HAN Students Pioneer Electric Vehicle Innovation with NRF

In an era where sustainability is synonymous with innovation, 3rd-year students from HAN University of Applied Sciences’ School of Engineering and Automotive in Arnhem are making great strides!

Studenten Engineering en Automotive zijn ontwikkelaars in het verbeteren van elektrische voertuigen.

Battery Electric Vehicle

These future pioneers, armed with knowledge from disciplines such as Mechanical Engineering, Powertrain Technology, and Vehicle Electronics and Control, are channeling their expertise into a real-world project that bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.

The essence of their project was captured on 15 March via han.automotive on Instagram, a day marked by the intersection of academic strength and industrial insight.

At the heart of the project is the analysis of thermal systems within a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV). The vehicle in this case is the Opel Mokka Electric, generously provided by NRF for the students' hands-on research. This collaboration allows students to venture beyond textbooks, delving into the complexities of electric vehicle technology and the nuances of thermal flow within these innovative machines.

NRF's involvement goes beyond the mere provision of the vehicle; it extends to invaluable discourse, as students present their progress and engage in dialogues that enrich their understanding.

These interactions underscore the project’s goal to not only grasp the intricate workings of electric vehicles but also to ensure adherence to stringent safety standards, such as NEN9140.

HAN Automotive heeft een Opel Mokka-e ontvangen vanuit partner NRF met als doel om met deze moderne elektrische auto onderzoek te doen binnen het hbo onderwijs.
The Opel Mokka Electric, generously provided by NRF for the students' hands-on research (photo: HAN University)

Investigative mindset

As the School of Engineering and Automotive nurtures these students, the commitment to fostering an investigative mindset is clear. The ability to navigate through uncertain and complex problem spaces, collaborate effectively, and manage projects with agile methodologies is just the start of what these students achieve.

By the culmination of the project, students are expected to demonstrate professional communication and deliver engineering solutions that echo their growth and technical acumen!

Looking ahead, the Beyond symposium on 19 June 2024 will serve as the stage where these students will unveil their solutions and recommendations, the results of countless hours of teamwork and consultation with experts.

This Semester 6 experience is emblematic of the School’s philosophy—fostering an environment where interdisciplinary teamwork yields solutions with impact.

This collaboration, supported by NRF’s insight and resources, is cultivating a new generation of engineers. With direct access to state-of-the-art vehicles like the Opel Mokka Electric, students are not just learning—they're innovating and are thus positioned to become the problem-solvers needed in the rapidly evolving landscape of the automotive industry.

Source and photography: HAN University, and thanks to Yohann Payet