize engineering workflows, and accelerate time to market, removing the friction that slows innovation.

Our teams bring depth in battery systems, AI-driven autonomy, and hardware/software integration, offering flexible consulting models that adapt to each program. This approach helps clients reduce risk, stay compliant, and scale with confidence.

Recently, Yoh partnered with a global leader in autonomous driving to provide managed consulting teams across development, testing, and scaling - supporting more than 50 consultants on critical projects. From precision testing of laser, audio, and radar systems to streamlining supply chains and strengthening systems integration, we’ve helped drive reliability across the vehicle lifecycle while easing the burden of managing highly specialized resources.

The Future of AV & EV Innovation 

AV and EV innovation is reshaping global mobility and we’re only at the beginning. With new safety standards and autonomous driving regulations expected in 2026 and beyond, the demand for certified expertise will only grow. 

Organizations that invest now in specialized skills and resilient development teams will be best positioned to lead. The future will require breakthroughs in AI-driven perception, high-voltage battery systems, digital twin simulation, and safety frameworks that can keep pace with rapid innovation.  

Get our Guide now to learn how to align skills, certifications, and partnerships for AV/EV success.