Mastering Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Systems: Advanced Coverage of Battery Technology, Powertrains, Charging, High-Voltage Safety, Diagnostics & Repair for Technicians, Engineers & Students

Electric and hybrid vehicles are no longer the future of transportation—they are the present. Every automotive technician, engineering student, and fleet professional who cannot confidently diagnose, service, and repair them risks falling behind.This is a comprehensive technical reference for anyone working with or learning about EV and hybrid technology. Written by veteran automotive engineer Karl Kraft, this professional handbook bridges the gap between fragmented online courses and costly academic textbooks, presenting essential industry knowledge in one practical, accessible volume.What You Will Master:Battery Tech & BMS: Lithium-ion cell chemistries (NMC, NCA, LFP, LTO), battery pack construction, BMS operation, SOC/SOH analysis, cell balancing, degradation mechanisms, and thermal runaway prevention.Motors & Drivetrains: Permanent magnet synchronous, AC induction, and switched reluctance motor operations. Covers Field-Oriented Control (FOC), torque vectoring, integrated eDrive systems, and resolver calibration.Power Electronics: Traction inverters, silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs vs. IGBTs, DC-DC converters, onboard chargers, pre-charge circuits, contactor systems, and V2G bidirectional charging with circuit-level explanations.Thermal Management: Integrated cooling systems for battery packs, motors, power electronics, and cabin HVAC. Includes heat pumps, liquid/immersion cooling, and cold-weather battery preconditioning.Charging Systems: Major AC/DC standards including SAE J1772, CCS1, CCS2, NACS (SAE J3400), CHAdeMO, and GB/T. Covers Control Pilot diagnostics, ISO 15118 Plug & Charge, and 800V architectures.High-Voltage Safety: Safe work practices aligned with OSHA, NFPA 70E, IEC 60903, and IEC 60900. Includes Class 0 PPE inspection, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), voltage verification, and emergency response.Diagnostics & Repair: Practical troubleshooting using EV scan tools, interpreting P3000-series DTCs, module replacement, inverter initialization, and isolation resistance testing.Additional Deep-Dive Coverage:Hybrid Architectures: Detailed mechanical breakdowns of the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) power-split and Honda two-motor hybrid/PHEV systems.Vehicle Networks: CAN Bus, CAN FD, Automotive Ethernet, OBD-II, UDS, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.Commercial Fleets: SAE J1939, Megawatt Charging Systems (MCS), and depot charging infrastructure.Emerging Tech: Solid-state and sodium-ion batteries, axial-flux motors, and wireless charging.Career Growth: ASE L3 certification preparation and practical industry guidance.Who This Book Is For:Automotive Technicians transitioning to EV service, preparing for ASE L3, or expanding into high-voltage diagnostics and repair.Engineering Students looking for a systems-level reference that perfectly bridges academic theory and industry practice.Career Changers (electricians, HVAC techs, maintenance pros) entering the rapidly growing EV field.Fleet Managers & Operators planning electrification strategies, charging infrastructure, and commercial maintenance programs.Why This Book Is Different:Every concept is backed by practical engineering principles and reinforced through real-world applications. Inside, you will find detailed technical diagrams, real-world diagnostic case studies, worked engineering calculations, and step-by-step service procedures with explicit safety requirements and expected results.This isn't just an introductory guide or an abstract textbook—it is a day-to-day technical reference to help you diagnose and service modern electric and hybrid vehicles. Read more