This module will provide the understanding and skills required: to analyse the fundamental drivers behind the electrification of transport; to evaluate the current state of the art in electric drive systems including drivetrains, power electronics, energy storage options, charging and infrastructure requirements.

In this module, we will investigate the electrification of transport and the key concepts and components that drive this transformative technology by understanding the environmental, economic, and energy security benefits of electric vehicles. The topics covered in the modules include 1. Rationale for the Electrification of Transport: Climate change and its impact on the environment; Pollution reduction and improving air quality; Energy security considerations; Economics of electric transportation 2. Electric Vehicles: Passenger cars; Light vans/trucks; Heavy goods vehicles; Passenger and freight trains; Industrial applications; Marine vessels; Aviation industry 3. Power and Energy Calculations: Rolling resistance; Aerodynamic drag; Gradients and inclines; Auxiliary power requirements 4. Main Components of Electric Vehicles: Energy storage systems; Electric motors and drivetrain; Power electronics; Auxiliary functions 5. Energy Storage: Chemical energy and fuels; Electrochemical cells and fuel cells; Li-Ion battery cells; Energy densities and their implications; Economic considerations 6. Battery Stack of a Typical Electric Vehicle: Battery modules and their configuration; Battery management systems; Cell balancing techniques; Protection mechanisms and safety measures; State of charge/health monitoring 7. Recharging: Principles of constant current, constant voltage, and constant power charging methods; Charging modes for electric vehicles; Infrastructure requirements for charging; National charging infrastructure developments 8. Ongoing and Future Directions of Electric Vehicles: Emerging technologies and trends; Research and development efforts; Policy and regulatory initiatives; Integration of electric vehicles into sustainable transportation systems Throughout this module, we will explore the various aspects of electric vehicles, from their main components and energy storage systems to recharging methods and future developments. By the end of this course, you will have gained a comprehensive understanding of electric vehicles and their role in achieving sustainable transport solutions.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Draw and label a block diagram of the main components of a range of electric vehicles types. Calculate the power requirements for a vehicle based on speed, weight, aerodynamic drag and environmental conditions. Enumerate and evaluate energy densities for a range of energy storage technologies as well as describe their relative advantages, disadvantages and future prospects for transport applications. Draw and label a schematic of the high voltage wiring in a modern electric vehicle including the safety and protection circuits. Draw and label main components of a modern battery management systems and describe what the functions it provides are, and how they are achieved. Enumerate and describe the recharging modes for modern battery and hybrid electric vehicles and calculate recharge rates and power transfer levels.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Appreciate the diverse range of drive trains available in electric and hybrid vehicles, and the intricate implications associated with selecting specific electric vehicle types. Appreciate the significance of electrifying transportation in light of resource limitations, energy supply security, and the societal impacts of anthropogenic carbon dioxide production.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: conduct advanced experiments in this field.

The module will be taught using a mixture of Lectures and Lab exercises promoting students that are: knowledgeable and curious on the key aspects of the electrification of transport; articulate in providing educated opinion on the benefits of various options for transport, elucidating and questioning the advantages and disadvantages of the various transport options while being courageous and responsible in determining the most appropriate option for a given scenario/location. In this module students will get a very clear understanding of how transportations options impact on society; how electrification of transport can benefit society; what limitations electrification has; how alternative options may be superior given resource limitations while always promoting an open and questioning mind.