Oklahoma City Community College is offering electric vehicle (EV)-specific training to the community, designating OCCC as one of just two educational institutions in the metro with the equipment to safely teach these unique, in-demand skills. 

“Working on EVs, hybrids and even hydrogen-powered vehicles involves dangerously high voltages, but with the equipment we now have, Oklahoma City Community College can safely offer training for these automobiles,” said Brad Walker, department chair for automotive technology at OCCC.

The automotive service industry is experiencing high demand for technicians trained to work on EVs and hybrids, Walker said, but training opportunities have been limited. “With our new equipment, we can safely equip the workforce to manage the increasing number of EVs on our roads. These skills we are teaching are available for our current students, new students and former students, and also as professional development for current technicians.” 

OCCC’s state-of-the-art teaching equipment includes a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) L3 qualification trainer for hybrid and electric vehicles, made by Lucas-Nüelle, which will prepare students for the ASE Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist (L3) Test.

The test measures a technician’s ability to diagnose both high- and low-voltage electrical/electronic problems as well as other supporting-system issues related to hybrid/electric vehicles. 

In addition to the L3 training device, OCCC has a desktop trainer that Walker refers to as “the starting point” to understanding energy-related technology. It has plugins to teach foundational concepts on AC motors, resistance of the human body, the basic physics of how current works, and more.

Another new training device in the OCCC automotive technology learning space is a battery trainer designed to teach students how to assess and troubleshoot lithium-ion battery issues, which can reduce industry costs and waste.

“One of the current industry challenges with lithium-ion batteries is that many technicians are not trained to diagnose and repair a bad cell,” Walker said. “This results in entire batteries being thrown out, increasing cost and waste, when the solution could be simply replacing a cell.”

Learning how to safely work with EVs is not just for automotive technicians. OCCC has a new training device designed to help first responders learn how to stay safe when assisting with a motor vehicle accident involving EVs. 

The first professionals to train on this device will be members of the OCCC Campus Police Department.

“The OCCC Campus Police force protects and serves the needs of our campus community, which includes responding to vehicle issues,” said OCCC Campus Police Chief Daniel Piazza. “Being prepared and effectively trained to respond to issues with hybrid and EVs will enhance safety for our entire campus.”

Oklahoma City Community College is committed to producing highly educated automotive technology specialists who are well-versed in the latest vehicle systems and technology. Graduates are trained to be immediately prepared to enter the workforce.

“Automotive technology is one of many programs here at OCCC designed to ease workforce development demands,” said John Claybon, OCCC dean of business and information technology. “We are excited to have new tools to educate our students and keep our program on the cutting edge of automotive technology training.”

About Oklahoma City Community College

Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the Metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving more than 18,000 students, we are committed to producing leaders. “Student Success, Community Enrichment” is our mission, and we offer more than 87 degree and certificate programs that provide a foundation for further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose. Visit us at occc.edu.