Journey To The Road, Part 1: OIL

Photo by Zbynek Burival on Unsplash

Journey to The Road, Part 1: OIL

How is oil – also known as black gold – harvested from the earth? What journey does petroleum take to be refined enough to lubricate a car’s engine? 

A lot of work goes into extracting oil, and we thought it would be educational to share with you how petroleum goes all the way from an oil field to being poured into an Internal Combustion Engine vehicle. Allow Switch Vehicles to take you on this journey and show the future of automotive.

Journey To The Road: Oil Production

Oil, also known as petroleum or black gold, is a fossil fuel harvested from the earth and refined for various applications, including as a lubricant for internal combustion engines. But how is the oil extracted from the ground and refined for vehicle use? This article will explore petroleum’s journey from an oil field to being poured into an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle.

Oil is typically found in reservoirs deep beneath the earth’s surface, often located beneath layers of rock and sediment. To extract the oil, drilling rigs bore holes into the soil and reached the oil reservoirs. Once the oil is located, it is pumped to the surface using specialized equipment.

After the oil has been extracted from the ground, it must be transported to a refinery. Once at the refinery, it can be processed and refined. This is typically done using pipelines, tankers, or other transportation methods.

The oil is subjected to a series of processes at the refinery to remove impurities and extract useful products such as gasoline, diesel, and lubricating oils. The first step in refining is typically distillation, in which the oil is heated to a high temperature, and the resulting vapors are collected and condensed into various fractions.

The next step in the refining process is conversion, in which the various fractions are converted into more valuable products through a series of chemical reactions. For example, gasoline is produced by converting the fraction known as naphtha, while diesel is produced by converting the fraction known as gas oil.

Once the refining process is complete, the various products, including lubricating oils, are shipped to distribution centers where they can be bottled and sold to consumers. Lubricating oils are used in various applications, including as a lubricant for internal combustion engines.

To use oil as a lubricant in an engine, you must first pour it into its oil pan, located at the bottom of the engine. From there, it is pumped through the engine using the oil pump, which is driven by the engine’s crankshaft. As the oil is pumped through the machine, it lubricates the various moving parts, reducing friction and wear.

Oil can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and other impurities over time and break down and lose its lubricating properties. It is essential to regularly change the oil in an ICE vehicle to ensure that it continues to provide proper lubrication and protect the engine from wear and damage. Changing the oil regularly helps to keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently.

In conclusion, oil is a vital resource harvested from the earth and refined for use in ICE vehicles. Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining the health and efficiency of an ICE vehicle’s engine. The journey that petroleum takes from an oil field to being poured into an ICE vehicle involves extraction, transportation, refining, and distribution.

What have we learned about oil’s journey to the road?

  • Oil is a fossil fuel that is harvested from the earth and refined for use in a variety of applications, including as a lubricant for internal combustion engines
  • Oil is extracted from the ground using drilling rigs and pumped to the surface using specialized equipment
  • Oil is transported to a refinery where it is processed and refined into various products, including gasoline, diesel, and lubricating oils
  • Lubricating oils are used in a variety of applications, including as a lubricant for internal combustion engines
  • Lubricating oils must be regularly changed in internal combustion engines to ensure proper lubrication and protect the engine from wear and damage.

If oil is a fossil fuel that can damage the planet through climate change, how can electric vehicles reduce the amount of oil used?

Electric vehicles (EVs) can help reduce the amount of oil used in transportation by providing an alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which rely on fossil fuels such as oil, gasoline, and diesel.

Unlike ICE vehicles, which convert chemical energy stored in fossil fuels into mechanical energy to power the engine, EVs use electricity to power an electric motor, which drives the vehicle. This electricity can be generated from various sources, including renewable energy such as solar or wind power, which do not produce greenhouse gasses and contribute to climate change.

Using electricity to power their motors, EVs can significantly reduce the amount of oil used in transportation and help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Studies have shown that EVs can produce up to 70% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than ICE vehicles over their lifetimes, depending on the source of the electricity used to charge them.

In addition to reducing oil use and greenhouse gas emissions, EVs can provide other environmental benefits. For example, they do not produce tailpipe emissions, which can improve air quality in urban areas. They also have the potential to reduce noise pollution, as they operate much more quietly than ICE vehicles.

