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Certificate of Achievement
Automotive EV Specialist

The courses in this certificate program are designed for technicians interested in the field of electric vehicles (EVs) in the transportation and equipment industry, and cover the general electrician skills needed to understand and diagnose modern EVs. Usage of the digital volt ohm meter (DVOM), inductive meter, megger meter, and oscilloscope are covered. Emphasis is placed on electrical fundamentals, symbols and circuit diagrams, high-voltage batteries, charging systems, heat pumps for cooling and heating, and LED lighting systems. Students learn the proper use of high voltage electrical diagnostic tools and equipment and how to perform vehicle electrical service and maintenance operations safely. Students also have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on hybrid and high voltage vehicles to complete required tasks. The completion of this certificate requires 75 hours of work experience in the electric automotive industry.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic ProceduresM3.0
AUTO 106 - Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostic Procedures (3.0 units)

Advisory:AUTO 101 or AUTO 103
Transfers to: CSU

This introductory course is designed to provide students with the fundamentals of the electrical systems of the 21st century automobile. Emphasis is placed on electrical fundamentals, symbols and circuit diagrams, batteries, starting, charging, ignition, and lighting systems. Students learn the proper use of automotive electrical tools and equipment and how to safely perform basic vehicle electrical repair and maintenance operations. Students also have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on their own vehicles to complete required tasks. This course is required for the General Service Technician Certificate of Achievement. It is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 101 and AUTO 103, and is one of the three prerequisite courses for AUTO 107. Students are encouraged to complete all three courses in order to obtain a firm foundation in this subject.

Total Semester Units:3.0 
2nd Semester
AUTO 157 - Automotive Specialized Electronics TrainingM4.0
AUTO 157 - Automotive Specialized Electronics Training (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:AUTO 106
Transfers to:CSU

This course provides an overview of the principles of automotive electronics. Topics covered include electrical theory, fundamentals of circuit construction, computers, semiconductors, microprocessors, integrated circuits (IC), types of output signals, wire repair techniques, meter usage and strategy based diagnostics. A demonstration General Motors circuit board will be used to illustrate circuit board function. This course is designed for entry level technicians or students who need an understanding of the basics of automotive electronics.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
3rd Semester
AUTO 131 - Automotive EV Electronics IM3.0
AUTO 131 - Automotive EV Electronics I (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:AUTO 106, AUTO 157
Transfers to: CSU

This is the first of two introductory courses designed to expand student skills related to the fundamentals of the electrical systems of the modern hybrid/electric automobile. The course covers the general electrician skills needed to understand and diagnose modern electric vehicles. Emphasis is placed on electrical fundamentals, symbols and circuit diagrams, high-voltage batteries, charging systems, heat pumps for cooling and heating, and LED lighting systems. Students learn the proper use of high voltage electrical diagnostic tools and equipment and how to safely perform vehicle electrical service and maintenance operations. Students also have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on hybrid and high voltage vehicles to complete required tasks. The course is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 132 and a prerequisite course for AUTO 147. Students are encouraged to complete both AUTO 131 and AUTO 132 in order to obtain a firm foundation in this subject.

AUTO 147 - Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicle TechnologyM3.0
AUTO 147 - Introduction to Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 157
Transfers to:CSU

This course explores the use of hybrid and electric power for vehicle transportation. Topics will include safety when using high voltage, maintenance, drivability, inverter power transfer, battery technologies, hydrogen electric power, and fuel cell technology. The physics of battery storage, hybrid generation systems, and electric vehicle applications and their integrated systems from various manufacturers will be discussed. This course is suitable for students entering into the alternative fuels or power generation and energy technology fields.

Total Semester Units:6.0 
4th Semester
AUTO 132 - Automotive EV Electronics IIM3.0
AUTO 132 - Automotive EV Electronics II (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:AUTO 131
Transfers to: CSU

This is the second of two introductory courses designed to expand student skills related to the fundamentals of the electrical systems of the modern hybrid/electric automobile. The course covers the general electrician skills needed to understand and diagnose modern electric vehicles. Emphasis is placed on electrical fundamentals, symbols and circuit diagrams, high-voltage energy storage and range calculations, charging systems/on and off vehicle, heat pump for cooling and heating, motor and generators, magnetism, induction, and LED lighting systems. Students learn the proper use of high voltage electrical diagnostic tools and equipment, automated driver alert systems, camera, and radar communication with vehicle safety systems, and how to safely perform vehicle electrical service and maintenance operations. Students also have the opportunity to perform minor repair work on hybrid and high voltage vehicles to complete required tasks. This course is designed to be a companion course to AUTO 131, a prerequisite course for AUTO 147 and AUTO 148. Students are encouraged to complete both AUTO 131 and AUTO 132 to obtain a firm foundation on the subject of electronics and electric vehicles.

AUTO 260 - Advanced Hybrid/Electric VehicleM4.0
AUTO 260 - Advanced Hybrid/Electric Vehicle (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: AUTO 147
Advisory:AUTO 157
Transfer to: CSU

This course continues the study of the use and service of hybrid electronic generation and plug-in battery electric power for vehicle transportation. The course is not for beginner technicians. Topics will include Occupational Safety and Health Administration/National Electrical Code/National Fire Protection Association (OSHA/NEC/NFPA) safety when using high voltage; vehicle maintenance; drivability conditions; inverter power transfer; battery storage technologies; regeneration of electrical power from kinetic energy; and Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 battery charging and fuel cell technology. Dynamics of battery storage, hybrid generation systems, electric vehicle applications, and their integrated systems from many manufactures are discussed. High-voltage battery management systems including active/passive design to charging systems will be the primary focus of the course. This course is for students working in the hybrid and electric vehicle or power engineering and technology fields.

AUTO 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Automotive Technology-Related FieldsM1.0
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.
Transfers to:CSU

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:8.0 
Total Units for Automotive EV Specialist COA program 21.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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