Course Offerings

"The Switch" Building an Electric Vehicle (High School Summer Camp Program)

This course is tailored for learners interested in building and understanding the components of a simple electric vehicle, including electrical theory, component assembly, software configuration and vehicle testing.

Course Objectives

Identify and use high-voltage measuring and personal protective equipment

Identify low- and high-voltage circuits

Solve calculations for electricity, including storage capacity, charge rates and power flow

Use hand tools to mount and adjust the components

Demonstrate safe work practices around hand tools and high-voltage components

Outline of Instruction

Electricity Basics: Ohm's Law, Watt's Law, basic circuits, relay circuits

Battery: Types of battery chemistry (lead acid, NiMH, lithium), battery configuration (foil, spiral, prismatic cells and series vs. parallel arrangement), assemble and mount the battery

Battery Management System: Cell monitoring, cell balancing, current monitoring, mount and connect the BMS

On-Board Chargers: Charging rates, charger safety protocols, mount the OBC

Motors: DC vs. AC motors, motor speed control, mount the motor

Low-voltage system: Lighting circuits, mount the lighting and wire harness, DC-DC converters, mount the DC-DC converter, safety interlocks, wire in safety interlocks

Steering, Suspension, Brakes: Basic suspension and steering theory, mount the suspension, align the front wheels, basic brake theory, mount and bleed brakes

Software: BMS software, controller software, monitoring software, program and configure modules

Driving: Test drive to verify all components function, monitor current use and range, calculate efficiency, reconfigure settings and compare after follow-up test drive

Contact Hours

CEUs

Yes

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

Prerequisites

Students must be in or about to enter high school and must have successfully taken Part 1 of the summer camp.

Learning Supplies Needed

N/A

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

N/A

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

Students must be in or about to enter high school and must have successfully taken Part 1 of the summer camp.
All students must have completed a previous CARS class, completed their freshman year of high school and be at least 15 years old. Proof of age required with application.

For more information, email [email protected].

Intended Audience

This course is designed for current or rising high school students who have successfully completed Part 1 of the summer camp program. It is tailored for learners interested in building and understanding the components of a simple electric vehicle, including electrical theory, component assembly, software configuration and vehicle testing.