Students Build Exciting, Full Size, Road-Worthy Electric Vehicles in Over 350 Schools

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution continues to grow around the world and in the United States, causing great excitement. This transition is the most significant change the global transportation sector has ever seen, since internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles replaced the horse and buggy. Around the world, more and more EVs hit the roads daily. Gas-electric hybrids have enjoyed a resurgence in sales, offering drivers a bridge to full electrification with battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The Entire Global Transportation Sector is Shifting to Electric

The transport sector, transporting people and goods, comprises air, land, and water. The entire sector is undergoing electrification. New electric plane companies are working on electrifying small personal aircraft, large commercial, and freight flights. Heavy-duty truck and rail freight delivery, light rail, buses, heavy and light-duty commercial vehicles are all undergoing electrification. Production of electric light-duty passenger trucks and cars is growing at breakneck speed. Electric motorcycles, bikes, and scooters, the micromobility segment, has seen astounding growth. Small pleasure craft, ferries, and large passenger and freight ships, are all undergoing electrification.

California Leads the US in EV Adoption, EVs Planned for Nearly Every Automaker

In California, EV adoption reached 25% in 2023, according to EV adoption nonprofit Veloz. In June 2024, used EVs are now often cheaper than their gas-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts in the US. Nearly every automaker, including Ford, GM and others have released multiple electric models. EVs have become so prevalent that even high-end sports car automakers like Ferrari now have electric versions.

Challenges and Opportunities

It is definitely a very exciting time, offering significant challenges along with fantastic business and employment opportunities. Nearly all of the automotive industry jobs that existed in the past for ICE vehicles are transitioning to EV. These include designers, mechanics, engineers, and much more. Furthermore, all of the employment sectors that support the automotive industry such as sales of new and used vehicles, marketing, website and graphic design, writing, finance, and many more are all transforming to accommodate the fast-growing EV revolution.

Challenges for employment in the EV industry come mostly from a lack of trained and qualified workers, due to the incredibly fast growth of the EV industry. Mechanics trained to work on EVs are hard to come by. Vehicle designers with EV experience are few. Dealership salespeople knowledgeable about EVs are scarce. These are only a few examples, there are a whole lot more job titles that are significantly lacking for workers with EV experience. EV Recruitment offers assistance to EV industry job seekers.

EV Education is the Key

EV education is vital for the United States and the world. Switch Vehicles has stepped up to offer a vital part of this important education. The company’s kits and EV trainer offer exciting, hands-on experience not found anywhere else. It is a completely new and innovative offering, giving students a fun and exciting project to complete, and more.

The Switch Vehicles mission is twofold: to inspire new generations of leaders, innovators, and citizens through education, and to promote the transition to clean, sustainable fuel sources. By educating students about electric vehicles and sustainable technology, the program is preparing them for a future where these skills will be in high demand. The program is also fostering a generation that values and understands the importance of sustainability, helping to drive the transition to a cleaner, greener world.

Switch Vehicles’ EV Education Program is Used in Over 350 Schools Around the World, and is Growing Fast

Switch Vehicles is empowering future innovators with a fun and exciting electric vehicle (EV) education program, used in over 350 schools around the globe. Switch has developed an engaging and safe electric vehicle kit designed for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programs, as well as career and technical education (CTE) programs. The all-inclusive program, The SWITCH Lab, challenges students to build a full-size, road-worthy electric vehicle as a classroom project. The re-usable kit includes the chassis, DC or Permanent Magnet drive system, battery, all wiring, lights, seat, seat-belt, windscreen, and more.

The SWITCH Lab: A Comprehensive Learning Experience

The SWITCH Lab integrates education with real-world challenges. This versatile program fits seamlessly into courses in engineering, robotics, physics, automotive shop, and more. By constructing a functional electric vehicle, students gain a deep understanding of complex concepts and see the tangible outcomes of their learning efforts. The company believes in the amazing power of hands-on learning and real-world application to transform education.

