Fueling Change EV Courses
BCIT Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI) received $300,000 in funding through Natural Resources Canada (NRCAN)’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) to help raise awareness about EV in underrepresented communities. BCIT’s project, “Fueling Change – Education for a Zero Emissions Future” enables BCIT researchers, faculty, and partners to identify barriers to EV adoption among underrepresented communities and then reach out to those communities to provide education about opportunities provided by electric vehicles.
Out of this research and outreach, four courses emerged which encompass multiple aspects of electric vehicle (EV) knowledge. The entry-level course introduces the fundamentals of EV ownership, covering buying, operating, and charging. It dispels common myths while emphasizing the role of evolving ownership data in aiding informed decision-making. The curriculum delves into EV adoption within underrepresented communities, including individuals with disabilities, Indigenous populations, and youth, with a focus on rural and remote areas. Building on these basics, subsequent modules explore EV infrastructures, manufacturing, repair, recycling, and emerging technologies. The overarching goal is to empower learners to engage in meaningful conversations about EV adoption, charger installations, and evolving industry landscapes, fostering awareness and confidence in the transition to sustainable transportation.