2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Abstract
Electric vehicles (EVs) are vehicles that employ one or more electric motors for vehicular propulsion, utilizing electrical energy as their primary or supplementary power source. EVs are typically categorized into four main types based on their energy storage and conversion mechanisms: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). These systems differ in architecture, control strategies, and energy management approaches.

From an environmental perspective, EVs offer significant advantages over conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, notably in terms of reduced tailpipe emissions and overall greenhouse gas output, particularly when charged from low-carbon or renewable energy sources. Furthermore, EVs exhibit lower total cost of ownership (TCO) due to enhanced energy efficiency, fewer moving parts resulting in reduced mechanical wear, and the relatively low cost of electricity per unit of energy compared to fossil fuels.

The rapid expansion of electric vehicles has created a growing demand for engineers with expertise in this field. There is a recognized need for a large, well-trained workforce capable of conducting research and development projects in electric vehicle technology. However, the design and implementation of electric vehicles are not yet well represented in most undergraduate academic programs.

To better prepare our electrical and computer engineering students for careers in this evolving industry, we encourage them to select capstone projects related to electric vehicles. This paper presents two representative electric vehicle-oriented capstone projects undertaken by students in these two programs, showcasing their efforts to gain hands-on experience and practical skills in this critical area.