Introduction

The global imperative to combat climate change, reduce air pollution, and enhance energy independence is driving an unprecedented shift towards the electrification of transportation infrastructure. This transformation extends beyond simply replacing internal combustion engines with electric motors; it encompasses the fundamental redesign and deployment of charging networks, grid integration solutions, and smart energy management systems to support a burgeoning fleet of electric vehicles (EVs), electric buses, trains, and even marine vessels. This shift presents complex challenges and immense opportunities for engineers, urban planners, and policymakers, requiring a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles, grid impacts, charging technologies, and policy frameworks. Without strategic planning and robust infrastructure development, the full potential of electric transportation cannot be realized, potentially leading to grid instability, inadequate charging access, and hindered adoption rates, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this rapidly evolving field. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower electrical engineers, urban planners, transportation authorities, utility professionals, infrastructure developers, policy makers, and automotive industry stakeholders with the theoretical understanding and practical insights necessary to effectively plan, design, and implement Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure. Participants will gain a deep understanding of various EV charging technologies, explore the grid impacts of large-scale electrification, learn about smart charging and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) solutions, and acquire hands-on experience in assessing infrastructure needs and developing deployment strategies. The course will delve into topics such as power system upgrades for charging demand, renewable energy integration for EV charging, standards and interoperability, battery technologies, economic considerations, and regulatory frameworks supporting sustainable transportation electrification. By mastering the principles and practical application of Electrification of Transportation Infrastructure, participants will be prepared to drive innovation, accelerate sustainable mobility solutions, contribute to grid modernization, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Electrical Engineers (Power Systems, Distribution)
• Urban Planners and City Developers
• Transportation Planning and Policy Professionals
• Utility Engineers and Planners
• Infrastructure Development Managers
• Automotive Industry Engineers (EV Infrastructure focus)
• Renewable Energy Project Developers
• Smart Grid Strategists
• Policy Makers and Regulators
• Consultants in Sustainable Mobility

Objectives

• Understand the global drivers and benefits of transportation electrification.
• Learn about the various types of electric vehicles (EVs) and their charging characteristics.
• Acquire skills in assessing and planning charging infrastructure needs for different transportation modes.
• Comprehend techniques for evaluating the grid impact of large-scale EV charging.
• Explore strategies for integrating renewable energy sources into charging infrastructure.
• Understand the importance of smart charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies.
• Gain insights into international standards and interoperability for charging systems.
• Develop a practical understanding of battery technologies and their role in EVs and charging.
• Learn about the economic considerations and business models for charging infrastructure.
• Master safety regulations and best practices for EV charging.
• Acquire skills in designing electrical distribution upgrades for charging hubs.
• Understand the application of data analytics for optimizing charging infrastructure.
• Explore policy and regulatory frameworks supporting transportation electrification.
• Develop proficiency in addressing the unique challenges of electrifying public and heavy-duty transport.
• Prepare to plan, design, and implement robust electrification infrastructure for a sustainable future.

Course Content

Module 1: Global Context and Drivers of Transportation Electrification

• Climate change mitigation and air quality improvements.
• Energy independence and national security benefits.
• Evolution of electric vehicles (EVs): BEV, PHEV, FCEV.
• Overview of electrified public transit (buses, trains) and heavy-duty vehicles.
• Economic and social impacts of transportation electrification.

Module 2: Electric Vehicle Technologies and Charging Characteristics

• Battery technologies for EVs: Li-ion chemistry, energy density, charging cycles.
• EV powertrain components: motor, inverter, charger.
• Understanding EV battery management systems (BMS).
• Charging profiles and power demand of different EV types.
• Range anxiety and charging speed considerations.

Module 3: EV Charging Technologies and Infrastructure

• AC vs. DC charging: Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast Charging (DCFC).
• Connectors and protocols: Type 1, Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO, NACS, GB/T.
• Public vs. private charging infrastructure: home, workplace, destination, corridor.
• Wireless charging and battery swapping technologies.
• Emerging charging technologies and ultra-fast charging.

