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Vishal S K

Hello learners.

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Hello learners.

  Welcome to the course "Build an Electric Vehicle: A Beginner's Course". Just like any other electric vehicle course, you will learn all the basics of electric vehicle technology. But in addition to learning these basics, you will also apply them to building an electric vehicle. So this course will provide a unique experience by combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on learning.

For hands-on learning, we will develop an electric two-wheeler named Dhruva. Dhruva will be capable of carrying two passengers at a top speed of 80 km/hr. The hands-on approaches that you learn here for building this electric two-wheeler can be extended and applied to a passenger car with small modifications. So this course might be a good starting point for your knowledge of electric vehicles. I am sure this course will stay forever in your hearts.

This course includes

  • Framework for choosing the motor capacity and type based on customer requirements

  • The working of a BLDC motor and the need for a Motor Controller Unit (MCU)

  • Explaining the motor specification sheet

  • Explaining battery parameters with relevant examples

  • Reasons why lead-acid batteries are no longer used in electric vehicles

  • Learning the two most popular lithium-ion battery chemistries and choosing an appropriate battery chemistry based on specific user requirements

  • Learning the cell arrangement in batteries based on the voltage and charge capacity required

  • Explaining the charging process of an electric vehicle

  • Explaining the different charging options available for electric vehicles

  • Sizing an appropriate home charger

  • Explaining the different types of transmissions and sizing an appropriate transmission for an electric vehicle

  • Reasons why a simpler transmission system is sufficient in an electric vehicle

  • Reasons why electric vehicles catch fire

  • Learning how international safety regulations and testing procedures ensure the safety of electric vehicles

Hoping to see you all in the course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn about electric motors and apply your learnings in motor selection for an electric vehicle application
  • Learn about batteries and apply your learnings in the selection of battery type and capacity sizing
  • Learn why lead acid batteries are no longer used in electric vehicles.
  • Understand the charging process and the different types of charging options available
  • Choose a home charger for the given customer requirements
  • Understand the need of a transmission system and learn how to size a transmission system
  • Know why electric vehicles have a simpler transmission
  • Learn the fundamentals of a vehicle's chassis and apply basic principles in assembling major components in the electric vehicle
  • Learn why electric vehicles catch fire
  • Understand electric vehicle testing and safety standards to be adhered to

Syllabus

In this section, you will understand the major components of an electric vehicle and also the working of an electric vehicle at a macro level.
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Structure of the Course
Introduction to Electric Vehicles
Working of an Electric Vehicle - An Overview
You will learn how to size an electric motor for a given requirement and you will also learn how to choose a motor type for a given application.
Introduction to power requirement of an electric motor
Introduction to the power requirement of an electric vehicle
Resistance forces acting on a vehicle
Example Problem on Resistance forces and Power Requirement
Understanding the customer requirements for Dhruva
Power requirement calculations for electric motor
Framework for motor type selection
Motor Type Selection for Dhruva
Working of a BLDC Motor
Understanding the motor specifications sheet
Self Reflection - Motor Selection for an Electric Vehicle
You will learn the basic battery parameters , analyze various battery chemistries based on their battery parameter values and finally do capacity sizing of the battery pack.
Basic Battery Parameters

