BC is leading the charge for electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming the automotive industry, with BC leading the charge. In 2024, nearly 23% of all new vehicle registrations in BC were zero-emission vehicles – the highest in North America. With over 153,000 EVs on the road and growing government incentives, the demand for skilled EV technicians is skyrocketing. To support this growing EV fleet, BC is building a robust EV infrastructure. This significant shift in vehicle powertrain configuration requires increased EV service and repair capacity through technician training. The BCIT School of Transportation is at the forefront of this shift, offering cutting-edge training to drive the future of sustainable transportation.
AUTO 3011 – Electric Vehicle Charging, Service, and Maintenance
This intermediate level course is designed to introduce the participants to various battery electric vehicle (BEV) chargers, charge rates, and troubleshooting techniques to solve common vehicle and infrastructure charging issues. Students need to understand electrical schematics and electrical circuit troubleshooting techniques. Scan tool operation to interact with the vehicle will be beneficial but not crucial for success in this course. This course also covers BEV charging behavior and best practices for charger maintenance to support efficient use of those vehicles.
Prerequisite: Automotive Service Technician or Electrician Red Seal Endorsement or Skilled Trades BC C of Q Level 3 or equivalent.
AUTO 4011 – Electric Vehicle Technology and Service
This course prepares Automotive Service Technicians (AST) to safely diagnose, service and repair high-voltage electric vehicles. The course is designed for AST Red Seal Technicians or AST 3rd or 4th-year apprentices to build upon their previous knowledge of conventional vehicle systems and develop the knowledge and skills required to confidently work on the majority of electric vehicles on our roads. The course comprises a 6-hour online self-paced safety module that must be completed before an intensive 30-hour classroom/shop training period.
Prerequisite: Automotive Service Technician or Electrician Red Seal Endorsement or Skilled Trades BC C of Q Level 3 or equivalent.
XEVT 1005 – Electric Vehicle Technical Knowledge
This entry level course is designed to introduce students to the theory and operation of an Electric Vehicle (EV), from the battery all the way down to the wheels. Students will learn safety related features along with safe to repair items as an owner, comparing those to items requiring professional tools and expertise. Participants will also compare practices associated with purchasing new and used EVs using a decade’s worth of real-world data from EVs in operation. Class exercises will focus on interacting with vehicles using vehicle on-board tools and using user-friendly vehicle communication tools currently available in the marketplace. Participants will also fully understand the charging requirements, best-practices around charging batteries, and costs associated with installing home chargers in attached or detached dwellings.
Prerequisite: None.
XEVT 1011 – Electric Vehicle Safety Procedures
This entry level course is designed to introduce the participants to work safely around all electrified vehicles (xEV) SAE J1715 protocol and the potential danger associated with high voltage components. Students need to understand basic automotive hand tools, 12-volt electrical circuit operation and navigating safely around xEVs. Previous experience on how to interact with the vehicle will be beneficial but not crucial for success in this course. This course covers various personal protective equipment and requirements around safe working conditions associated with high-voltage vehicles.
Prerequisite: Automotive Service Technician Apprentice Level 1 or Electrician Apprentice Level 1 or equivalent.