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Exploring the World of Electric Mobility: Key Concepts and Strategies

Explore concepts, policies, and innovations in electric mobility to help decarbonise and build more sustainable transport systems.

390 enrolled on this course

Charging station and electric bicycle in sunset in front of wide african landscape.
  • Duration

    6 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Learn how e-mobility can help create sustainable cities

Electric mobility is crucial for making urban transport greener and more sustainable. But with recommendations and policies on electric vehicles evolving rapidly, it can be hard to know what’s what in the world of e-mobility.

This six-week course from the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI) provides a comprehensive overview of issues relating to electric mobility.

Covering tech, policy, and environmental perspectives, you’ll gain the expertise you need to understand and develop mobility solutions for sustainable cities.

Understand the technology behind electric vehicles

You’ll start the course by learning how electric vehicles like buses, bicycles and cars are constructed and powered.

You’ll review the technical components of e-mobility, from the raw materials in batteries to charging modes and infrastructure.

Explore the social and environmental impact of e-mobility

Once you’ve understood how electric vehicles operate, you’ll explore their global social and environmental impact.

You’ll assess the costs and benefits of e-mobility, considering issues like energy consumption, battery recycling, and gender equity in transport.

You’ll examine case studies showing how innovations in e-mobility have helped make transport systems around the world more sustainable.

Discuss policy and development perspectives

Last but not least, you’ll review government policies and implementation strategies concerning e-mobility, with a focus on emerging economies.

You’ll discuss how electric vehicles can be harnessed to create more liveable cities and a greener economy.

By the end of the course, you’ll have an in-depth understanding of issues around electric mobility. With that expertise, you’ll be able to play a role in developing sustainable transport solutions all around the world.

Skip to 0 minutes and 2 seconds In the first course about fundamentals of electric mobility dynamics. **Updated course title: “Exploring the World of E-Mobility” We want to give you a simple introduction to the topic. So our guiding questions are what is electric mobility? What are the principles behind it? What are vehicle segments, which are suited to be electrified? What technological aspects are important to consider? What policies are shaping the transformation of mobility? What economic and social impacts electric mobility can have in different countries, in different regions around the world? And how we can address them properly, and also how we can shape the whole electric mobility transformation in your region, in your country.

Skip to 0 minutes and 47 seconds And we want to give you an overview about that and a simple introduction into the topic, which I really love. So join us on this journey.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Principles of E-Mobility

    • General Information

      In this activity, you will find general information about the course, the timeline, the primary learning goals, and guidance for you to get the most out of the course and have fun while learning!

    • Introduction

      Before we delve into urban electric mobility and sustainability, we want to introduce to you E-Mobility itself. This week, we will discover all the different EV types and how they differ from internal combustion engine vehicles.

    • What Is E-Mobility?

      Let us now take you on a journey to explore where we have come across E-Mobility and its importance in our lives. You might be curious about the different modes of transport in which E-Mobility has been widely implemented!

    • Motivation

      So, E-Mobility can be seen in many different vehicles and even planes around the whole world. But why is this the case? In the following steps, we will look at the benefits of E-Mobility. 

    • Main Principles of E-Mobility

      Find out what the main principles of E-Mobility are and discover what types of electric vehicles are available.

    • Comparison of Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICE) vs. Electric Vehicles (EVs)

      We have talked a lot about E-Mobility and different types of EVs, but one questions remainsn open: What is the real difference between ICE vehicles and EVs?

    • Conclusion

      By now, you have gained insights into the various aspects of E-Mobility and it's global development. Additionally, we explored the differences between E-Mobility and ICE vehicles in terms of their structure and driving experience.

  • Week 2

    Electric Vehicles, Batteries and Charging

    • Introduction

      In this week, we will introduce you to the functional principles of the electric powertrain and the battery of an EV, which is one of the most critical components.

    • Electric Powertrain and Battery Function

      The most sustainable way to power vehicles is often debated. Next, we will assess the options for net-zero emission driving: Battery, hydrogen, power-to-liquid and look at energy efficiency and power generation.

    • Raw Materials

      There are various lithium-ion battery formats and chemistries, with different combinations of materials. We'll look at their distribution and the raw material process.

    • Battery Production

      The rapidly expanding battery industry offers significant opportunities for new companies and countries. Discover how battery manufacturing works and where battery cells, modules and packs are produced.

    • Charging

      Energy supply is one of the most important requirements for the proper functioning of EVs. There are several issues surrounding EV charging, including charging modes, infrastructure and implementation guidelines.

    • Conclusion

      By now you have learned about the main components of electric vehicles and how they work, such as the electric powertrain and the battery. We have also looked at battery materials and charging methods.

  • Week 3

    Sustainable Transport & E-Mobility

    • Introduction

      Sustainable urban transport can be achieved by increasing E-Mobility, if we do it right. We will look at the different classes of urban vehicles, the urban mobility system and future trends.

    • Urban Public Transport

      Next we are going to explore the different modes of urban transport. Discover how new innovative vehicles are reshaping the urban landscape, reducing emissions and improving the quality of urban life.

    • Passenger and Goods Transport

      Next, we look at the vital aspect of passenger and freight transport and how it is being revolutionized by E-Mobility.

    • Trends in Urban Electric Transport

      Urban E-Mobility is a rapidly developing field with new inventions every year. It is important to keep your eyes open for the latest trends in your city! In the following steps, we present some upcoming trends.

    • Conclusion

      By now, you've gained insights into the relationship between sustainability and E-Mobility, urban public transport and its trends, and an example of a successful E-Mobility strategy implemented in Chile.

