Savannah Technical College will offer a new Hybrid/Electric Vehicle (EV) Repair Technician certificate starting in Fall 2023 at the Savannah and Liberty campuses.

The Hybrid/EV Repair Technician technical certificate of credit (TCC) focuses on hybrid/EV operation, systems diagnosis, and repairs with an emphasis on personal and overall shop safety with high voltage batteries. This training will help meet the growing demand for auto technicians with hybrid/EV systems knowledge.

Most automotive manufacturers have plans to change their fleet makeup in the coming years to all or very high percentages of hybrid/EV models. The need for service and repair of these vehicles will increase as more are on the road with standard OEM warranties running out.

Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Technician is a 19-credit hour TCC that prepares graduates to service, diagnose, and repair hybrid or fully electric vehicles. The five courses in this TCC include: Automotive Engine Performance; EV/Hybrid Vehicles Intro/Safety Protocols; EV/Hybrid Vehicle Batteries and Powertrains; EV/Hybrid Vehicle Battery and Powertrain Service; and EV/Hybrid Vehicle Body, Chassis, HVAC and Support Systems.

The College recently added light-duty diesel repair to its automotive service training and added Electric Vehicle Professional training for entry level employment in the electric vehicle production industry.

Automotive Technology graduates troubleshoot complete automotive systems for diagnosis, service, and repair. Graduates are qualified for positions such as service technicians, inspectors, and maintenance and repair mechanics. According to the 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, these positions earn an average pay of $44K annually, and upwards of $70K, depending on the position within the industry. Automotive Technology graduates had a 99.1% placement in field for AY21. These occupational programs are open to high school students in 10-12th grade through Dual Enrollment.