Module 4: Planning and Sizing Charging Infrastructure

• Assessing charging needs based on vehicle fleet size, duty cycles, and travel patterns.
• Determining optimal charger density and location.
• Methodologies for calculating electrical demand for charging stations.
• Site selection criteria for public and fleet charging hubs.
• Considerations for multi-unit dwellings and commercial buildings.

Module 5: Grid Impact of EV Charging

• Impact of uncontrolled EV charging on distribution grid (voltage drops, overloading).
• Peak demand challenges and transformer loading.
• Power quality issues (harmonics, unbalance) from EV chargers.
• Impact on substation capacity and feeder limits.
• Distribution system planning considerations for high EV penetration.

Module 6: Smart Charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)

• Definition and benefits of smart charging (managed charging).
• Demand response programs for EV charging.
• Time-of-Use (TOU) rates and dynamic pricing for EVs.
• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology: principles and applications (ancillary services, peak shaving).
• Regulatory and market frameworks for V2G.

Module 7: Renewable Energy Integration with EV Charging

• Coupling EV charging with solar PV and wind power.
• Role of battery energy storage systems (BESS) at charging stations.
• Microgrids with integrated EV charging.
• Green hydrogen production for fuel cell EVs.
• Carbon footprint reduction through renewable-powered charging.

Module 8: Standards, Interoperability, and Cybersecurity

• International charging standards (ISO 15118, OCPP, OCPI).
• Ensuring interoperability between EVs, chargers, and network operators.
• Cybersecurity threats to EV charging infrastructure.
• Best practices for securing charging stations and data.
• Data privacy considerations for EV users.

Module 9: Economic Considerations and Business Models

• Cost components of EV charging infrastructure (hardware, installation, operation).
• Business models for charging station operators (CPOs).
• Public funding, incentives, and grants for EV infrastructure.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for electric vehicles.
• Return on investment (ROI) for charging deployments.

Module 10: Policy and Regulatory Frameworks

• Government policies promoting EV adoption and infrastructure development.
• Building codes and zoning regulations for EV charging.
• Utility regulations and tariffs for EV charging.
• Permitting processes for charging station installation.
• International best practices in EV policy.

Module 11: Electrical Design and Safety for Charging Infrastructure

• Sizing electrical feeders, switchgear, and protective devices for chargers.
• Transformer sizing and selection for charging hubs.
• Grounding and bonding requirements for EV chargers.
• Electrical safety codes and standards (e.g., NEC, IEC).
• Fire safety considerations for EV charging facilities.

Module 12: Electrification of Public Transport (Buses, Trains)

• Charging strategies for electric buses (depot charging, en-route charging, pantograph).
• Overhead catenary systems and third rail for electric trains.
• Grid connections and substations for electrified rail.
• Battery-electric vs. trolleybus systems.
• Operational challenges and benefits for public transit.

Module 13: Electrification of Heavy-Duty Transport and Logistics

• Charging infrastructure for electric trucks and commercial fleets.
• Megawatt charging systems (MCS) for heavy-duty vehicles.
• Electrified roadways (e.g., dynamic charging).
• Port and airport electrification.
• Opportunities for logistics and supply chain optimization.

Module 14: Data Analytics and Optimization for Charging Infrastructure

• Collecting and analyzing charging session data.
• Predictive analytics for demand forecasting and grid management.
• Optimizing charging schedules and energy procurement.
• Utilizing data for fault detection and maintenance planning.
• Performance monitoring and reporting for charging networks.

Module 15: Emerging Technologies and Future Outlook

• Bidirectional charging advancements and V2G commercialization.
• Energy storage solutions for grid independence at charging hubs.
• Autonomous charging and robotic charging.
• Smart city integration and urban mobility solutions.
• Long-term vision for a fully electrified transportation ecosystem.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.