It is no secret that electric vehicles (EVs) are experiencing a growing popularity in the automotive industry. Growing consumer interest in sustainability, coupled with the appeal of the latest electric vehicle models, has driven demand for EVs, and many major automakers have announced commitments to electrify their vehicle fleets. This includes the development and production of electric cars, as well as investments in research and development of electric drivetrain technology.
So how can you incorporate an electric vehicle trainer – or more – into your program?
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There is now a whole new world of teaching requirements within automotive training programs.
Do your students know how to operate each type of Electric Vehicle (EV), measure what is going on during the various modes of operation, and troubleshoot common problems?
Teaching EV technology poses several challenges, considering the unique characteristics and complexities associated with electric vehicles. Here’s are some tried and true rules to follow as your incorporate EV training into your program.
Cover all the Necessary EV Skills
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It is important to start with the basics! Design a comprehensive curriculum that covers the basics of electric vehicles, including their components, charging infrastructure, maintenance, and safety protocols. Begin with fundamental theoretical concepts, such as how electric vehicles work, different types of electric vehicles, and the role of batteries in EVs. This means you will need to cover topics like electric motors, power electronics, battery management systems, and vehicle control systems.
From here, you can then incorporate practical, hands-on training sessions to reinforce theoretical concepts. Providing access to EV components and vehicles for participants to explore and work on is essential. Students need access to simulations or practical exercises for a complete learning experience that allows them to enhance problem-solving skills.
There are several key areas to focus on within your instruction. These include:
Charging Infrastructure
Students should understand the different charging technologies and standards and provide training on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting charging stations.
Maintenance and Repair
Your program should cover routine maintenance tasks specific to electric vehicles and include troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures for common issues.
LJ Create offers an Electric Vehicle Technology program that provides automotive skills training, with fault-finding, standards-based curriculum, and practice across EV systems.
Depending on your program’s budget, you can consider purchasing complete vehicles systems, common EV sub-system panel trainers, or smaller desktop training systems. This is an example of LJ Create’s panel trainer in action.
Safety Training
Emphasize safety protocols related to working with high-voltage systems, battery handling, and other potential hazards associated with electric vehicles. Also, include emergency procedures and first aid training specific to EVs.
Lucas Nuelle offers a full suite of EV trainers, including a First Responder Trainer for Advanced Electric Drive Vehicles (Cartrain)
Teach to Industry Standards
As with any technical training area, it is important to familiarize students with relevant regulations and standards in the electric vehicle industry.
In May 2023, the National Institute for Automotive Service (ASE) announced the creation of Electric Vehicle Technician/Shop Personnel Electrical Safety Standards. The two new tests available are:
xEV Electrical Safety Awareness Certification (Level One)
This certification is designed for anyone who may encounter an EV in the workplace. This includes identifying individuals who perform tasks in proximity of electric powered vehicles in sales, service, repair and/or related environments. Level One individuals require high-voltage electrical safety awareness to identify the hazards and reduce the associated risks when working on or near electric vehicles (xEVs) and/or near high-voltage components of electric powered vehicles.
Skills performed by Level One individuals may include: operating (driving) an electric powered vehicle; performing maintenance and repairs not related to high-voltage systems or their components; handling non-high-voltage components of electric powered vehicles; and encountering electric powered vehicles and/or high-voltage components of electric powered vehicles while performing job-related tasks
xEV Technician Electrical Safety Certification (Level Two)
This certification is for service professionals, technicians or specialists who have received high-voltage electrical training; have demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the construction, operation and repair of electrically powered high-voltage vehicles; maintain an electrically safe working area and use required personal protective equipment (PPE). They have also received safety training to identify the hazards and reduce the associated risk.
Skills performed by Level Two repair professionals may include: evaluating and classifying the condition of the high-voltage battery and high-voltage electrical system; isolating the voltage from the high-voltage systems and checking the isolation from the supply; securing the high-voltage system against being activated; re-starting the high voltage system; performing general work on de-energized high-voltage systems and components; and assessing the risk of high-voltage vehicles that were involved in an accident.
You can learn more about the new ASE light duty hybrid/electric certification program here.
Keep Up with Your Own Continuing Education
The demand for instructors with expertise in electric vehicle technology often exceeds the supply. Institutions may face challenges in finding qualified professionals who can effectively teach the intricacies of EV systems. It’s important for educators to stay on top of evolving EV industry trends so that they can pass that knowledge onto the next generation workforce. How can you do that?
Subscribe to Industry Publications
Stay informed by subscribing to industry publications, journals, and magazines that cover electric vehicle technology, advancements, and market trends. Regularly reading these sources can help you stay abreast of the latest news.
Research and Academic Journals:
Explore research articles and academic journals focused on electric vehicle technology. Academic publications often delve into in-depth studies and emerging technologies within the electric vehicle sector.
Professional Development and Hands-On Learning
Actively engage in hands-on learning by experimenting with electric vehicle components through professional development opportunities. This practical experience can deepen your understanding of EV systems and enhance your troubleshooting skills.
In face, we’re holding some upcoming Lunch and Learn’s for automotive instructors specifically focused on EV training at Northern Virginia Community College and Pulaski High School in Dublin, Virginia. Register for these FREE events here!