Overall, the adoption of EVs has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of oil used in transportation and help mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

Make The Switch.

The Switch Lab™ is an engaging hands-on project that your students will love. It makes learning complex topics fun and interesting. This new EV technology isn’t ahead of its time. It’s right on time.

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, collaborate as a team, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school. Let’s grow the EV tech future together!

How To Get Switch Lab Electric Vehicle Assembly Kits In YOUR School

Switch Vehicle students at SEMA

How To Get Switch Lab Electric Vehicle Assembly Kits In YOUR School

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology.

In November 2022, The Switch Vehicles team attended the SEMA Show in Las Vegas and built one of our vehicles with the help of several students. The students who participated in the SEMA build were thrilled to participate, for it allows them to flex the Electric Vehicle assembly skills they’d been learning in school.

What Educators Have To Say About Their Switch Vehicles Experience

When asked about the STEM Curriculum that the Switch Vehicle program offers, Mr. Kenny Bowlus, the automotive training instructor at Cherry Creek Innovation Campus in Centennial, Colorado, had this to say about the Switch Vehicles program. 

 

When In Doubt, Invite The Decision Makers To See For Themselves

Adam Arndt, a high school automotive instructor, told us he invited two critical decision-makers to join his high school’s hot rod automotive team at SEMA to see how the automotive industry is growing. These two decision-makers were his high school principal and the education program coordinator for the State of Utah. 

Mr. Arndt said that they were impressed when the high school principal and education coordinator started walking around SEMA. They got to see how large the automotive industry is, what repair tools were required, how parts are made, and the growing importance of training on EVs. At the end of the SEMA Show, these two education decision-makers were excited to pursue the purchase of Switch Vehicles and other STEM-focused curricula that would create a winning solution for high school students in vocational tech programs throughout Utah.

How to Sell the Switch Labs Program to Your School Administrator

If you feel the students within your high school, CTE, vocational tech, or college program could benefit from gaining hands-on experience building a Switch Vehicle, it is important to share your ideas with your School Administrators.

First, make a case for why the Switch Labs EV Kit and Curriculum are valuable. 

With Electric Vehicle technology on the rise, there is a shortage of trained technicians outside of the manufacturers who can build or repair them. Due to this shortage of qualified EV technicians, the job market is eager to find people who have the skills to build and repair Electric Vehicles.  If your school wants to stay competitive by providing training for leading-edge EV technology, then the Switch Vehicle assembly kit is ideal.

Second, the Switch Lab curriculum is designed for CTE and STEM programs. 

CTE students are looking for a vocational program that will teach them the skills they need to be competitive in the workforce. With the rise in EVs and the lack of trained EV technicians, the Switch Lab fills this niche. Students receive hands-on training in designing, building, and testing an electric vehicle. Because the Switch vehicle provides complete access to everything, the training is future-proof and transferable across EV makes and models.  

STEM students are interested in hands-on projects to prepare them for college and potentially a career in engineering, robotics, or physics. With the Switch Kit, students master STEM competencies while learning the fundamentals of electric vehicle design, assembly, battery technology, aerodynamics, and more. 

The Switch Lab™ is an unforgettable class experience that also develops sought-after workforce skills, including communication, teamwork, adaptability, work ethic, and problem-solving.

Third, Finding Funding to Purchase The Switch Lab™. 

The Switch Lab™ has been funded by many state and local organizations, including The California Energy Commission, Sonoma Clean Power, The Clean Cities Coalition, and the CTE Foundation. While these are all California-based programs, other states have issued RFPs and grants for schools to purchase The Switch Lab™.

Reach out to your local CTE and energy companies to share your interest in expanding your programming to include EV technology. Now is the ideal time to share this idea with your school district or administrators so they can include it in their 2023 budget planning. 

Fourth, you’ll want to enroll in a train-the-trainer workshop. 

At Switch Vehicles, we offer train-the-trainer workshops across the country, where instructors experience The Switch Lab™ the same way their students will by building, testing, and then driving the finished Switch EV as a complete project-based learning process. The training is 4 ½ days and is appropriate for teachers from all disciplines – Auto Shop, Engineering, Physics, Robotics, Maker, and more. Manuals, textbooks, presentations, curriculum, and membership in the Switch Curriculum Club are all included. 

