EV green technology arrives at Automotive programme
Investment in a new learning tool for Automotive Trades students at Ara shows the Institute is anticipating and adapting
to new and emerging technology in the field. Students training as Electrical and Mechanical Automotive Engineers in
Canterbury now have access to a hybrid car, exposing them to the swift technological developments in the industry.
Partly powered by an internal combustion engine, partly by electric motors, hybrid cars require less petrol than
traditional motor vehicles. As such, these environmentally, and economically, friendly cars are becoming an increasingly
common sustainable transport alternative.
While the current Automotive courses on offer at Ara focus predominantly on traditional motor vehicles, tutor David
McBlain supports the Institute’s move to put students in the drivers’ seat of new, green technology. “As a college we’ve
obviously got to adapt and keep up with the latest technology so that the students can actually see what is available
and how the technology is actually developing for the future.”
McBlain as the proud owner of a full electric vehicle, has experienced the benefits first hand. His Toyata Prius runs
entirely on electric charge so rising petrol prices don’t present a problem. Rather than pay for fuel, he plugs his car
into charge each night. “My car is a short range vehicle and will do 120-130km on a single charge. I commute 100kms a
day, so it’s enough for me to get in and out to work.”
Many may think that the high tech systems inside hybrid and electric vehicles would result in more complications than
traditional petrol powered cars, however he disputes this. “When you look at the technology involved in an electric
vehicle and under the bonnet, there is actually far less componentry to go wrong. There’s no gear box, it’s just a final
drive. Engine losses are minimal. Acceleration is much superior. For me it’s a win-win. You’re losing less money, you’ve
got less things to go wrong with it, and the performance is superseding standard cars already.”
McBlain, stresses the importance of equipping students for the rapidly developing market which they will enter into as
graduates. “The technology is here now and it’s only a matter of time over the next couple of years, for the electric
vehicles to become more prevalent in New Zealand and Australia. They’re coming now so the future mechanics need to be
trained and ready.”
Ara is committed to leading in sustainability across the institute. Guided by the Sustainability Charter, Ara is embedding more sustainable practice and reviewing curriculum to reflect the latest sustainable best practice
across all industries.
ENDS