Electric Vehicle Technician

Program Description

The Electric Vehicle Technician students will gain the foundational skills and knowledge to thrive in the rapidly evolving field of electric vehicle technology. Key modules will touch on electric vehicles (EVs) and connect their application to the automation used in manufacturing with automated guided vehicles (AGV). The EV Tech is preparing you to enter the workforce with entry-level knowledge and to understand safety, EV’s as a whole, and the technology's integration into manufacturing and vehicles. Upon successful completion, students may earn the OSHA 10, American Heart Association CPR and First Aid, three SACA micro-credentials, SME Electric Vehicle Fundamentals (EVF) Certification, college credit, and an OCC certificate of program completion. 

OCC Credits (must pass exam):  IST 1000 Industrial Math (3) and IST 1100 Industrial Print Reading (3)

• Classroom location:  Auburn Hills Campus
• Schedule: Full time, Monday thru Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Duration: 14 weeks 
• Format: In-person

Module Descriptions

OSHA 10-Hour General Industry – 16 hours
This course provides training for entry-level workers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces, as well as information regarding workers’ rights and employer responsibilities.  Through this training, OSHA helps to ensure that workers have the knowledge they need to stay safe on the job.  Students who successfully complete this course receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry card from the OSHA Training Institute – a credential that holds value for a lifetime.

Industrial Math – 32 hours
In this course students will learn the fundamentals of Algebra and Geometry as applied to practical industrial problems they may encounter in their trade. Topics include positive and negative numbers, ratio and proportion, simple equations, percentage, tapers, square root, formulas, and quadratic equations. Geometry principles of axioms, propositions, circle definitions, central angles, and tangents will be applied in the problem-solving techniques of actual trade problems.

Industrial Blueprint Reading and Schematics – 24 hours
In this course students will be taught a series of related steps leading to an understanding of shop blue prints. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of blueprints, performing mathematical computations, basic blueprint terminology and sketching various views of pictorial and orthographic drawings.  Students will manipulate blueprints and learn to sketch objects or modify blueprints. 

Hazardous Energy – 4 hours
This course will provide students with the knowledge needed to safely work around, or on high-voltage systems found on electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. Topics include a review of basic electrical concepts; an overview of the NFPA 70E, NEC, and OAHA standards; inspection and use of appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE); and the use of common electrical test equipment.

Hazardous Material Handling – 4 hours
This course provides students with an understanding of precautions to observe when working on or around electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. Topics address the different types of battery and fuel cell technologies; how to properly handle and dispose of batteries and fuel cells; and how to respond to a hazardous material incident.

CPR/First Aid/AED – 4 hours
The AHA’s Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Reflects science and education from the American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC). 

Intro to EV – 8 hours
This course provides students with a fundamental understanding of electric vehicles (EVs) and will explore the differences between a battery electric vehicle (BEV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Additionally, this course compares electric motor drivetrains to internal combustion engines.

EV Battery Technology Fundamental – 40 hours
This course provides a foundational understanding of electrical principles essential to EV battery systems. Students explore lithium-ion battery operation, characteristics, and safe handling and storage practices. The course also examines battery pack design, EV electrical system operation, and key production and testing methods used in modern battery manufacturing.

Manufacturing Systems 1 & 2– 40 hours
This course introduces the core skills needed to work safely and effectively in advanced manufacturing environments. Students learn the fundamentals of EV battery manufacturing processes, mechatronics, hand and power tools, smart factory systems, IIoT technologies, and basic cybersecurity practices. The curriculum also covers process reliability, manufacturing data-visualization tools, SPC, control charts, lean production, and 5S workplace organization.

Basic EV Electrical – 24 hours
In this course students will learn the basics of electricity, digital multimeters, hand tools, Ohms Law, wiring, and troubleshooting. Trainers will be used to wire, debug, and practice basic electrical fundamentals. An Electric Outlet Tester, Proximity Tester, Fluke T5-1000 Multimeter, and a Fluke 87 Multimeter will be introduced and used in the lab environment.

Intro to Hand Tools – 16 hours
The Hand Tool Course will allow the learner to see over 80 hand tools, many of them for work as an electrician, listen to the instructor explain how it is used, then the tools will be demonstrated on proper use. The learner will then get a chance to try the tool out until mastery of the tool is completed. 

