Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Systems

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EP5 is a computer-based instructional module that has been designed to introduce students to hybrid and electric vehicle systems. The module incorporates hardware and curriculum materials with a sophisticated on-screen simulator.

The panel trainer provides the following features:

• Mechanical and electrical power flow mimic
• Dashboard with speed, RPM, ECO monitor and temperature displays
• Brake and accelerator pedals
• Gear shift control and park push button
• Ignition and power push buttons
• Gradient switch
• Controls to adjust external, internal, cabin and coolant temperature
• Terminals to make DC and AC circuit measurements
• Hybrid transaxle featuring a planetary gear set
• Scan tool to display diagnostic trouble codes
• Manual or automatic fault insertion

The curriculum materials provided in the module are divided into a series of on- screen, theory and practical-based assignments. The theory-based assignments provide essential knowledge of hybrid and electric vehicle systems. Some practical- based assignments direct students to carry out tasks in the laboratory using the supplied hardware.

All assignments incorporate continuous assessment through questions. When used in conjunction with a ClassAct networked management system, this provides instant feedback of student performance.

Curriculum material topics include: 

• Series, parallel and series parallel systems
• Electric and plug-in vehicles
• Brake systems
• Electric motors
• Storage devices
• Hybrid engines
• Cables, connectors, protection devices and controllers
• Power control modules
• Safety
• Routine maintenance and repair

The hardware is provided in the form of a computer-linked panel trainer that simulates the operation of a Series Parallel Hybrid System. Students can investigate system operation and view the results of making changes to the system.

Mechanical and electrical power flows are displayed using moving lights. Computer- inserted faults allow the student to perform troubleshooting tasks on the panel trainer. Stored faults may be recalled by pressing a button on an in-built scan tool.

Competence-based reporting

Each on-screen assignment is designed around a list of performance objectives. These include academic, technical, and occupational objectives.

The assignments are written in such a way as to enable a student to attain the performance objectives, with the assessment questions linked to these in order to provide a measure of true competency.

The performance objectives are used by the ClassAct management system to generate a comprehensive portfolio of student competency reports. 


Typical activities include:

• Identify the operation and components of series hybrid systems
• Identify the operation and components of parallel hybrid systems, including the Honda Insight
• Identify the operation and components of series parallel hybrid systems, including the Toyota Prius
• Identify the function of a hybrid transaxle (electronic continuous variable transmission)
• Identify the operation and components of electric and plug-in vehicles
• Identify the operation and construction of electric traction motors
• Recognize different storage devices and technologies
• Identify the function of an Atkinson cycle engine and variable valve timing
• Identify safety precautions, PPE, tools and equipment
• Investigate the operation of a series parallel system
• Use a Multimeter to investigate an hybrid electrical circuit
• Use an oscilloscope to investigate alternating current waveforms
• Troubleshoot faults in a series parallel system
• Understand towing and jump starting procedures
• Understand procedures for safe working on high voltage systems
• Understand how to ensure that a hybrid vehicle is ‘off’