ELRT 1150: Automotive High Voltage Battery Repair
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Automotive Electronics Repair
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course explores high-voltage battery systems used in modern electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Students are provided with hands-on experience in handling, diagnosing, and repairing high-voltage battery packs. Key areas of study include battery architecture, the disassembly and reassembly of battery packs, safe procedures for discharging and recharging, and the techniques required for battery balancing. Learners will diagnose common issues and perform repairs on high-voltage batteries, gaining insight into both theoretical concepts and practical applications. A critical component of the course is the development of skills necessary for rebuilding battery packs, ensuring they meet performance and safety standards. Testing procedures and module-level diagnostics are also introduced. This course emphasizes safety and best practices, preparing students to work confidently with high-voltage systems in real-world scenarios.
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
ELRT 1003, ELRT 1004.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Safely disassemble and reassemble high voltage battery packs
- Perform safe discharge and recharge procedures for high-voltage battery systems
- Apply techniques to balance battery cells and modules
- Diagnose faults and carry out repairs on high-voltage battery packs
- Rebuild high voltage battery packs to meet performance and safety standards
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 repair reports, reprogramming records, or module service logs created and/or used by the applicant in their workplace which are judged equivalent to the curriculum documents required in the Automotive High Voltage Battery Repair course assignments. Examples may include records of battery pack disassembly and reassembly, discharge and recharge procedures, cell balancing, diagnostic testing, or the application of manufacturer specifications.
A successful interview with the Electronics Programs’ Department Head or one of the department’s full-time faculty, focusing on diagnostic strategies, repair techniques, and safety procedures specific to high voltage battery systems, including safe handling, discharging, and reassembly.
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 battery chemistry, diagnostic methods, fault repair, pack rebuilding, and safety standards.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Instructional time is primarily focused on classroom-based learning, including lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations, and guided exercises to build a solid theoretical understanding of automotive control module diagnostics and repair. Simulations are incorporated to reinforce key concepts and provide opportunities for applying diagnostic techniques in virtual scenarios. Select hands-on activities may be used to enhance understanding of course content and support the application of theoretical concepts.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Evaluation Plan
|
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
|
Quizzes/Tests
|
30
|
3 quizzes
|
|
Assignments
|
40
|
4 assignments
|
|
Final Exam
|
30
|
|
Course topics
- Battery chemistry and system architecture
- High voltage safety and insulation protocols
- Battery discharging and recharging
- Battery pack disassembly and reassembly
- Diagnostic methods and repair techniques
- Cell balancing strategies
- Battery management systems (BMS) and CAN‑bus integration
- HV Battery charging and discharging tools and software
- Insulation and isolation testing
- Contactors, cell types and configurations
Learning resources
Textbooks and Reference Materials
“Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology” by James D. Halderman (latest edition) - Covers foundational EV systems, high-voltage safety, diagnostics, and battery service procedures.
“Advanced Electric Drive Vehicles” by Ali Emadi - In-depth reference for battery systems, control electronics, and system integration.
Manufacturer Battery Service Manuals (e.g., Toyota, Tesla, Nissan Leaf) - OEM documentation for specific battery configurations, safety instructions, and repair steps.
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.