Upcoming Instructor Training Workshops:

  • February 20, 2023, @ Switch Vehicles Headquarters in Sebastopol, CA

  • March 20, 2023, @ Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, CA

  • April 17, 2023, @ Switch Vehicles Headquarters in Sebastopol, CA

  • May 8, 2023, @ Switch Vehicles Headquarters in Sebastopol, CA

Learn by gaining hands-on experience building a Switch Vehicle in 2023.

Is this the year you’ll make the switch? We hope so. The Switch Lab™ is an engaging hands-on project that your students will love and will make learning complex topics fun and interesting. This new EV technology isn’t ahead of its time. It’s right on time.

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school. Let’s grow the EV tech future together!

 

Exploring The Future of Electric Vehicles: Imagine What We Can Learn in 2023

Switch Vehicles - The Switch Lab EV education training

Exploring The Future Of Electric Vehicles: Imagine What We Can Learn In 2023

As we move further into the 21st century, the world is facing several challenges related to climate change and the need for sustainable energy sources. One technology that has garnered much attention in recent years is the electric vehicle (EV). While EVs are still a relatively small part of the overall automotive market, they are quickly gaining in popularity. They are seen as a key part of the solution to our environmental challenges.

EVs have the potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

One of the biggest advantages of EVs is their potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, EVs are powered by batteries that can be charged using electricity from various sources, including renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. With the right infrastructure in place, EVs can help reduce our reliance on polluting fossil fuels and help combat climate change.

EVs can improve air quality and reduce air pollution in cities.

Another advantage of EVs is their potential to improve air quality. Because they produce no emissions, EVs can help reduce air pollution in cities, a major health concern. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution is responsible for over 7 million deaths yearly, making it one of the leading causes worldwide. By reducing emissions, EVs can help improve air quality and save lives.

The cost of batteries is currently a major challenge for the widespread adoption of EVs.

Despite these advantages, there are still many challenges to overcome for EVs to become more widespread. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of batteries, which are currently one of the most expensive components of EVs. However, as battery technology continues to improve and costs come down, EVs are becoming more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers.

The lack of infrastructure to support EVs is also a challenge that needs to be overcome.

Another challenge is the need for infrastructure to support EVs. For EVs to be truly effective, we need to have a network of charging stations so that people can recharge their vehicles when they are on the go. While some charging stations are already in place, there is still a long way to go before we have the infrastructure needed to support widespread EV adoption.

We can expect continued growth in the EV market, battery technology improvements, and infrastructure development to support EVs.

Despite these challenges, the future of EVs looks bright. As battery technology improves and costs continue to come down, more and more people will be able to afford EVs. And as the infrastructure to support EVs continues to develop, we will see more electric vehicles on the road.

So what can we expect in 2023? It’s hard to say for sure, but if current trends continue, we expect to see continued growth in the Electric Vehicle market, with more and more people choosing EVs as their primary mode of transportation. We may also see improvements in battery technology, which could make EVs even more affordable and effective. And with the continued development of infrastructure to support EVs, we can expect to see more charging stations and other support systems in place to help make EV ownership even more convenient.

In short, the future of EVs looks bright, and there is a lot to be excited about. As we move into 2023 and beyond, we can expect continued growth and development in this exciting technology, and we can only imagine what we will learn and discover along the way.

Learn by gaining hands-on experience by building a Switch Vehicle in 2023.

Is this the year you’ll make a switch? We hope so. It’s time to stop feeding fossil fuel companies and to begin an age of renewable energy in our commutes. These vehicles have great potential to take us into the 2030s with grace and substantial fuel savings. This new technology isn’t ahead of its time. It’s right on time.

If you want to purchase a Switch Vehicle for your school, but are concerned about how to obtain training, we offer a comprehensive Switch Vehicles Instructor Training program. These workshops are designed to teach Educators how to assemble the vehicles, problem solve, and promote the STEM Curriculum across the multiple education programs. Teachers love learning how to build our EV assembly kit, for it gets students engaged in something they’re excited to learn!

Upcoming Instructor Training Workshops include the following:

  • January 9, 2023, @ Switch Vehicles Headquarters in Sebastopol, CA
  • January 9, 2023, @ Alamo Colleges – St. Philips College in San Antonio, TX
  • January 23, 2023, @ Red River College Polytechnic in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  • February 20, 2023, @ Switch Vehicles Headquarters in Sebastopol, CA
  • March 20, 2023, @ Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, CA
  • June 5, 2023, @ A-TEC Academy in Walpole, MA

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school.

