Expected learning outcomes

6713 - Electric Vehicle Engineering

Knowledge and comprehension skills 

The Electrical Systems Engineer for Electric Vehicles possesses specialized expertise in the principal subsystems constituting an electric driveline, including:

• Battery charging systems (e.g., On-Board Chargers, fast chargers, and grid connectivity);
• Electric drive and traction systems;
• Energy storage systems;
• HVAC systems for thermal management;
• Electrical auxiliaries such as DC/DC converters and wiring harnesses.

Within these individual subsystems, as well as at the level of overall system integration, the engineer is expected to address and manage the following aspects:

• Circuit and electromagnetic design and architecture;
• Development and implementation of control algorithms;
• Thermal management strategies;
• Electrical safety requirements and compliance;
• Analysis of failure modes, system reliability, quality assurance, monitoring, and diagnostics;
• Electrical, mechanical, and functional interfacing;
• System-level design and integration.

Graduates in this field acquire advanced knowledge in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), as well as in the testing and reliability assessment of electrical systems. They develop a deep understanding of electromagnetic interference phenomena and the associated mitigation techniques, fault analysis and simulation methods, and the principles and practices necessary to ensure system reliability. These competencies are developed through coursework in both core and complementary areas of Electronics and Electromagnetic Fields.

In addition, graduates demonstrate proficiency in the integration of multiple electrical subsystems—including electric motors, power drives, thermal control systems, and onboard electrical connectivity—ensuring their coordinated functionality under a range of environmental conditions such as temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and humidity. These skills are fostered through advanced modules in Electronic Systems Engineering.

Furthermore, graduates possess interdisciplinary competencies related to the interaction among various vehicular technologies, along with the ability to conduct cost analysis and planning activities pertinent to the development and manufacturing of electrical vehicle components. These skills are supported by dedicated coursework in Technology Management and Business Planning.

Learning outcomes are achieved through a combination of lectures, laboratory sessions, and practical exercises, with opportunities for group work and individual study, depending on the instructional methodologies adopted by each course instructor. The assessment of student knowledge and understanding is carried out through written and/or oral examinations, which test both theoretical and applied disciplinary content. In addition, students are evaluated through project-based assignments, often developed in laboratory settings, where emphasis is placed on the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge, critical analysis, and the ability to select and apply appropriate models and methodologies for problem-solving.

 

Capability to apply knowledge and comprehension

The graduate holding a master’s degree in Electric Vehicle Engineering:

• demonstrates the ability to develop and articulate coherent arguments, as well as to address and solve complex problems related to electrical components and subsystems designed for integration into electric vehicles.
• is proficient in identifying, formulating, and solving engineering problems using state-of-the-art methods, techniques, and tools within the broader domain of industrial engineering.
• can design original and innovation-driven solutions in the areas of electrical systems, machines, and drives, both within advanced research environments and in high-tech sectors of electric vehicle engineering. This contributes to the transfer of know-how and technology required for the implementation of new functionalities in next-generation vehicles.

These skills are assessed within individual course units, where students may be required to independently explore specific areas of interest, including topics of industrial relevance.

Moreover, the acquisition of these competencies is further evaluated through the master’s thesis, which may be complemented by an industrial internship. The thesis project typically focuses on an interdisciplinary topic and requires the integration and application of knowledge acquired across different subject areas within the degree programme.

Critical thinking

The graduate of the master’s degree Programme in Electric Vehicle Engineering:

• is capable of critically addressing typical problems in Electrical Engineering, which are often further complicated by the simultaneous presence of issues pertaining to other engineering disciplines, such as Mechanical or Electronic Engineering;
• can identify, formulate, and solve problems related to the design, management, and functional adaptation of electrical devices and systems used and integrated in electric vehicles, including those with unconventional features;
• demonstrates the ability to stay up to date with the latest methods, techniques, and tools in the field of electrical and industrial engineering through critical engagement with specialized technical literature;
• can identify and synthesize the essential contributions of technical-scientific reports, whether presented orally or in writing, as well as extracting their qualifying and innovative aspects;
• can understand scientific articles published in technical literature and formulate an independent evaluation of their relevance and implications;
• possesses the ability to search for and consult, including through online platforms, the main bibliographic sources as well as national, European, and international standards related to the certification and standardization of products and systems in the sector.

These skills in independent judgment and critical analysis are developed through participation in educational activities within the field of Electrical Engineering, as well as through additional training experiences, such as internships, dedicated laboratory work, and the preparation of the final thesis project.

Teaching methods include participation in seminars and practical exercises, both in classrooms and laboratories, the development of individual or group projects, guided study, and independent learning.

Assessment of learning outcomes is primarily conducted through written or oral examinations, tests, and project-based evaluations, aimed at verifying both theoretical understanding and practical application of acquired knowledge and skills.

 

Communication skills

The graduate of the master’s degree Programme in Electric Vehicle Engineering:

• can communicate technical and scientific data, information, problems, ideas, and solutions clearly and effectively, both in written and oral form, including in English at a B2 level, to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, including professionals from disciplines other than their own;
• can draft technical and scientific reports concerning the activities carried out as well as presenting the key findings in structured, collegial discussions;
• possesses the skills to write scientific articles to be published in peer-reviewed journals and to be presented at national and international conferences;
• can integrate effectively into teams responsible for the design, testing, management, and performance evaluation of electrical devices and systems, and, where appropriate, to take on coordination roles.

These communication skills are developed through participation in core disciplinary activities and additional learning experiences, including internships in industrial settings, which serve as an essential testing ground for students to develop and refine their communication and presentation abilities.

Teaching methods include classroom and laboratory exercises, group projects, and guided individual study.

The assessment of learning outcomes is primarily based on written and/or oral examinations and project work, which evaluate not only technical competence but also clarity of exposition and communicative effectiveness.

Finally, the presentation of the thesis results represents a key opportunity for students to demonstrate their acquired communication skills. This presentation constitutes an integral part of the final assessment leading to the awarding of the degree.

 

 

Learning skills

The graduate of the master’s degree Programme:

• is capable of independently engaging in the study of highly specialized engineering problems within the vehicle sector and its associated supply chain;
• possesses advanced tools and methodologies for solving technical problems typical of Vehicle Engineering;
• can rigorously address engineering challenges that may differ from those encountered during their academic training, thanks to a mindset oriented toward innovation and the acquisition of new methodologies.

Learning abilities are fostered throughout the programme by means of project-based and laboratory activities, during which students are encouraged to seek information from technical journals, textbooks, and scientific databases.

Finally, the drawing up of the master’s thesis is a moment of synthesis and assessment of these abilities, as students are required to tackle applied research topics with a high degree of innovation and complexity.