Unlocking the secrets of sensor testing
By David Bry
Technicians in independent shops working on many different brands can save time on diagnostic procedures by looking for common ground in typical systems, and then using...
Traveling in an electric car? Fast charging is for you
By Craig Van Batenburg
In a previous column, I discussed the options for charging your electric vehicle at home or work. For those traveling, however, you will want to...
Know your electric vehicle charging infrastructures
By Craig Van Batenburg
The electrical grid that powers homes, schools and businesses has been around since Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla competed in the 1880s. Was it direct...
Understanding the inverters that electrics, hybrids use
By Craig Van Batenburg
Toyota first used the word “inverter” in 2000 to describe a silver box located above the Prius transmission. The Honda Insight’s “inverter” was under the...
Performing a ‘safe down’ procedure on electric cars
By Craig Van Batenburg
What have the automakers done directly or indirectly to help protect technicians working on hybrid and electric vehicles? Electric and hybrid vehicles have a lot...
How does a late intake valve closing engine work?
By Craig Van Batenburg
The reason hybrids cars are here has everything to do with the internal combustion engine (ICE). Well, not the ICE itself, but what we put...
Understanding the 2 types of modern electric motors
By Craig Van Batenburg
Why use an all-electric motor when an internal combustion engine (ICE) has been doing a perfectly good job for more than 100 years? There are...
Using scopes and digital volt-ohm meters on hybrids
By Craig Van Batenburg
Let’s explore the ins and outs of hybrids systems and how they mix with scopes, digital volt-ohm meters, and insulation testers.
Working with (and around) the DC-DC converters
By Craig Van Batenburg
In previous columns on hybrid and electric vehicles, I discussed the two high-voltage battery types and the lead-acid 12-volt battery. Now it is time...