Free online courseElectric Vehicles Fundamentals: EV Technology, Batteries, Motors, Charging and Economics

Course Description

Electric Vehicles Fundamentals: EV Technology, Batteries, Motors, Charging and Economics is a free online course that builds a practical foundation in how modern electric vehicles are engineered and evaluated. Designed for learners in Professional Skills with a focus on Mechanical and Industrial Basics, it connects core vehicle physics with real-world EV architecture and decision-making.

You will develop a clear understanding of EV subsystems, including drivetrain layout, vehicle forces and resistance, power and torque needs, and how drive cycles influence energy use per kilometer. The course also explains how these fundamentals guide component sizing and performance trade-offs for different driving conditions.

A major focus is battery technology and pack development. You will explore key battery parameters, why lithium-ion dominates today, what future chemistries may bring, and how to think about state of charge and state of health. The course also introduces cell-to-pack engineering, including mechanical, thermal, and electrical design considerations, along with the role of battery management systems in safety, longevity, and performance.

Motor and controller fundamentals are covered with an emphasis on efficiency, torque production, speed characteristics, back EMF, and essential control concepts. You will also learn how charging works in practice, from slow and fast charging approaches to public charging infrastructure, onboard charging, standardization, and battery swapping concepts.

To support informed planning and deployment, the course addresses economics and analytics around charging infrastructure, including factors that influence cost effectiveness and operational choices. With an India-focused perspective on EV adoption and scaling, it offers context for technology, supply constraints, and infrastructure strategy while remaining broadly applicable to EV systems worldwide.