The Future of Automotive Technology

Years ago, society made a concerted effort to remove lead from gasoline to improve the air we breathe. Now we are once again preparing to step forward to an ever-cleaner future. Electric vehicles are often hailed as a harbinger of this step. Idaho State University’s Brock Gunter has been teaching students about hybrids for nearly a decade and has in recent years begun using fully-electric vehicles in class as well. Gunter is both a highly-respected instructor and the program coordinator for the Automotive Technology Program in the College of Technology. “Brock is the most innovative instructor I know,” said Dave Treasure, Chair of the College of Technology’s Trade & Industrial Department. “He embraces changes in technology and industry and quickly implements new training strategies, enlists the use of latest training aides and teaches in a way that all students can embrace. His efforts to improve the Automotive Technology Program with the addition of electric and hybrid vehicles is second to none. Brock’s work ethic and dedication is exemplary as he quickly mentors, coaches and teaches his students across the entire spectrum of the cur-

Brock Gunter (center) with students in the Automotive Technology shop.

riculum. Brock leads by example as he constantly seeks self-improvement. Noteworthy of mention is his involvement in student activities with SkillsUSA, recruiting, dual enrollment and Chrome in the Dome.” Over the years, Gunter has made it a point to prepare students for the long-term future in their careers. This includes a four-week segment on fully-electric vehicles in one of his advanced courses. Students learn the necessary safety protocols to follow when working on electric vehicles as well as the basics of how to handle the differences they have from their mechanical counterparts. During this time, students will work on both a kit car, created by Switch Vehicles Inc. for the express purpose of classroom use, as well as a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt. The Switch Lab car in particular is fully disassembled and reassembled by the students during their time in the program. When given the opportu-

Gunter and students work on the Switch Lab electric kit vehicle.

nity to talk about their experience with the electric vehicles, students Rodrigo Flores and Arianna Hererra become noticeably excited. It’s clear that the opportunity to work on the Switch Lab car was a formative experience. “I thought it was a lot of fun,” said Hererra. “It gave me a lot of understanding of how vehicles work. It was especially interesting to learn about how all of the wiring, systems and the big battery work.” Flores asserts that it has helped him understand typical vehicles as well. “I’d never messed with electrical stuff before this,” said Flores. “It’s interesting because one wrong connection can fry the whole system, so I’ve learned a lot and it’s made it easier to work on regular cars.” It has been a learning experience for the instructors as well. Not only are electric vehicles powered differently, but they also drive differently. Torque in electric vehicles is instantaneous and drivers need to think about their travel range and where they can charge it. Maintenance is also quite different due to electric vehicles using less fluids than conventional cars and trucks. Initially, Gunter wasn’t that interested in electric vehicles. However, as he taught the advanced courses, he grew to respect the machines. Now, he is steadfast in his goal to master these vehicles as he has their conventional forebears and is grateful for the opportunity to work on something so different from what he is used to. “Once you really get into the electrical stuff, it’s pretty interesting,” said Gunter. “I’m still not sure about how the technology will evolve to fit people’s needs but it’s definitely on its way.” The vast variety of technology available within the program aligns with the College of Technology’s mission to provide an ever-improving education to its students and ISU’s sustainability initiative. This will only expand in the years to come as ISU confidently drives into the future.