Alternative Fuels and Hybrid/Electric Vehicles

This certificate is designed for students seeking training in alternative fuels and high voltage systems. Students will learn about various vehicle manufacturers and municipalities which require specific training for non-gasoline powered vehicles. Furthermore, the certificate coursework focuses on safe practices when working on alternative fuels and high voltage systems. Students can find suitable employment at new car dealerships and fleet services or municipalities.

There are no prerequisites for courses listed in certificate.

Enrollment is limited to 24 students per course, per semester.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the various types of fuels available to propel modern vehicles and the advantages/disadvantages of each fuel.
  
• Demonstrate safe handling practices and procedures when working with various types of alternative fuels and high voltage systems.

Approximately 8 students are projected to complete the certificate annually.

• Identify safety hazards when working with CNG, Propane, Hydrogen, and Ethanol.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages gaseous fuels as opposed to liquid fuels.
• Explain why alternative fuels are mandated by local and state governments.
• Demonstrate safe procedures when working with high voltage systems.
• Demonstrate safe practices when working with high pressure tanks and systems.

The mission of the Santa Ana College Automotive Department is to prepare students for degree and certificate attainment through coursework in automotive programs. The department empowers all students with knowledge to make career focused decisions with a thorough education focusing on all major areas of modern automobiles. The automotive department values partnerships with local and regional repair and service facilities. Through advisory committee meetings and local connections, faculty maintain a close relationship with employers and manufacturer representatives to stay current with industry trends and technology.

The automotive department is in a continuous state of improvement and technological advancement. Due to automotive being an evolving discipline, the equipment, tools, and teaching aids continuously require updating. Furthermore, as new technologies are introduced on modern vehicles, the automotive department will continually seek to stay current technology. For these reasons, faculty are constantly seeking grant funding for large purchases and introduction of new programs. Lastly, the department has connections with vehicle manufacturers such as Subaru and Fiat-Chrysler. Through these connections, the department can obtain vehicle and tool donations. Also, the manufacturers give faculty and students access to specified training for their respective vehicles.

Through advisory committee involvement and recommendations, the automotive department is fulfilling recommendations made by committee. This new certificate will fill a gap in transcripted certificates for alternative fuels at Santa Ana College.

Students will complete an introductory automotive course, then concentrate on program specific courses. This certificate will be attainable by students in 2-3 semesters.

Certificate required courses:

1. AUTO-102: Introduction to Automotive (3)
2. AUTO-260: Introduction to Electric Vehicles (4)
3. AUTO-285: Hybrid Vehicles (3)
4. AUTO-287: Alternative Fuels (3)
5. AUTO-288: Diesel Engines: Light-Medium Duty Systems (3)

None

Saddleback College, Golden West College, Cypress College, Cerritos College, Fullerton College, Rio Hondo College

350 students per year.