  • Week 4

    E-Mobility Policies

    • Introduction

      With increasing concerns about climate change, many nations have implemented policies to drive the adoption of EVs.

    • Global Overview

      In this part of the course, you will gain valuable insights into the different approaches adopted by countries to promote E-Mobility and pave the way towards a greener and more efficient future through E-Mobility policies.

    • Regional and National Policies

      In all parts of the world, different policies or initiatives have been put in place, some of which are listed in the following steps.

    • Impact

      Next, we will analyze the benefits and challenges of EV policies. Through comprehensive insights and real-world examples, we'll gain a deeper understanding of the importance and impact of these policies.

    • Conclusion

      This week's content has provided a comprehensive understanding of the key role of policy in driving the adoption of electric mobility solutions and how policy frameworks can shape an efficient transport landscape.

  • Week 5

    Social & Environmental Impacts of EVs

    • Introduction

      We will explore issues related to the environmental and social impact of E-Mobility. Another focus will be on the extraction of battery raw materials for EVs, as they are incredibly important for humanity and the environment.

    • Introduction to Sustainability

      In this activity we will explore the green revolution that is reshaping the world of transport.

    • Environmental & Social Aspects of E-Mobility

      In this section, we take a closer look at the environmental and social aspects of E-Mobility, revealing the profound impact that electric vehicles have on our planet and our communities.

    • Recycling of End-Of-Life Batteries

      In this section we will explore a critical stage in the life cycle of a battery, looking at the green approaches and innovative technologies that are giving new purpose to used batteries and the potential for their recycling.

    • Coupling of Energy and Transport Sectors

      The main component of E-Mobility is the use of energy, and the impact of energy used will be explained in the following steps.

    • Conclusion

      Throughout this week, the content has offered a comprehensive insight into sustainability and its relationship with E-Mobility, battery recycling, and the long-term impact of using renewable energy sources.

  • Week 6

    E-Mobility Business Models & Charging Infrastructure

    • Introduction

      This week we explore the new industry that has made E-Mobility possible, EV services, charging infrastructure and global efforts towards sustainable mobility.

    • New Opportunities Through E-Mobility

      The transition to E-Mobility provides a dynamic platform for forward-thinking companies to reimagine their business models, drive growth, and contribute to a more sustainable and connected future.

    • Charging Infrastructure Scheme for E-Mobility

      In order to use an EV, you need a battery, and in order for the battery to have enough energy, we need chargers; the following reading will explain a general concept of charging infrastructure.

    • E-Mobility Transition Strategies

      Each country has different strategies to promote E-Mobility; we will tour and learn about examples in the following steps.

    • Conclusion

      In this week, you've mastered E-Mobility trends, India's EV business models, supply equipment, grid vs. no-grid, and charging protocols. A comprehensive EV education!

    • Grand Finale

      In this activity, we will reflect on what has been covered, aiming not only to consolidate our understanding but also to make connections between different ideas and perspectives on E-Mobility.

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

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Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of E-Mobility, including how EVs work and their advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional vehicles.
  • Describe the different types of batteries used in EVs, and the technology and charging methods used for each.
  • Describe the policies and regulations governing E-Mobility at the global, regional, and national levels and their impact.
  • Explain the environmental impact of electric vehicles by analyzing their carbon footprint, energy consumption, and metal mining challenges.
  • Compare different E-Mobility business models, and recognize their economic and social implications.
  • Describe the role of sustainable urban transport in promoting E-Mobility and recognize the importance of integrated transport planning and multi-modal mobility systems.
  • Develop the skills necessary to critically analyze the different factors affecting E-Mobility, including technological, social, political, and economic aspects.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about electric mobility and its social, environmental, and commercial impacts.

It will be particularly useful for researchers, policy-makers and representatives in transport authorities or civil society organisations; as well as industry practitioners including urban planners, architects, and transport professionals.

Who will you learn with?

E-Mobility and sustainable mobility expert at the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative since 2020 (hosted by GIZ). Dedicated to making mobility systems more sustainable for all.

Rohan is regulatory expert, with a decade of experience in energy & mobility sectors across Asia & Africa. He is affiliated with GIZ since 2014 and specializes in cross sectoral project approaches.

Christoph Lienemann is the Managing Director & Partner for North America at PEM Motion, where he is recognized also as an expert in E-Mobility, Lithium-Ion Batteries, and Circular Economy.

PEM Motion's Senior Consultant & Training Expert, leading diverse projects in e-mobility, logistics, and soft skills. Passionate about project management, learning & global cooperation.

Working as a Project Engineer at PEM Motion. Experienced in E-Mobility projects, innovation, and digitization. The driver of the future of sustainable mobility with advanced technological solutions.

Who developed the course?

Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI)

The Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI) is implemented by GIZ and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (English: German Agency for International Cooperation GmbH), often simply shortened to GIZ, is the main German development agency. It provides tailor-made services for sustainable development through international development cooperation and international education work.

PEM Motion

German business consulting and engineering service provider focusing on batteries, electric motors, and mobility products industrialization with a presence in both Europe and North America. Driven by a profound commitment to training in electric mobility by providing exceptional learning solutions.

Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM) of RWTH Aachen University

German institute dedicated to all aspects of the development, production, and recycling of battery systems, fuel cells, electric powertrains, and vehicle concepts. With a focus on teaching and research projects, and industry partnerships, PEM contributes to the advancement of e-mobility.

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