Check your understanding on the basic battery parameters

Peukert Law

Understand the concept of Peukert Law and how it affects battery performance

Why Lead Acid batteries are no longer used in modern electric vehicles?
Why lead acid batteries are no longer used in electric vehicles?
Comparison between two popular Lithium Ion Batteries - LFP Vs NMC
Working of a Lithium Ion Battery
Battery Capacity Sizing
Cell arrangement in battery
Battery sizing
Emerging Trend - Sodium Ion Batteries
Sodium Ion Batteries
Self Reflection - Battery Selection for Electric Vehicle Application
Here you will learn the charging process of electric vehicles , the different levels of EV Charging and a basic approach to select the home charger for Dhruva
Charging process of Electric Vehicles
Levels of EV Charging
Home Charger Selection
Self Reflection - Charging of Electric Vehicles
Here you will learn the need for a transmission system , approach to size the transmission system and reasons why electric vehicles have a simpler transmission.
Need for a transmission system
Sizing of Transmission System
Transmission type selection
Why do Electric Vehicles have a simpler transmission?
Self Reflection - Transmission System
Here you will understand how an electric vehicle chassis can be built and how major components of the electric vehicle can be placed strategically to enhance the vehicle performance.
Introduction to Chassis and the framework to build it
Introduction to chassis and the framework to build it
Positioning of Battery and Motor in the chassis
Human Ergonomics
Building of Electric Vehicle Dhruva - Animation
Self Reflection - Virtual vehicle Modelling of the electric vehicle
Here you will understand the reasons why electric vehicles can catch fire and how international regulations ensure the safety of electric vehicles
Myth for why Electric Vehicles can catch fire
Myth for why Electric Vehicles catch fire
Real reasons for batteries catching fire
International Safety Regulations for Electric Vehicle
International Safety Regulations
Part 1 of United Nations Regulation 136
Mechanical abusive testing on batteries
Electrical Abusive Testing on Batteries
Self Reflection - Electric Vehicle Safety and Regulations

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores electric vehicle theory, which is used to build electric vehicles such as electric cars, e-bikes, and electric motorcycles
Taught by experienced instructors with extensive knowledge in electric vehicles, engineering, and automotive
The hands-on component provides practical experience, ensuring a deeper understanding of electric vehicle development
Covers industry-relevant topics, including motor and battery selection, charging systems, and safety regulations
Beginners can expect a great introduction to EV theory while experienced learners can build upon foundational EV knowledge
This course may be part of a broader program or series covering EVs, providing comprehensive knowledge

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Build an Electric Vehicle: A Beginner's Course with these activities:
Review course materials
Make sure you review course materials regularly. This is a good way to retain information and ensure that you are on track.
Show steps
  • Read through the lessons and make notes.
  • Review the quizzes and practice questions.
Form a study group
Get together with other students to discuss the material. This is a great way to learn from each other and get different perspectives.
Show steps
  • Find other students who are taking the course.
  • Meet up regularly to discuss the material.
Watch tutorials on electric vehicle technology
These tutorials will provide you with a visual overview of the key concepts in electric vehicle technology.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on YouTube or other video-sharing websites.
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Electric Vehicle Technology: Explained'
This book will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the key technologies used in electric vehicles, including motors, batteries, and power electronics.
Show steps
  • Read through the chapters on electric vehicle basics, motor types, and battery technology.
  • Take notes on the key concepts and equations.
  • Complete the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Attend an electric vehicle workshop
These workshops will provide you with hands-on experience with electric vehicle technology.
Show steps
  • Find an electric vehicle workshop in your area.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
Attend electric vehicle industry events
These events will allow you to network with other electric vehicle professionals.
Show steps
  • Find electric vehicle industry events in your area.
  • Register for the events.
  • Attend the events and meet new people.
Solve electric vehicle design problems
Solving these problems will help you develop the skills necessary to design and build your own electric vehicle.
Show steps
  • Identify the problem you want to solve.
  • Gather the necessary data.
  • Calculate the required motor size or battery capacity.

