This Certificate of Achievement is intended to educate the entry-level technician in Tesla Motors technology. Topics will include: safety when working in or around high voltage, maintenance, regeneration braking, inverter power transfer, battery technologies, battery management systems, high-voltage bus and charging, pack connector and penthouse controls, and autonomous technology. Electric vehicle applications and their integrated systems from Tesla Motors will be used to discuss physics of battery storage and material composition and high-voltage generation systems. This course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric vehicle/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field. Completion of this training is required by Tesla for employment as a Level I, Level II, or Level III technician, Mobile Service Technician, or a Field Service Technician.
Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.Course | Units | Typically Offered |
1st Semester | ||
TESL 101A - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - AM | 3.0 | |
TESL 101A - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - A (3.0 units) Prerequisite:Enrollment requires acceptance into the Tesla program and AUTO 260 This course is the first in a series of four courses intended to teach entry-level students about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field and students who have completed a two-year automotive program. This first course covers the history of the Tesla company, a product and model overview, and an introduction to Tesla's service network, laptop diagnostic system, and service/parts access. Technical skills covered in this series include high-voltage tools and safety systems, diagnoses using software applications (e.g., Fast Lane), service repair basics, basic chassis, driver systems, and thermal and heating ventilation air conditions (HVAC) system services. Río Hondo's Tesla START program provides students with skills needed for a successful career with Tesla, Inc. A formal application and interview process is required for acceptance into this course/program. | ||
TESL 101B - Tesla Studnet Automotive Technician (START) Program - BM | 3.0 | |
TESL 101B - Tesla Studnet Automotive Technician (START) Program - B (3.0 units) Prerequisite:TESL 101A This course is the second in a series of four courses intended to teach entry-level students about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field and students who have completed a two-year automotive program. The course covers a product and model overview, ongoing product changes, computer firmware applications, and and introduction to the Tesla service network through service center shadowing. Laptop diagnostic systems, service/parts access, and factory repair times (FRT) skills are also introduced. Technical skills covered in this series include high-voltage interlock loop (HVIL) and driver safety systems, diagnoses using software applications (e.g., Fast Lane), customer interactions, alignment, chassis, sensor systems, heat pump basics, thermal and heating ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system services, and drive motor basics. Río Hondo’s Tesla START program provides students with skills needed for a successful career with Tesla, Inc. A formal application and interview process is required for acceptance into this course/program. | ||
TESL 101C - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - CM | 3.0 | |
TESL 101C - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - C (3.0 units) Prerequisite:TESL 101B This course is the third in a series of four courses intended to improve student’s skills about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course covers service readiness, service center procedures, high voltage charging including equipment needed to charge the battery, introduction to the CAN language used in the vehicle and vehicle interface with charger unit, introduction to the penthouse controls and charging power control center, HV controller, and driver interaction with the vehicle commands, meter and scope introduced to the inverter and DC/DC power control diagnosis. New model Palladium features are also introduced as they are being used in several vehicles now. | ||
TESL 101D - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - DM | 3.0 | |
TESL 101D - Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) Program - D (3.0 units) Prerequisite:TESL 101C This course is the final one in a series of four courses intended to teach entry-level students about electric vehicle (EV) applications and the technology used at Tesla, Inc. The course is suitable for students already working in the battery electric/hybrid vehicle and energy technology field and students who have completed a two-year automotive program. This final course improves students' skills and speed in servicing Tesla electric vehicles. The course focuses on infotainment systems, voice commands, navigation, full driverless controls, vehicle reconditioning, advanced braking and suspension system skills with lift and lowering controls, computer area networks (CAN), and vehicle remote access for diagnostics. Upon completing the course, students are granted an interview with Tesla, Inc. for placement at a permanent service center. Río Hondo's Tesla START program provides students with skills needed for a successful career with Tesla, Inc. A formal application and interview process is required for acceptance into this course/program. | ||
AUTO 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Automotive Technology-Related FieldsM | 1.0 | |
AUTO 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Automotive Technology-Related Fields (1.0 units) Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition and read college-level texts. This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under the supervision of a college instructor. Training is informed by learning objectives. Students work in a skilled or professional-level assignment in their area of vocational interest, and meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the automotive/transportation field and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. The course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the Work Experience Education Office regarding re-enrollment procedures. | ||
Total Semester Units: | 13.0 | |
Total Units for Tesla Student Automotive Technician (START) COA program | 13.0 | |
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor. |
Courses Required AFTER Program Admission - By Permit ONLY. |
M | Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement |
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet. |
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