Integration into Electric Vehicles – 40 hours
This course will provide students with an overview of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and the assembly process. Topics include common steps in the manufacturing process; installation and removal of key EV components; and troubleshooting procedures commonly used to diagnose failed EV components. Students will gain an overview of mechanical power transmission systems. The course provides additional insight into mechanical systems and the drives of power transmission mechanical equipment.  

Wire Harness Inspection – 24 hours
This class starts out explaining symbols used in wiring diagrams relevant to automotive and industrial equipment. The class is designed around automotive blueprints, however, the methods learned here are used in many industries. Basic electrical quantities along with a brief introduction of Ohm’s Law will be covered. A continuity checker will be used by the student once their wiring harness is constructed before applying power.  Pin board assembly techniques will be assessed along with hand manufacturing for prototype harnesses.  Students will verify their harness using continuity and a digital meter using the resistance and continuity functions.

Intro to Robotics – 16 hours 
Students will learn safe operation, jogging the robot, running a program, diagnosing alarms, fault recovery, and backing up robot files and programs.

Battery Technology – 8 hours
This course provides an overview of batteries and fuel cells found in electric vehicles (EV) and describes the three common types of batteries used in an EV. Students will calculate the internal resistance of a battery and explain the chemical composition of EV batteries and fuel cells. This course also covers the main components of a battery management system and describes standard protective measures along with safety considerations for EV batteries.

Charging Systems – 16 hours
This course provides an overview of the different types of battery chargers including Level ASE 1, 2 and 3.  It also covers the five types of electric vehicle (EV) connectors in use and the principle of bidirectional charging.  How to calculate charging time and charging cost will also be covered. 

Motor Controls and Drives – 40 hours
This course will take the learner through the Amatrol Motor Control Labs to learn how to wire industry standard motor controls. Two wire circuits will be wired as well as three wire circuits, and status indicators. Various components will be introduced into the hardwiring to monitor the status of switches and various configurations. The Learners will also use a Meggar to test the windings and insulation on AC Motors to determine if the windings are ok and the insulation is good.

EV to AVG Programming – 40 hours
This course will take a look into how various electric vehicles are programmed. Automobiles, Industrial Carts, Three Wheeled Handicap Scooters and Electric Handicap Wheelchairs will all be evaluated. Industrial Electric Carts will be focused on as they are performing many tasks in our production environments. Camera Guidance Systems and Magnetic Guidance Systems will be examined and programmed.  Some hands-on activities will be performed with available equipment. Steps will be programmed for speed and distance. Safety Laser Scanners will be evaluated and programmed for safety as well as for curves and straight paths. Variable Frequency Drive replacement will be practiced with a focus on correct wiring and safety procedures. Motors will also be evaluated not only for proper operation but warning signs given when a motor is nearing the end of its’ life.

PLC1 Intro to PLC’s & Troubleshooting Systems – 40 hours
Using Rockwell software, the students in this course will learn how to install hardware and program a GuardLogix Processor using various ladder logic instruction sets. Students will review the necessary skills to go online with the PLC and be able to search, cross reference, toggle, force, branch, upload, and download, as well as making backup copies of the logic. Instructions that will be studied, programmed, and utilized include: Timers, Counters, Examine On, Examine Off, and Move instructions. Safety Logic and Safety Signatures will also be introduced, programmed, and studied for functionality. Emergency Stops and Gate Plugs will be programmed. 

Precision Inspection – 40 hours
Students will learn basic dimensioning and tolerancing, various measurement methods, data collection, and inspection techniques.

Additional Course Content 

Workplace Competencies - 2 days/16 hours
Students will improve competence in skills that are essential to success in the workplace.  Students will address communication skills and explore how to establish a stronger work ethic.

Career Readiness - 2 days/16 hours
Students will be provided with resources and tools to be successful in the labor market.  Personal branding, including resume and interview skills, will be addressed with the assistance of a career coach.  Students will learn how to utilize LinkedIn as part of the job search process.

Employer Engagement - Varies
Students will gain greater understanding of the EV Technology and Automation industries through employer interactions such as on-site guest speakers and Interview Day. 

 

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