Career center

Learners who complete Build an Electric Vehicle: A Beginner's Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Electric Vehicle Technician
Electric Vehicle Technicians inspect, diagnose, adjust, maintain, and repair electric vehicles. This course's foundational information on the component technologies of an electric vehicle would help you to enter this role without prior experience. The course also gives practical advice on how to build an electric vehicle, which can be useful for understanding how to repair one in the future.
Automotive Engineer
Automotive Engineers research, design, develop, test, manufacture, and maintain vehicles and vehicle systems. Taking this course would help you build a foundation in the emerging technology of electric vehicles. The information you learn in this course about electric motor selection, battery capacity sizing, and transmission systems could all be applied in the design of electric vehicles.
Battery Engineer
Battery Engineers develop and design batteries. This course would help you to enter this role by building a strong foundation in battery parameters, chemistries, and capacity sizing. You will also learn about the charging process and different charging options available for electric vehicles, which will be helpful knowledge for a battery engineer to have.
Electric Vehicle Battery Management System Engineer
Electric Vehicle Battery Management System Engineers research, design, develop, and test battery management systems for electric vehicles. This course would help you to enter this role by building a strong foundation in battery parameters, chemistries, and capacity sizing. The course will also teach you about the battery charging process.
Electric Vehicle Systems Engineer
Electrical Vehicle Systems Engineers focus on the electrical systems of electric vehicles. Knowledge of electric motors, batteries, charging, and transmission systems will all be important to you in an electric vehicle systems engineering role. This course can help you to build a foundation in all of these topics.
Electric Vehicle Safety Engineer
Electric Vehicle Safety Engineers design and implement safety features for electric vehicles. Knowledge of the reasons why electric vehicles can catch fire, and how international safety regulations ensure the safety of electric vehicles, will be important knowledge for you to have.
Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Engineer
Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Engineers develop and implement manufacturing processes for electric vehicles. Knowledge of electric vehicle components, such as the motor, battery, and transmission, would be necessary to succeed in this role. This course can help you to build a foundation in all of these concepts.
Electric Vehicle Test Engineer
Electric Vehicle Test Engineers plan and conduct tests on electric vehicles to ensure that they meet safety and performance requirements. Knowledge of electric vehicle components, such as the motor, battery, and transmission, would be necessary to succeed in this role. This course can help you to build a foundation in all of these concepts.
Electric Vehicle Powertrain Engineer
Electric Vehicle Powertrain Engineers design and develop electric vehicle powertrains. Knowledge of electric motor selection, battery capacity sizing, and transmission systems will be important for you to have in this role. This course teaches you the basics of all of these topics, but especially motor selection and battery sizing.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Engineer
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Engineers design, develop, install, and maintain electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This course may be useful to you as it covers the basics of electric vehicle charging, including the different levels of EV Charging and how to select a home charger.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and develop electrical systems, including those used in electric vehicles. While this course focuses on the electrical components of electric vehicles, it is helpful to have a strong understanding of the mechanical components as well. This course may be useful to you if you are looking to specialize in autonomous vehicle engineering.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and develop mechanical systems, including those used in electric vehicles. While this course focuses on the electrical components of electric vehicles, it is helpful to have a strong understanding of the mechanical components as well. This course may be useful to you if you are looking to specialize in autonomous vehicle engineering.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers improve the efficiency of production systems, including those used to manufacture electric vehicles. While this course does not focus on industrial engineering directly, it may be useful to you as it covers the basics of electric vehicle design and manufacturing.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects, including those related to electric vehicles. While this course does not focus on project management directly, it may be useful to you as it covers the basics of electric vehicle design and manufacturing.
Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers sell and support technical products and services, including those related to electric vehicles. While this course does not focus on sales directly, it may be useful to you as it covers the basics of electric vehicle design and manufacturing.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Build an Electric Vehicle: A Beginner's Course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of electric vehicle technology and covers a wide-range of technical topics. It good foundational reference for the learner embarking on a deep dive into electric vehicle technology.
Provides a comprehensive overview of electric motor drives for electric vehicles. It covers everything from the basics of electric motors to the design and operation of electric motor drives.
Provides a comprehensive overview of electric and hybrid vehicles. It covers everything from the basics of electricity and magnetism to the design and operation of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Provides a comprehensive overview of electric vehicle power systems. It covers everything from the basics of electricity and magnetism to the design and operation of electric vehicle power systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of electric vehicle systems and applications. It covers everything from the basics of electricity and magnetism to the design and operation of electric vehicle systems and applications.
Is is focused on providing a deep dive into the application and advancement of modern electric car design. It well-regarded reference and may be of interest to learners seeking to delve more deeply into the field of electric vehicles.
Provides a solid foundation in the modeling and simulation of electric vehicles and is particularly relevant for learners interested in this aspect of electric vehicle technology.
The Automotive Handbook comprehensive reference for automotive technologies, including electric vehicles. Depending on one's technical background, this book may be preparatory to taking this course.

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