EV Electronics Lab

Course code ELRT 1130

Credit 3.0

Length 80.0 hours

Course outline View

This course focuses on diagnosing and servicing key electronic systems found in electric vehicles (EVs). Students will learn to apply high-voltage safety protocols, test and troubleshoot battery management systems (BMS), operate and configure motor controllers, analyze power conversion circuits, and verify the function of sensors, actuators, and CAN-based communication networks. They will also inspect and test EV charging systems, including both wired and wireless setups.

Prerequisites

ELRT 1003.

Course type

This course is offered as part of a VCC program and cannot be taken individually.
International students: Eligibility is determined at the program level. Visit the program page for international student requirements and application information.

  • High-voltage safety procedures and use of PPE
  • Lockout/Tagout steps for EV systems
  • Visual inspection of battery packs and wiring
  • Battery Management System (BMS) testing and fault simulation
  • Testing and troubleshooting DC-DC converters
  • Inverter operation and waveform analysis
  • Motor controller setup and performance testing
  • Actuator operation and fault detection
  • CAN bus message capture and decoding
  • Use of diagnostic scan tools and service software
  • Testing wired and wireless EV charging systems
  • Multi-system troubleshooting and integration
  • Final fault diagnosis project and reporting

Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience. Assessment will include the following:

Actual service logs, diagnostic records, repair reports, or lab documentation created and/or used by the applicant in their workplace which are judged equivalent to the curriculum documents required in the EV Electronics Lab I course assignments. Examples may include records of high-voltage battery and BMS testing, motor controller setup and tuning, CAN bus analysis, charging system testing, and integrated system diagnostics.

A successful interview with the Electronics Programs’ Department Head or one of the department’s full-time faculty, focusing on lab-based diagnostic strategies, repair techniques, and safety procedures specific to EV subsystems, including batteries, motors, controllers, and communication networks.

An essay in which the applicant reflects on and analyzes their prior experience in relation to the themes, issues, and concepts of the course, such as applying high-voltage safety, operating and troubleshooting power electronics, interpreting vehicle communication protocols, testing charging systems, and completing integrated fault resolution with proper service documentation.

Course schedules

Select your program to see the available course schedules.

CRN# Duration Delivery Location
42466 January 5, 2027
to April 1, 2027
Lecture VCC Broadway Building A See full schedule

Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule. All self-paced courses have on-campus tests. Off-site certified invigilation centres may be used at the student's expense.

How to take this course

This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email at [email protected].

† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial.