Course Outline for Apprenticeship: Automotive Technology 9754X
Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Effective: Fall 2024
SLO Rev:

Catalog Description:

APAU 9754X - Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

4.50 Units

We are combining the existing ATEC 90 / 91 courses into this new ATEC 94 course due to scheduling issues with short-term courses. We will also be cross listing this course for a non-credit and APAU to replace those existing courses (ATEC 290/291, APAU 9750/9751).
Prerequisite: ATEC 50 (same as APAU 9724) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, APAU 9724 (same as ATEC 50) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, APAU 9725 (same as ATEC 6A) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, ATEC 6A (same as APAU 9725) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, Strongly Recommended: APAU 9723 (same as ATEC 5) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, ATEC 5 (same as APAU 9723) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, APAU 9727 (same as ATEC 8) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, ATEC 8 (same as APAU 9727) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent
CB03: TOP Code 0948.00 - Automotive Technology*
CIP Code 47.0604 - Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
Course Grading: Optional
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Laboratory 1.50 81.00 0.00 81.00
Total 4.50 135.00 108.00 243.00

Measurable Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. contrast how a hybrid or electric vehicle operates when compared to conventional vehicles;
  2. demonstrate proper safety procedures and use of PPE when working on and around high voltage vehicles;
  3. identify, discuss, and measure how high voltage systems operate;
  4. compare and contrast AC and DC electrical systems;
  5. explain in detail how hybrid electric drive systems operate, including electric motors, generators and controls;
  6. critically analyze how regenerative braking systems work;
  7. contrast and identify how hybrid transmission and transaxles operate;
  8. perform preventive, normal, and specific hybrid and electric vehicle service and maintenance;
  9. assess and examine scan tool data, retrieve and record stored diagnostic trouble codes for hybrid and electric vehicle systems;
  10. access and use service information to perform step-by-step diagnosis.
  11. compare and contrast the different types of high voltage batteries used in hybrid and electric
    vehicles;
  12. perform the removal of, and the appropriate tests of, the high voltage system components;
  13. perform the removal of, and the appropriate tests of, the high voltage system components;
  14. perform a cooling system service for the high voltage system;
  15. evaluate the condition of motor windings;
  16. compare and contrast the pros and cons of gasoline and diesel engines.

Course Content:

Course Content (Lecture):

  1. Carbon-Based Fuels and the Environment
    1. The purpose of Hybrid and Alternative–Fuel vehicles
    2. Carbon-based society
    3. Chemical fundamentals of carbon-based society
    4. The Clean Air Act establishes the framework
    5. Emission standards in the United States
    6. European standards
    7. Ozone
    8. Ultraviolet radiation absorption
    9. Kyoto Protocol
    10. Health effects of air pollution
    11. Acid rain
    12. Carbon footprint
    13. Global warming
  2. Introduction to Hybrid Vehicles & Safety and Service procedures
    1. Driving and owning a hybrid electric vehicle
    2. Classifications of hybrid electric vehicles
    3. Belt alternator starter systems
    4. Levels of hybrid vehicles
  3. Hybrid Batteries and Battery Service
    1. Evolution of battery technology
    2. Lead-acid batteries
    3. Nickel-cadmium
    4. Nickel-metal hydride
    5. Lithium-ion
    6. Lithium-polymer
    7. Zinc-air
    8. Sodium-sulfur
    9. Sodium-metal-chloride
    10. Battery comparison
    11. Role if the auxiliary battery in the hybrid system
    12. Lead-acid technology
    13. Battery ratings
    14. Lead-acid battery safety precautions
    15. Lead-acid battery testing
    16. Valve regulated lead-acid
    17. Role of the HV battery in the hybrid system
    18. High-Voltage (HV) battery construction
    19. HV battery cooling
    20. HV battery service
  4. Fuel Cells and Advanced Technologies
    1. Fuel cell technology
    2. PEM fuel cells
    3. Direct methanol fuel cells
    4. Fuel-Cell vehicle systems
    5. Fuel-Cell hybrid vehicles
    6. Hydrogen storage
    7. Hydraulic hybrid storage system
    8. Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI)
  5. Electric Motors, Generators, and Controls
    1. Fundamentals of magnetism
    2. Electromagnetism
    3. Electromagnetic induction
    4. Electric motors
    5. Brushless motors
    6. Motor control
    7. Capacitors in hybrid controllers
    8. Converters and inverters
  6. Internal Combustion Engine Systems
    1. Hybrid Internal Combustion Engines (ICE)
    2. Engine fundamentals
    3. Atkinson cycle
    4. Engine specifications
    5. Torque, work, and power
    6. Hybrid engine design features
    7. Hybrid engine lubrication system
    8. Engine oil
    9. Synthetic oil
    10. Oil change intervals
    11. Hybrid engine ignition system
    12. Oxygen sensors
    13. Wide-band oxygen sensor
    14. Fuel injection systems
    15. Mechanical returnless fuel system
    16. Gasoline direct injection
    17. Demand Delivery Systems (DDS)
    18. Electronic returnless fuel system
    19. Fuel injectors
    20. Electronic throttle control
  7. Power Steering & Hybrid Vehicle Heating and Air Conditioning
    1. Electronic power steering
    2. Hybrid ice cooling systems
    3. Cooling system components
    4. Coolant heat storage systems
    5. Cabin heating systems
    6. Hybrid electrical system cooling
    7. Hybrid air-conditioning systems
    8. A/C components
  8. Regenerative Braking Systems & Hybrid Vehicle Transmissions and Transaxles
    1. Principles of regenerative braking
    2. Types of regenerative braking systems
    3. Battery charging during regeneration
    4. Regenerative braking system
    5. How the regenerative braking system works
    6. Deceleration rates
    7. Engine design changes related to regenerative braking
    8. Servicing regenerative braking systems
  9. Soft Skills 
  10. Capacitors and High Voltage Batteries
    1. Attributes
    2. Plug-In Technology
    3. Removal
    4. Testing
  11. Inverters and Converters
    1. Removal
    2. Testing
  12. Electric Motors
    1. Operation
    2. Testing
    3. Test equipment
  13. Electric Vehicles
    1. Current Models
    2. Charging Options
    3. Benefits of
    4. Negatives of
  14. Clean Diesel
    1. Benefits
    2. Hybrid vehicle application
    3. Attributes
    4. Engines
    5. Emission Devices
  15. Alternate Fuels
    1. Benefits.
    2. Hybrid vehicle application
    3. E85
    4. CNG
    5. LPG
  16. Hydrogen as a fuel
    1. Benefits
    2. Negatives
    3. Hybrid application

