Why Every Auto Shop Needs an Electric Vehicle – Yesterday

Dive Into EV Education: Unlock the Future of Automotive Tech!

Ever dreamed of electrifying your classroom? In this engaging presentation from DAKTIC, seasoned EV pioneer Peter (founder of Switch Vehicles Inc.) shares his journey from sprint car racing in Southern California to revolutionizing EV teaching.

Peter’s backstory is inspiring: After retiring as a computer engineer in 2005, he dove back into his passion, converting gas cars to electric at a community college. Starting with zero curriculum, no textbook, and not even a car or batteries, he taught hands-on conversions despite skepticism from traditional auto shop folks. Challenges abounded—projects never finished in a semester, leading to “failing” students so they could return. Funding cuts in 2008 forced innovation, birthing the Switch Lab: a rebuildable EV kit designed for quick, safe learning.

Why teach EVs now? The market’s exploding! Peter cites stats: Global EV sales could hit 30% of 83.6 million vehicles by next year, with U.S. trucks dominating production. GM’s Hummer backlog is 180,000, yet they’re producing just nine a day amid issues. Dealerships need techs, but warranties hide problems initially—who’ll service the surge? EVs aren’t just trendy; they’re essential for environmental stewardship, recycling classics, and job readiness. Peter stresses: Step outside your comfort zone, like “Mike,” the reluctant teacher who hated EVs but became a convert after a workshop.

The core: Three ways to teach EV tech, with pros and cons unpacked.

1. Manufacturer EVs (e.g., Tesla, Bolt): Prestigious medallions boost your program. Pros: Real-world relevance, factory manuals for diagnostics. Cons: Components are hidden in boxes, high voltage (up to 500V DC) demands caution—scary for beginners without training. Great for advanced troubleshooting, but limited visibility.
2. EV Conversion Projects: Repurpose classics like VW Bugs or Porsches. Pros: Hands-on recycling, emotional appeal (one couple spent $75K on a $1,500 Chevy for 100-mile range). Teaches wiring, weight distribution, integration. Cons: Time-intensive (semesters-long), expensive batteries (8-10x markup for small buyers), complex retrofits risk safety if engineering falters. Ideal for environmental focus, but high-risk for novices.
3. EV Kit Cars (e.g., Switch Lab): Build from scratch with pre-terminated, labeled wires. Pros: Modular, safe (100V batteries, contactors, inertia switches), upgradable (e.g., CAN bus, lithium upgrades). Students learn high-voltage safety, components, and teamwork in weeks—not semesters. Rebuildable for repeated use; tabletop relay boards bridge basics to full schematics. Cons: Some say it’s “too easy,” but Peter retorts: “That’s your job to challenge them!” Perfect entry point, complementary to OEM vehicles.

Panelists from Cherry Creek Innovation Center chime in: No prior EV knowledge needed—their week-long training built confidence. Safety first (ICAR online classes recommended), with grants ($284B in unspent COVID funds) making it accessible. Q&A covers modularity (pouch cells, solid-state upgrades), high school feasibility (yes, modular builds), and pushing boundaries safely.

Ready to charge up your curriculum? Watch for burnout videos, funding tips, and why EVs outpace hot rods (sorry, internal combustion fans). This 1-hour gem equips educators to lead the electric revolution—don’t miss it!