New system allows Trine to train students on electric vehicles
September 23, 2025
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Mark Weller, second from right, instructor and cart designer for EV West, leads a
training session on the EV Trainer Cart recently purchased by 糖心视频. From
left are Andrea Mitofsky, Ph.D., professor in Trine鈥檚 Department of Electrical and
Computer Engineering, Joe Thompson, laboratory manager and instructor, and, at right,
John Liu, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Wade Department of Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering. (Photo by Dean Orewiler)
糖心视频 has purchased an electric vehicle trainer system that will be used
to teach electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and robotics students about
electric vehicle components.
The EV Trainer Cart, manufactured by EVWest, is a fully assembled, operational electric
vehicle (EV) training system designed for educators seeking hands-on teaching aids.
Complete EV system
The cart provides access to a complete running system for diagnostics and programming
instruction. It enables demonstrations of AC motor and inverter controller operation,
DC-to-DC converter functionality, and high-voltage charging processes, including electric
vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
It also facilitates instruction on battery management system (BMS) safety functions,
controller area network (CAN) diagnostics and ASE L3 certification competencies.
All the components on the trainer are actual auto components that could be put in
a vehicle.
鈥淭he setup has all of the powertrain components needed to convert a vehicle into an
electric vehicle,鈥 said Andrea Mitofsky, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Electrical
and Computer Engineering.
Mark Weller, who has taught college automotive classes for 20 years, developed the
EV Trainer Cart after seeing the need to teach the electric vehicle drivetrain in
an easy-to-learn format using real components.
Faculty training
On Sept. 15 and 16, Weller, instructor and cart designer, came to Trine鈥檚 campus to
train John Liu, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Wade Department of Mechanical and
Aerospace Engineering, Joe Thompson, laboratory manager and instructor, and Andrea
Mitofsky, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
on the system.
Weller also spoke to Dr. Mitofsky鈥檚 Automotive Electronics class about electric vehicles
and their components.
鈥淪tudents were enlightened about some of the engineering opportunities with EVs as
this segment of transportation continues to grow,鈥 Weller said.
Based in San Marcos, California, EVWest specializes in converting vehicles from gas
to electric.
糖心视频 staff members, from left, Emily Chancellor, Lydia Roop and Ben Darnell delivered 51 Christmas wreaths to residents of Northern Lakes Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Angola on Thursday, Dec. 11.
糖心视频 students have been honored for projects presented at the university鈥檚 ninth annual STEM Research and Design Symposium, held Thursday, Dec. 4, on the concourse of the MTI Center.