EE 420 Hybrid Gas/Electric Vehicles
This course will cover the basic theory and engineering in modern hybrid gas/electric vehicles. Topics will include hybrid drive trains, regenerative braking, electrical energy storage, fuel efficiency calculations, performance metrics, the economics of hybrid vehicles, future design of automobiles, including "plug-in" electric vehicles, hydrogen powered vehicles, and fuel cells. This course will dedicate a few weeks exclusively to the Toyota Prius, covering not only the design and engineering of the Prius, but also the social and economic impact of this particular hybrid vehicle.