The automotive industry has seen incredible change in recent years. Automakers continue pushing boundaries to create the most advanced vehicles ever made. Advancements in technology have allowed automobile manufacturers to produce upgrades to cars, both inside the cabin and under the hood with hybrid and electric-powered motor tech.

NYADI The College of Transportation Technology in Jamaica, New York, offers automotive academic programs that prepare aspiring individuals to pursue roles in the automotive service industry. Our degree and certificate programs introduce students to a wide range of relevant topics, including automotive technology. Here, we explain hybrid and electric vehicle technology and the need for specialized technicians.

How Hybrid Car Tech Works

Hybrid vehicles have been around since the start of the 2000s and are now commonplace in the market, with many popular models offering a hybrid powertrain. Some consumers prefer a hybrid vehicle because it offers better fuel efficiency compared to all gas-powered automobiles.

Hybrid vehicles work by combining a gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack. At low speeds or low power demands, typically up to 30 mph, hybrid cars utilize the electric motor. Drivers can often drive their hybrid vehicles on electric power alone for short distances. The gas engine kicks in at higher speeds where it’s more efficient or when quick acceleration is needed.

Hybrid cars are equipped with regenerative brakes, which capture momentum to create electricity as the car slows down. By comparison, a traditional car’s brakes slow down the vehicle, creating friction that results in unusable heat. The electricity created by the hybrid car’s regenerative brakes is used to recharge the vehicle’s battery.

Servicing Hybrid Vehicles

Given the complexity of hybrid vehicles, they require specialized mechanics. Hybrid batteries are larger and more complex than standard batteries and require specific expertise to repair. A technician, who doesn’t know what they’re doing, could damage the battery, which can result in serious consequences. Furthermore, hybrid cars have complex electrical systems that require specialized knowledge to diagnose and repair. ASE-certified mechanics can usually perform most routine maintenance and repairs on a hybrid car.

How Electric Vehicles Work

Electric vehicles (EVs) are the new craze in automotive technology. Variables such as environmental concerns, cost savings, and increased availability have generated a buzz around EVs. In 2023, about 1.6 million EVs were sold in the United States, a 60% increase from 2022.

EVs completely forgo an internal combustion engine and operate using an electric motor and rechargeable battery. Energy is stored in the vehicle’s battery pack and used to power the electric motor to move the vehicle from one place to the next. EVs may be equipped with more than one electric motor, depending on the make and model.

EVs must be charged to operate. An external power source, such as a wall outlet or charging station, charges the vehicle’s battery. The onboard charger converts the incoming alternating current (AC) electricity to direct current (DC) power to charge the battery.

Servicing Electric Vehicles

Not every mechanic is qualified to service EVs as they require specialized knowledge and training to ensure the safety of themselves and the vehicle. The high-voltage systems can be hazardous if not serviced correctly. Other unique components, such as batteries, inverters, and charging systems, require specialized attention.

Learning Advanced Vehicle Technology at NYADI

Students enrolled at NYADI will have the benefit of hands-on training and will learn key aspects of the automotive service industry, such as the latest technology and advancements. Our degree and certificate programs are intended to prepare individuals with aspirations of making a career out of servicing automobiles.

Students can enroll in the following programs:

• Automotive Technology degree program
• Automotive and Diesel Technology degree program
• Automotive Service Technology certificate program
• Truck and Diesel Service Technology certificate program
• Collision Repair Technology certificate program

All the academic programs at NYADI are led by dedicated instructors with years of on-the-job experience.

Begin Your Journey at NYADI

Hybrid car tech and EVs are quickly becoming the norm in today’s automotive industry. With the number of hybrids and EVs on the road rapidly growing, there’s a need for qualified hybrid car mechanics and electric car mechanics.

NYADI in Jamaica, NY, educates motivated individuals and supports their dreams of pursuing auto service jobs by providing advanced education and training. We are also pleased to offer financial aid opportunities to students who qualify. Contact an admissions representative to learn more about our academic programs and how you can launch your career today.