Alternative Fuels and Electric Vehicle Technologies

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of alternative fuels technology as it relates to automobiles and the infrastructure that supports them. Students examine the history, legislation, regulations, safety considerations, environmental impact, vehicle design, manufacturing, processing, and storage of the major alternative fuel technologies available today and those anticipated in the near future. The course is situated within the Engineering Technologies > Energy Power Technology (ETP) taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS).

Topics span gaseous and liquid alternative fuels, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), providing students with the technical foundation needed to work in Florida's rapidly expanding clean transportation sector.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and compare the major categories of alternative fuels, including compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), methanol, ethanol, biodiesel, hydrogen, and electricity.
• Describe the history, federal and state legislation and regulations governing alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies, including Florida-specific policies and incentives.
• Explain the environmental impact of alternative fuels compared to conventional petroleum-based fuels, including greenhouse gas emissions and air quality considerations.
• Identify and describe the components and operation of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), including mild, full/strong, and plug-in hybrid configurations.
• Identify and describe the components and operation of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), including electric motors, traction battery packs, power electronics, and regenerative braking systems.
• Explain EV charging infrastructure, including Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging (EVSE), and describe the role of grid connectivity in vehicle charging.
• Apply safety procedures specific to high-voltage hybrid and electric vehicle systems, including hazard identification and emergency response protocols.
• Describe the alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) infrastructure required to support CNG, LPG, hydrogen, and electric fuel types, including fueling stations and distribution networks.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be expected to:

• Explain the operation of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), including fuel cell electrochemistry, hydrogen storage, and zero-emission benefits.
• Perform basic diagnostic and maintenance procedures on hybrid and electric vehicle systems using industry-standard scan tools and safety protocols.
• Analyze fuel economy metrics for alternative fuel vehicles, including MPGe (miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent) and kWh per 100 miles.
• Evaluate total cost of ownership for alternative fuel vehicles versus conventional vehicles, incorporating purchase price, fuel savings, maintenance costs, and available tax incentives.
• Discuss emerging smart grid and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies and their relationship to EV charging and energy storage.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Introduction to Alternative Fuels and Energy Policy
   • History of alternative fuel development in the United States
   • Federal Energy Policy Act (EPAct) and Florida alternative fuel statutes
   • Environmental drivers: greenhouse gas emissions, air quality, energy security
   • Overview of the carbon cycle: biofuels vs. fossil fuels
2. Gaseous Alternative Fuels
   • Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): properties, storage, vehicle systems, fueling infrastructure
   • Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG/Propane): properties, applications, safety
   • Hydrogen as a fuel: production methods, storage, safety considerations
3. Liquid Alternative Fuels
   • Ethanol and ethanol blends (E10, E85): production, flex-fuel vehicle identification
   • Methanol: properties and applications
   • Biodiesel: feedstocks, blending (B20, B100), engine compatibility
4. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Technology
   • Micro, mild, full/strong, and plug-in hybrid configurations
   • Hybrid powertrain components: ICE, electric motor/generator, traction battery, power split device
   • Regenerative braking systems and energy recapture
   • HEV transmissions and transaxles
   • Idle start-stop systems and engine power assist
5. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Technology
   • BEV powertrain architecture: electric motor, inverter, traction battery pack, on-board charger
   • Lithium-ion battery chemistry, cell types, and thermal management
   • Battery management systems (BMS)
   • All-electric range and performance characteristics
6. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
   • Series vs. parallel PHEV configurations
   • Charge-depleting and charge-sustaining operating modes
   • Grid charging and all-electric range
7. EV Charging Infrastructure (EVSE)
   • Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging standards and connectors
   • Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) installation and operation
   • Florida NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) deployment context
   • Residential, workplace, and public charging scenarios
8. Alternative Fuel Vehicle Safety
   • High-voltage system hazards and personal protective equipment (PPE)
   • Safe handling of CNG, LPG, and hydrogen fuels
   • First responder and technician safety protocols for AFVs and EVs
   • Battery thermal runaway: causes, prevention, and emergency response
9. Alternative Fuel Infrastructure and Distribution
   • CNG and LPG fueling station design and operations
   • Hydrogen refueling station infrastructure
   • Biofuel production, distribution, and blending
   • Fleet electrification planning and infrastructure considerations

Optional Topics

• Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) — hydrogen fuel cell electrochemistry, FCEV components, zero-emission operation, refueling infrastructure challenges
• HEV/EV Diagnostics and Maintenance — scan tool usage, high-voltage system service procedures, NATEF/ASE task alignment
• Smart Grid and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technologies — grid architecture, smart meters, energy storage integration, EV as distributed energy resource
• Heavy-Duty and Fleet AFV Applications — CNG and electric transit buses, medium/heavy-duty truck electrification, fleet conversion planning
• Autonomous and Connected Vehicle Integration — relationship between EV platforms and ADAS/autonomous driving systems
• Economic Analysis — total cost of ownership modeling, federal tax credits (IRA), Florida utility incentives (FPL EVolution program)

Resources & Tools

• U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) — afdc.energy.gov: fuel type comparisons, fueling station locator, Florida laws and incentives database
• FuelEconomy.gov — EPA fuel economy ratings, MPGe comparisons, Find-A-Car tool for HEV/EV models
• NHTSA Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Resource — nhtsa.gov: safety standards, battery and charging information
• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) EV Infrastructure Funding — NEVI plan documents and statewide EV deployment data
• DOE Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO) — research publications on battery technology, hydrogen, and alternative fuels
• ASE / NATEF Task Lists — A6 (Electrical) and hybrid/EV-specific service tasks for technician skill alignment
• Simulation and Diagnostic Software — OBD-II scan tools, HV system simulators, multimeters rated for high-voltage service
• Recommended Textbook: Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (latest edition) — Cengage/Delmar or equivalent publisher approved by instructor

Career Pathways

Completion of ETP 1550 prepares students for entry-level positions and supports advancement in the following career areas:

• Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Technician — service and maintenance of CNG, LPG, and biofuel vehicles in fleet or dealership settings
• Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Service Technician — diagnosis and repair of HEV, PHEV, and BEV systems at automotive dealerships and independent repair shops
• EV Charging Infrastructure Technician / EVSE Installer — installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging stations
• Fleet Electrification Specialist — supporting public and private fleets in transitioning to alternative fuel and electric vehicles
• Energy Systems Technician — working with utilities (e.g., Florida Power & Light EVolution program) on EV fleet charging programs and smart grid integration
• Renewable Energy Technician (Career Ladder) — ETP 1550 articulates with additional ETP coursework toward an A.S. in Engineering Technology – Renewable Energy (e.g., College of the Florida Keys, Gulf Coast State College)

Special Information

Certification Preparation

• ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) — L3: Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist: Course content aligns with ASE L3 task areas, including hybrid/EV system operation, safety, and service procedures. Students pursuing ASE L3 certification should supplement coursework with hands-on lab hours and additional study materials.
• NATEF/ASE Education Foundation Standards: Learning outcomes are compatible with NATEF task standards for hybrid and electric vehicle service, supporting program accreditation pathways.
• OSHA 10 / First Responder EV Safety Awareness: Instructors are encouraged to incorporate DOE-funded first responder EV safety training (electric drive, CNG, and propane vehicle protocols) in alignment with Clean Cities Coalition training network standards.

Florida-Specific Context

Florida's growing EV market, FDOT NEVI infrastructure deployment plan, and FPL EVolution fleet charging programs make this course directly relevant to statewide workforce needs. Students are encouraged to explore Florida's Alternative Fuels Data Center listings and local utility incentive programs as part of course activities.