vcc.ca
ELRT 1130: EV Electronics Lab
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Automotive Electronics Repair
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
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.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
ELRT 1003.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply high-voltage safety protocols and use proper PPE and procedures (e.g., Lockout/Tagout) when working with EV systems.
- Identify and test components of EV battery systems, including packs, modules, and Battery Management Systems (BMS), using diagnostic tools and emulators.
- Operate and troubleshoot power electronics subsystems, including DC-DC converters and inverters, using scopes, meters, and test procedures.
- Set up and configure electric motors and controllers, perform torque and speed tuning, and interpret control behavior and faults.
- Verify functionality and diagnose faults in sensors and actuators used in EV systems through hands-on testing and scan tool readings.
- Analyze and interpret vehicle communication protocols, including CAN bus signals and diagnostic data, using analyzers and software tools.
- Inspect, test, and simulate EV charging systems, including both wired (Level 1, 2, DC fast charging) and wireless setups, and interpret plug/socket compatibility and safety.
- Use diagnostic tools and service software to identify, isolate, and document faults across multiple EV subsystems.
- Demonstrate the ability to perform integrated system diagnostics involving batteries, controllers, motors, and communications, leading to complete fault resolution in a capstone task.
- Maintain accurate service records and documentation for all testing, diagnostics, and repair procedures performed during lab activities.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
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.
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.
Hours
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 80
Total Hours: 80
Total Hours: 80
Instructional Strategies
Extensive lab experience is provided to develop diagnostic skills, reinforce safe work practices, and build familiarity with EV systems, tools, and test equipment. Students perform structured tasks, follow standard procedures, and complete troubleshooting exercises under instructor supervision.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
40 |
4 quizzes worth 10% each |
|
Assignments |
30 |
3 Lab assignments |
|
Final Exam |
30 |
3 Lab assignments |
Course topics
- 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
Learning resources
-TL866II Plus Universal Programmer – For EPROM/EEPROM/Flash programming.
-Launch X431 V+ 5.0 Elite Bidirectional Diagnostic Scanner with CANFD & DOIP Protocols, ECU Coding, and EV System Support.
-Launch X431 V+ 5.0 Elite Bidirectional Diagnostic Scanner with CANFD & DOIP Protocols, ECU Coding, and EV System Support.
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.