An interdisciplinary program for education in Hybrid & Electric Drive Vehicle Engineering

Abstract

The automotive industry is in a transformation towards powertrain electrification, requiring automotive engineers to develop and integrate technologies from multiple disciplines. We have developed a new interdisciplinary master of engineering degree program and graduate and undergraduate certificates in Advanced Hybrid Electric Drive Vehicle Engineering. The vehicle level aspects of the program include vehicle requirements, integration of propulsion technologies, safety, diagnostics, control and calibration. We and our industrial partners see these as critical limiting factors in the development and production of advanced electric transportation. Additionally, the effort leverages the existing distance learning program in electric power. The result is an interdisciplinary program that meets the needs of the transportation and electric power industries and provides students with a unique skill set to accelerate the advancement and development of electric drive vehicles. The education program delivers courses to on-campus and distance learning students for the Hybrid Electric Drive Vehicle Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates. Graduate students are able to continue on for their masters or PhD degrees in their respective departments or select an interdisciplinary master's of engineering degree. This degree is designed to prepare students to work in industry or to educate those already working. Our distance learning students come from both the transportation and electric power industries. We seek guidance from these industries to ensure that the program meets the needs of their work force with the course contents reviewed by topical industry experts. This education program will provide a supply of engineers to a significant and sustainable US job base. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.