The Rise of EV Vocational Programs

switch vehicles

The Time Is Right For EV programs

As the future brings us more and more Electric Vehicle options every year, Americans are beginning to recognize that we are swiftly moving into an EV future. This new technology beckons kids with an interest in engineering, repairs, and design. Our goal is to inspire a new generation of tech leaders.

We’re in Las Vegas this week for the SEMA show, where we’re showing off the Switch Labs curriculum to attendees, as well as building actual Switch vehicles right on the floor with volunteers. If you can attend, we highly recommend coming. Even if you don’t get a slot in the building process, it’s easy to see how fun the program is and how inspiring it can be to a younger generation.

We wish we could bring all interested parties to get involved, and to see how the curriculum can inspire and educate a new generation of students to the rise of EV technology and repair. Unfortunately, all we can do is arrange our sessions and invite participants to try the curriculum for themselves, with us teaching through the process in the same syllabus students will learn from one day. It’s important for us to convey that there are ways to bring Switch Labs to your school that will cost less than you think.

COVID Grant Programs

There’s never been a greater time to bring our EV program into your school. Federal grants for COVID-19 relief have created an unclaimed surplus for educators to add Switch Labs to their curriculum. This money sits unused in many cases and could be tapped to bring your students into 21st century technology.

In some states– South Dakota in particular- – these grants are easy to find. South Dakota has been building up an infrastructure for fast-charging EVs, and now, the state is offering COVID-19 relief money to further education and enrichment of South Dakota’s students. Get in touch with us if you’d like to learn more about how your state can take advantage of grant money to bring this new frontier to your students! 

Our reusable EV Kit is ideal for students interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. The Switch Lab teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. Contact us today to learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school.

Gender Equity & The Switch Lab: Why Parents Love Our Program

An invitation

Our world is growing up and opening its eyes to kids who have previously been overlooked for tutelage in renewable energy technology. The shortsighted emphasis in education on just young, able-bodied men is giving way. We’re moving to a more diverse, open future for all of us. Gone are the days when STEM/STEAM programs only included young men. Girls and boys have equal opportunities to show their love for science, technology, engineering, math, art, and design. And Switch Labs specifically wants to invite young women!

The Switch Lab is a fun, safe, exciting program that welcomes young men and women equally. Our program offers support and development of young minds to the possibilities of new technology. Since we began the program, we’ve noticed that parents love us. They know their kids get an exceptional education and develop people skills and team-building skills. In particular, girls and young women are signing up more and more.

Renewable-energy automotive is a cutting-edge industry. In the near future, it will become a significant career market. Early participation and understanding will help both genders improve their chances of success in this emerging industry. What’s more, it doesn’t require a specific type of person to take a hand in education and building– male, female, non-disabled, differently-abled. Any student with curiosity and interest in solar-powered car technology can learn and participate in this program. This moment in time is a remarkable chance to foster children in vehicle design that includes everyone and excludes no one.

Our reusable EV Kit is an ideal project for any student interested in renewable energy, advanced technology, or automobile design. It teaches students how to work with their hands, solve problems, learn about systems, and gain experience in cutting-edge automotive technology. To learn more about how Switch Vehicles can benefit your school, contact us today.

What Makes A Great STEM Program?

For our June blog, we want to introduce you to one of the trainers who are in the process of enrolling his school in our Switch Vehicles program. But before we introduce you to Glenn Dethy, we want to let you know about our upcoming workshop in June:

Switch Vehicles Train-The-Trainer Workshops Now Available

There is a train-the-trainer workshop taking place in Rockford, Illinois, June 21-25, 2021. If you or someone you know who teaches vocational, STEM, or automotive classes and is happy to travel to Illinois, please share the registration link with them. Space is limited, so act fast! https://theswitchlab.com/workshops/ 

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How EV Training Gives Young Minds Career Advantages

At Switch Vehicles, we are huge fans of electric vehicles. All that is going on globally shows that electric cars are here to stay and that many careers will flourish in this industry. We believe that hands-on training with electric vehicles will give young minds many career advantages.

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