NAFTC Announces New AR&D Hybrid Program

The NAFTC is excited to announce their partnership with the Automotive Research and Design Company (AR&D) to develop and conduct a specialized version of their state-of-the-art hybrid training program, Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Propulsion Systems, reformatted and customized for the NAFTC. This relationship will facilitate the delivery of hybrid vehicle training classes and activities, using the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Propulsion Systems materials, through the NAFTC nationwide network of training institutions. AR&D is an organization with technical expertise in hybrid vehicle engineering, construction, repair and diagnostics, in addition to providing the development of Advanced Technology Vehicle Training Programs and a complete line of supplemental Training Products.

Chris Quarto, AR&D President, discusses the new hybrid training program with Lansing Community College Instructor, Jim Pitts. Photo Credit: NAFTC.

The goal of the program is to provide high-quality hybrid electric vehicle training to trainers, pre-service and in-service technicians, fleet managers, industry, and other interested participants at the NAFTC Headquarters, NAFTC member institutions, and other venues determined by the NAFTC. Training offered includes:

a. Train-the-trainer course (5-day training) for NAFTC member instructors only. This training will first create an exclusive group of qualified trainers to provide the AR&D developed hybrid electric vehicle courses and workshops through NAFTC coordinated training classes. (If interested in the Train-the-Trainer course option, please see the article in this issue on becoming an NAFTC member or visit the NAFTC website. This 5-day, intensive, hands-on training is described below.

b. End-user courses (1- to 4- day training) open to anyone interested. This training will provide attendees with an in-depth understanding of hybrid-electric vehicle systems, troubleshooting, repair, and safety measures. The 3 and 4 day end-user training is described below. The 1- and 2-day end-user workshops are also available upon request and are customized to fit the needs of the specific audience.

Dr. Mark Quarto, trainer contract consultant and trainer for AR&D, provided NAFTC member’s with a taste of the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Propulsion Systems training at the NAFTC Member’s Meeting and Professional Development Session, in Arlington, Texas in December. Photo Credit: NAFTC.

5-day Train-the-Trainer course (for NAFTC Members only):

After completion of this combination lecture/hands-on course, you will become an NAFTC approved trainer of this material, which allows you to then conduct the courses and workshops, developed as part of this program, to end-users. The training will cover the fundamentals and advanced electric propulsion concepts, blending traditional engine and electric propulsion torque, system design, basic and enhanced diagnostic considerations, and special service topics of HEVs. In an easy to understand format, this course will explain safety and electric propulsion systems including the construction, operation, control strategies, service tools, scan tool data, and basic diagnostic fundamentals. Also included will be the discussion and use of oscilloscopes, current probes, differential scope probes, electric machine test equipment, and specific scan tool PIDs to be used to support hands-on exercises for enhanced analysis and diagnostics.

Hands-on exercises are used extensively throughout the course to cover engineering-based and service information which further reinforces the concepts covered in the training. Existing HEV production vehicle architectures from Ford, Honda, Lexus, Toyota, and GM will be used as case studies.

End-user training (for pre-service and in-service technicians, fleet managers, industry, and other interested participants):

3-day End-user course - This combination lecture and hands-on course will cover the fundamentals, system design, diagnostic considerations and special service topics of HEVs. In an easy to understand format, this course will explain safety and electric propulsion systems including the construction, operation, control strategies, service tools, scan tool data, and basic diagnostic fundamentals. Existing HEV production vehicle architectures from Ford, Honda, Lexus, Toyota, and GM will be used as case studies. The knowledge gained from attending this course will include training on motor technology, torque control concepts, blending of torque between engine and electric motors, advanced energy management systems, hybrid operational modes and expanded coverage of HEV analysis and diagnostic strategies.

4-day End-user course - This course will cover the fundamentals and advanced electric propulsion concepts, blending traditional engine and electric propulsion torque, system design, basic and enhanced diagnostic considerations, and special service topics of HEVs. In an easy to understand format, this course will explain safety and electric propulsion systems including the construction, operation, control strategies, service tools, scan tool data, and basic diagnostic fundamentals. Also included will be the discussion and use of oscilloscopes, current probes, differential scope probes, electric machine test equipment, and specific scan tool PIDs to be used to support hands-on exercises for enhanced analysis and diagnostics. Existing HEV production vehicle architectures from Ford, Honda, Lexus, Toyota, and GM will be used as case studies. The knowledge gained from attending this course will include all of the information covered in the 3-day course, coupled with expanding the lecture and theory with hands-on exercises and demonstrations on live vehicles.

The Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Propulsion Systems manual consists of more than 500 pages of full-color material and will serve as an instructor resource to enrich the instructor delivery of the course or it can also be used as an excellent resource for the course participants.  There is no other aftermarket hybrid book for instructors or student participants on the market that can compare with this product. Featured are Ford, General Motors, Honda, Lexus and Toyota Hybrid Products. This publication contains a detailed HEV Introduction plus 19 topic-specific chapters. Click here to view the Table of Contents. This product is licensed from the Automotive Research and Design Company (AR&D). AR&D is a well respected technology company specializing in the development of training materials supporting electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) propulsion systems. Click here to view page examples.

Classes are taught by certified instructors at the NAFTC's Regional Training Centers around the country, at the NAFTC headquarters in Morgantown,WV or at other contracted locations. As with all NAFTC courses and workshops, the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Propulsion Systems training can be customized to meet your needs and can be conducted at your location.