The Faculty of Science and Technology at The University of the West Indies, (UWI) Mona, will be introducing a new course aimed at equipping students with a broad foundation in the burgeoning field of electric mobility. Commencing in Semester 2 of the Academic Year 2023-2024, the Faculty will be offering “Electric Mobility - Fundamentals of EV Technologies.” Considered a pioneering initiative, this new offering seeks to expose UWI graduates to the future of sustainable transportation.

The course was developed by the Department of Physics within the Faculty, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) through their International Climate Initiative (IKI) and in cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) via the programme “Supporting the implementation of NDCs in the Caribbean – transforming the transport and energy sectors towards a low carbon and climate resilient future”.  This course is strategically designed to immerse students in the highly relevant and technology-driven world of electric mobility. By exploring the technological underpinnings, environmental implications, economic considerations, and societal impacts of electric vehicles, the course aims to empower participants with a multifaceted perspective crucial for addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by this evolving industry.

Dr. Louis-Ray Harris, the Course Coordinator and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics, emphasized, "Our aim with Electric Mobility - Fundamentals of EV Technologies (PHYS2800) is to provide our students with a robust foundation in EV technologies and their implications. As the world shifts towards sustainable practices, having a good understanding of electric mobility is pivotal for our graduates, regardless of their chosen career paths. This course will be instrumental in preparing them to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future."

The curriculum of PHYS2800 encompasses a wide spectrum of topics, including but not limited to: technological advancements in electric mobility; environmental and societal impact of EVs; strategies and challenges in implementing EV solutions globally; and the utilization of scientific principles in the design of efficient electric mobility systems.

With the global imperative to combat climate change and reduce air pollution, the adoption of electric mobility has emerged as a crucial component of sustainable practices. The Caribbean region in particular is actively exploring avenues to mitigate the impacts of climate change, making the introduction of this course timely and pertinent.

Open to all Year 2 and 3 UWI students, the course will be an open elective, commencing in Semester 2 of the academic year 2023-2024.