Course Content (Laboratory):

Content mirrors the subjects listed in “Course Content, Lecture” with the inclusion of skill-based exercises. Examples:

  1. Demonstrate the proper methods to perform a glove check
  2. Access HV battery data with applicable scan tool(s) and interpret the data
  3. Collect the appropriate service information related to disabling the high voltage system
  4. Remove high voltage battery assembly
  5. Remove the Inverter / Converter assembly
  6. Perform tests on electric motors
  7. Identify system components for diesel and alternate fuel vehicles

Methods of Instruction:

  1. Problem Solving
  2. Case Study
  3. Group Activities
  4. Individual Performance
  5. Distance Education
  6. Practice/Demonstration
  7. Laboratory exercises
  8. Textbook reading assignments
  9. Class and group discussions
  10. Presentation of audio-visual materials
  11. Hands-on Activities
  12. Field Trips
  13. Demonstration
  14. Guest speakers
  15. Online Assignments
  16. Computer-based interactive curriculum
  17. Diagnostic Quizzes
  18. Review
  19. Simulations
  20. Verbal explanation and demonstration.
  21. Lecture/Discussion

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

1. Typical Assignments
  1. Locate and review the manufacturer's repair instructions for disabling the vehicles' high voltage system.
  2. Perform disabling of the high voltage system following the manufacturers' repair instructions and safety procedures.
  3. Successfully complete manufacture online training course(s) related to Hybrid / Electric vehicles.
2. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  1. Assigned activities
  2. Class Participation
  3. Class Performance
  4. Class Work
  5. Critical thinking exercises
  6. Demonstration of practice and skills
  7. Exams/Tests
  8. Final Examination
  9. Homework
  10. Laboratory exercises
  11. Midterm Examination
  12. Online Assignments
  13. Practical Examination
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate the proper method(s) to perform a glove check;
  2. access HV battery data utilizing the appropriate scan tool(s), and interpret the data;
  3. demonstrate the ability to collect the appropriate service information, special tools and/or equipment and perform HV system component removal and testing.

Textbooks (Typical):

  1. Bennett (2022). Electric Vehicles, A Systems Approach (1st). Goodheart Willcox.
Additional Materials:

Automotive manufacture online training as applicable

Automotive manufacture materials as applicable

Industry recognized materials as applicable

Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:

Study of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle architecture, operation, diagnosis, service and repair processes. This course prepares students for the ASE L3 certification exam.
Prerequisite: ATEC 50 (same as APAU 9724) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, APAU 9724 (same as ATEC 50) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, APAU 9725 (same as ATEC 6A) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, ATEC 6A (same as APAU 9725) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, Strongly Recommended: APAU 9723 (same as ATEC 5) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, ATEC 5 (same as APAU 9723) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, APAU 9727 (same as ATEC 8) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent, ATEC 8 (same as APAU 9727) Completed with a "C" or better or equivalent

Discipline:
Automotive Technology