EV – PM/96v, a Fully-functional 96v Re-usable Electric Vehicle Kit for Advanced Students

The Switch Vehicles EV – PM/96v kit uses the same electric motor used in 90% of all EVs in use today. It is an advanced kit, featuring a programmable Orion battery management system (BMS). The EV – PM/96v is suitable for CTE, high school and college students. It offers a blazingly fast top speed of 80mph, and has an impressive range of up to fifty miles per charge. By building the kit, students demonstrate and practice high voltage safety procedures (OSHA/ASE) and much more.

Designed for Beginning Students, the EV – DC/72v is a Fully Functional 72v, Re-usable Electric Vehicle Kit

The Switch Vehicles EV – DC/72v kit is an entry-level program suitable for grades 9-12. Its DC-electric motor has a 15 mile range, and the vehicle offers a top speed of 40mph. Top voltage is 80v. It prepares students for careers in electric vehicle technologies, and allows educators to teach hands-on EV fundamentals.

The Switch Vehicles EV Trainer Features all Components of an EV on a Compact, Insulated, Mobile Training Platform

Students learn the purpose and functions of EV components on the reusable and rebuildable EV trainer. Fully assembled, and ready for immediate use, it features an insulated rolling platform. The 72v Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack offers safety and durability. Level 1 and 2 EV chargers (J1772) are included. The trainer tests knowledge through troubleshooting challenges and much more.

The SWITCH Lab: Bridging Theory and Practice

The SWITCH Lab brings textbooks to life. In engineering classes, students can apply their knowledge of mechanics and electronics directly to the vehicle’s construction. In robotics, they can explore automation and control systems, while physics students delve into the principles of energy and motion. Auto shop classes gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, preparing them for the evolving automotive industry. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that students see the connections between different fields of study.

Developing Essential Soft Skills

Beyond technical expertise, The SWITCH Lab emphasizes the development of essential soft skills required for success in the workforce and in life. Project-based learning cultivates teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. As students collaborate to overcome challenges, they learn to work effectively in teams, think creatively to find solutions, and communicate their ideas clearly. These skills are invaluable, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in any career.

Nationwide Impact of Switch Vehicles Programs

The SWITCH Lab is currently used in over 250 high schools, colleges, and junior high schools across the United States. Educators praise the program for its ability to engage students and provide a meaningful, impactful learning experience. The success stories from these institutions highlight the transformative power of The SWITCH Lab, showcasing students who have gone on to pursue careers in STEM fields, inspired by their hands-on experience.

Workshops for Teachers and EV Enthusiasts

Switch Vehicles offers two workshops, one for instructors and one for EV enthusiasts. In the instructor workshop, teachers experience The Switch Lab the same way students do. The instructors enjoy learning, building, testing, and then driving the finished Switch EV as a completed project. This workshop is approved for 40 credit hours of California CE credits.

In the EV enthusiast workshop, enthusiasts learn how to convert their internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle into an EV. Enthusiasts learn hands-on component training, basic electricity, wiring, mechanics, and more.

Switch Vehicles’ Electric Vehicle Curriculum: A Complete STEM & CTE Curriculum

Switch Vehicles’ EV curriculum is an essential resource for teaching students about EVs. It includes 25 EV textbooks (digital/print), Assembly Manual (Digital), Switch Community Access, and Online Instructor Resources. It comes with six years access to the curriculum and is available in three course lengths.

This curriculum comes standard when purchasing the educational programs: EV PM/96v, EV DC/72v and EV Trainer.

The SWITCH Lab Revolutionizes STEM and CTE Education

Founded in 2013, Switch Vehicles produces its hand-crafted EV Kits in its shop located in Sebastopol, California. Its kits, curriculum and EV trainer offer hands-on experience found nowhere else for the EV industry. The EV industry is very fast-growing, offering a wide variety of job opportunities for graduates of Switch Vehicles’ EV education programs. See the Switch Vehicles website for more.