FILE – Vehicles move along the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV and EUV assembly line at the General Motors Orion plant in Lake Orion, Michigan, June 15, 2023. Despite record sales of new electric vehicles in the U.S. this year, sales growth is starting to slow. The pace is slow and it falls short of the auto industry's lofty goal of transitioning away from internal combustion engines. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rock Valley University announced it will add a course to its electric vehicle program to train students how to repair EVs, thanks to a $425,000 grant.
Funding comes from the Illinois Community College Commission's Rev Up EV. The Community College Initiative has donated $9.4 million to 25 community colleges across the state to support the EV industry.
“We are excited to leverage the energy of this generous grant to foster innovation and growth within our automotive program. This investment will not only stimulate the educational experience at Rock Valley College; , will drive positive change within our community and create a sustainable and dynamic future for all,” said Hansen Stewart, Vice President of Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development at Rock Valley College. says Dr. Rock Valley University.
Rock Valley's EV technology courses currently offer training in hybrid and electric powertrains, advanced vehicle chassis systems, and hybrid and electric battery systems.
The university announced Tuesday that a new grant will enable it to purchase laboratory equipment needed to train students in electric vehicle repair.
RVC also said the Rockford Metropolitan Transportation District is partnering with the university to provide customized training to employees.
The University is participating in the IL EV Network, an industry coalition that brings together key stakeholders from industry, higher education, and state government agencies to guide the expansion of light and heavy electric vehicle training.
