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Alternative Fuels

WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM?

The Alternative Fuels Technology program offers exciting careers and unlimited opportunities. Through the use of equipment used in the automotive industry today and ASE master certified instructors, students learn how to diagnose and repair today’s high-tech vehicles. This program will prepare students for entry level employment with companies that require training in areas such as: electrical systems, regenerative braking systems, electric steering and electric suspension systems, high-voltage air conditioning systems, and autonomous system service and repair.

About the Program

The Automotive Technology program offers exciting careers and unlimited opportunities. Through the use of equipment used in the automotive industry today and ASE master certified instructors, students learn how to diagnose and repair today’s high-tech vehicles. This program will prepare students for entry level employment with companies that require training in areas such as: electrical systems, engine performance, transmissions, brakes, steering and suspension systems, air conditioning systems, and engine repair. Students are prepared to take industry standard certification exams from ASE.

Students receive hands-on experience on up to date repair and diagnostic equipment that is currently used in the automotive field today. Computer usage and skills along with network communication diagnosis has become critical skills required to quickly and accurately diagnosis newer automobiles, hybrid and alternative fueled vehicles, and heavy diesel trucks. This is a hands-on training program that allows plenty of lab time to develop the skills needed to be successful in whichever emphasis of study the student chooses to go into. Through your choice of electives, you can choose the emphasis of study you would like to pursue.

Tesla Car

Our Graduates

Local employers seek out our students when they need automotive service technicians with Electric/Fuel cell vehicle skills. Students who complete the automotive program should have no trouble finding a job as an Alternative Fuels technician, service writer or even a service manager at dealerships, independent repair shops, parts stores or even start their own business! Our graduates are currently working at Proterra Electric Bus, LA Metro Transit , Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Fleet Technicians, and even Space-EX Technicians.

Transfer

If you would like to continue your education after completing your Rio Hondo College Automotive degree, we have two four-year Baccalaureate degrees in Automotive Technology and Automotive Business and marketing. Other transfer partnerships are in place. Talk to CTE councilor’s for more information about transfer opportunities!

Interested in TESLA Technology?

If you have an interest in a hands-on program that will help you diagnose and repair high-tech systems, learn more about the TESLA START program at start@tesla.com or visit the Tesla START Program website.

ATMAE Accredited

Degrees

ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND
FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY TECHNICIAN

The Electric Vehicle and Fuel Cell Technology Technician Associate of Science Degree is designed to prepare students to meet the emerging field of service and diagnosis of vehicles powered by electricity generated by any of the following sources, plug-in electric/hybrid-powertrain/fuel cell generation.  The green technology can be transferred from vehicles to stationary back-up power systems.  Students will need to apply for ASE L-3 testing and pay all applicable fees to take the final ASE exam.  This Degree is intended to be the capstone of the Hybrid/Electric/Fuel Cell program.

To acquire the Associate of Science Degree in Electric Vehicle and Fuel Cell Technology Technician, it is necessary to complete the graduation requirements of the College along with the following courses:

Required Courses

AUTO 106 Automotive Electrical Tools & Diagnostic Procedures 3
AUTO 147 *Introduction to Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Technology 3
AUTO 157 *Automotive Specialized Electronics Training 4
AUTO 260 *Advanced Hybrid / Electric Vehicle 4
AUTO 265 Fuel Cell Technology Fundamentals 4
ELEC 100 D.C and A.C Fundamentals 3
ELEC 101 *D/C Electronic Circuits and Devices 4
ELEC 102 *A/C Electronic Circuits and Devices 4

Units Required: 29
*Prerequisite

All of the courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

ALTERNATIVE FUELS AND ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY

This Degree is designed to prepare students and incumbent employees as Alternative Fuels & Advanced Transportation Technology specialists. Training is in theory and practical skills. Directed practical work is given in all fuel areas, compressed and biodiesel, under simulated on-the-job conditions. The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and hand skills demanded of modern transportation specialists. The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs.

To acquire the Associate of Science Degree in Alternative Fuels & Advanced Transportation, students must complete the required major courses below with a grade of “C” or better along with one of the following:

  • RHC GE and Proficiency requirements
  • CSU GE (California State University General Education Breadth)
  • IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum)

Required Courses

AUTO 101 Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Underhood Service 3
AUTO 103 Introduction to Automotive Service and Repair: Undercar Service 3
AUTO 106 Automotive Electrical Tools and Diagnostics Procedures 3
AUTO 107 *Introduction to Automotive Light Service 3
AUTO 143 Alternative Fuels Technician 4
AUTO 147 *Introduction to Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Technology 3
AUTO 150 *Engine Electrical Systems 4
AUTO 157 *Automotive Specialized Electronics Training 4

Units Required: 27
*Prerequisite

Certificates

Electric Vehicle and Fuel Cell Technology

The Electric Vehicle and Fuel Cell Technology Technician Certificate of Achievement is designed to prepare students to meet the emerging field of service and diagnosis of vehicles powered by electricity generated by any of the following sources, plug-in electric/hybrid-powertrain/fuel cell generation. The green technology can be transferred from vehicles to stationary back-up power systems. Students will need to apply for ASE L-3 testing and pay all applicable fees to take the final ASE exam. This certificate is intended to be the capstone of the Hybrid/Electric Vehicle/Fuel Cell Program.

To acquire the Certificate of Achievement in Electric Vehicle and Fuel Cell Technology Technician, it is necessary to complete the following courses:

Required Courses

AUTO 147 *Introduction to Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Technology 4
AUTO 157 *Automotive Specialized Electronics Training 4
AUTO 260 *Advanced Hybrid / Electric Vehicle 4
AUTO 265 Fuel Cell Technology Fundamentals 4

Units Required: 15
*Prerequisite

All of the courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.

Alternative Fuels and Advanced Transportation Technology

This Certificate of Achievement is designed to prepare students and incumbent employees as Alternative Fuels & Advanced Transportation Technology specialists. Training is in theory and practical skills. Directed practical work is given in all fuel areas, compressed and biodiesel, under simulated on-the-job conditions. The program will provide the student the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and hand skills demanded of modern transportation specialists. The sequence in which courses are taken may be modified to meet individual needs.

To acquire the Certificate of Achievement in Alternative Fuels & Advanced Transportation Technology, it is necessary to complete the following courses:

Required Courses

AUTO 110 *Introduction to Engine Diagnosis and Tune-Up 3
AUTO 115 *Computerized Engine Controls & Diagnostics 3
AUTO 141 Alternative Fuels I 3
AUTO 142 Alternative Fuels II 4
AUTO 147 *Introduction to Hybrid * Electric Vehicle Technology 3
AUTO 157 *Automotive Specialized Electronics Training 4

Units Required: 20
*Prerequisite

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