Introduction to Electric Vehicles (EVs)

This course will provide you with the fundamentals of Electric Vehicles (EVs). We begin with a broad overview of the automotive industry, diving into its history and current trends. You will then learn the key differences between EVs and traditional gasoline vehicles. This course discusses the various types of EVs, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, and fuel-cell vehicles, highlighting the key features of each. You will also learn the key terms related to electricity, batteries, and charging systems. Next, the course focuses on the core components of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), where we will look at the essential components that make BEVs function as the upcoming modules focus specifically on BEVs. We will then uncover the unique features of BEVs, and you will learn about the key features that differentiate them from gasoline-powered vehicles. Finally, the course wraps up with a comprehensive overview of EV batteries, including the technology behind them and the various types of EV batteries.

In this module, you will learn how Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly important in the automotive service industry and understand the emerging opportunities in this evolving sector. You will discover how EVs are changing the automotive industry and gain insight into the technological advancements and societal factors that have driven their rise. By the end of this module, you will have a foundational understanding of EVs’ growing significance and historical evolution. 

Lessons: 

  1. The Growing Importance of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the Automotive Industry 
  2. History and Evolution of Electric Vehicles (EVs) 
This module will introduce you to the different types of vehicles in the automotive industry. This module discusses each vehicle category: conventional, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, and fuel-cell vehicles. You will learn about each vehicle type’s characteristics and distinct differences, including their advantages and limitations. By the end of this module, you will have a foundational understanding of different types of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and their distinct features. 

Lessons: 

  1. Types of Vehicles 
  2. Comparison of Electric Vehicles (EVs) 
This module will provide you with the foundational terms of Electric Vehicle (EV) terminology. It focuses on three sections, each addressing a distinct aspect of EV terminology. This module focuses on the fundamental concepts of electricity terminology, explaining key terms related to EVs, including voltage, current, resistance, power, and more. Additionally, you will be introduced to the essential terminology associated with EV batteries, covering battery packs, battery management systems, state of charge, and more, enabling you to understand the basics of battery technology. Finally, this module will cover the terminology related to charging infrastructure, including charging levels, connectors, and available charging options. 

Lessons: 

  1. Key Electricity Terminology 
  2. Key Battery Terminology 
  3. Key Charging Terminology 
This module will introduce you to the main parts of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and the unique features that set it apart from other types of vehicles. We will look at the fundamental building blocks that comprise the different parts of a BEV and how they work together. BEVs have unique features that distinguish them from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. We will examine these distinctive characteristics, including regenerative braking and instant start and acceleration. 

Lessons: 

  1. Main Components of a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) 
  2. Unique Features of Electric Vehicles (EVs) 

Understanding battery technologies is crucial, as batteries store the electrical energy that powers the vehicle. This module will offer an overview of the various battery technologies utilized in EVs. We will examine the use of lead-acid batteries in earlier EVs, acknowledging their limitations. Additionally, we will discuss the emergence of nickel-metal hydride batteries as technology progresses. Finally, we will look at the adoption of lithium-ion batteries and discuss the potential of other emerging battery technologies that pave the way for improved safety, faster charging, and longer lifespan. 

Lessons: 

  1. Overview of Electric Vehicle (EV) Batteries 

In this module, you will understand the significance of electrical fundamentals and insights into how these principles support the design, performance, servicing, and maintenance of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). You will develop an understanding of electrical fundamentals and basic electrical terminology. You will learn the significance of current in controlling the flow of electricity within electrical systems. This module also covers how resistance influences the behavior and efficiency of electrical circuits. You will learn about the role of voltage in driving electrical current and powering devices. Additionally, you will gain insights into the concept of power and its impact on the capabilities and functionality of BEVs. 

Lessons: 

  1. Importance of Electrical Fundamentals in Motors 
  2. Current (Amperes) 
  3. Resistance (Ohms) 
  4. Voltage 
  5. Power (Watts) 

In this module, you will learn the fundamental principles of electrical applications in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). You will also learn the laws of electricity, types of electrical circuits, and the role of alternating current and direct current in BEVs. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about 12-volt systems and high-voltage systems in BEVs, understanding their components, functions, and safety considerations. 

Lessons: 

  1. Laws of Electricity (Ohm’s and Watt’s) 
  2. Application of the Electrical Laws 
  3. Types of Electrical Circuits 
  4. 12-Volt (V) System 
  5. Direct Current (DC) 
  6. Alternating Current (AC) 
  7. High-Voltage (HV) Systems 

In this module, you will learn about the fundamental principles, components, and types of electric motors used in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). You will gain an understanding of how electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy and how they contribute to the performance, efficiency, and environmental benefits of BEVs. This module will also provide information about the future of transportation and the role that electric motors and BEVs will play in shaping it. 

Lessons: 

  1. The Role of Motors in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) 
  2. Basic Working Principles and Components of Electric Motors 
  3. Types of Electric Motors in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) 

In this module, you will learn about the critical role of electric motors in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). You will also learn about the functions and advantages of electric motors, their operation principles, and the importance of motor selection and maintenance. This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how electric motors contribute to the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of BEVs. 

Lessons: 

  1. Function and Reasons for Using Motors in Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) 
  2. Operation of a Motor within a BEV: Energy Conversion, Torque and Speed Control, Regenerative Braking 
  3. Associating Procedures: Motor Selection and Sizing, Motor Control Strategies, Maintenance and Troubleshooting 

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