Study information

Low Carbon Vehicles and Transport - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLELow Carbon Vehicles and Transport CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENEM105 MODULE CONVENERProf Justin Hinshelwood (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 20
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
Clean and sustainable transport and mobility solutions are required to address fundamental issues related to the energy trilemma. Low carbon vehicles and transport systems have the potential to develop significant positive impacts to deliver more sustainable mobility solutions.
 
You will get a broad understanding of the low carbon and sustainable transport sector. You will develop a solid understating of key technologies challenges and commercial aspects of low carbon transport and insights into the latest developments and cutting edge technologies.
 
AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to deliver:

  • a broad appreciation of technical issues related to low carbon vehicles and transport
  • detailed understanding of some relevant technical aspects of this field
  • a broad appreciation of infrastructure and policy issues related with developing low carbon transport solutions
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes (www.engc.org.uk/ahep). The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes taught and assessed on this module are specified by the codes below.
 
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge
1. Explain how solutions are implemented in a variety of vehicle types, transport types and services andpply knowledge of key energy technologies to vehicle systems and associated areas (M1,2);
 2. Evaluate technical concepts relevant for key components and systems for low carbon vehicles/transport (M3);
 3. Evaluate the role of strategy, policy and regulation for the implementation of sustainable solutions (M4);
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge
4. Analyse current trends of energy systems and develop perspectives on their future development;
 5. Develop critical analysis of the current and future transport and vehicle systems (M6);
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge
6. Develop ability to design sustainable solutions (M5);
7. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team (M16).
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Apply knowledge of key energy technologies to vehicle systems and associated areas power electronics:

  • Storage and fuels (ICE, hydrogen, electricity, biofuels, super capacitors
  • Battery technologies (chemistries, materials, management systems)
  • Thermal management systems
  • Approaches for regeneration and recuperation
  • Powertrains
  • Structures: design and materials

To understand key technology in relation to:

  • Infrastructure: charging.
  • V2G, smart systems/grids.
  • Transitional technologies (efficiency, new fuels).
  • Autonomous vehicles.
  • Reliability, testing, safety.
  • Limitations of current approaches.
  • Cutting edge technologies.

To appreciate the role of strategy, policy and regulation for the implementation of sustainable solutions:

  • Strategy/policy.
  • Faraday challenge/industrial strategy.
  • Regulation.

To have an awareness of how these solutions are implemented in a variety of vehicle types and services:

  • Vehicles: cars, buses, haulage vehicles, trains, boats, UAV, aeronautical.
  • Services: CAV, (e.g. ZAP map etc).
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 40 Guided Independent Study 110 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 40 Lectures/tutorials
Guided independent study 110 Lecture/assessment preparation; private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 100 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Coursework portfolio comprising
components based on individual 
work and/or group work. 
Assessment format will be based
on most appropriate formats for
the module delivery and cohort 
requirements
 100
The assessment size will follow the following rationale:
Reports 2000/3000 words per 5 credits
Presentation 20min per 5 credits
 1-7 written feedback

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Coursework 100 1-7
August ref/def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

As above - 100% coursework.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Biofuels and bioenergy,John Love 2017 
 
Sustainable energy: without the hot air,David J. C. MacKay 2009 
 
Reducing emissions from road transport: Road to Zero Strategy - GOV.UK
 
Net Zero - Technical Report - Committee on Climate Change 2019 
 
Hydrogen: A renewable energy perspective, Renewable Energy Prospects for the European Union, February 2018 
 
Personal travel and climate change : exploring climate change emissions from personal travel activity of individuals and households,Christian Brand 2008 
 
An introduction to sustainable transportation: policy, planning and implementation,Preston L. Schiller; Jeffrey R. Kenworthy; Taylor & Francis 2018 
 
IET code of practice on electric vehicle charging equipment installation,The Institution of Engineering and Technology 2018  
 

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Monday 11th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 16th April 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH low carbon transport, sustainable transport, electric vehicles, transition to low carbon systems

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.