Weber State University offers a specialized Phase III Hybrid and Electric-Vehicle Boot Camp at its Davis Campus, providing intensive hands-on training for technicians to master the complexities of hybrid and electric vehicle service, diagnosis, and repair.
Intensive Hands-On Training
The Phase III program, conducted at the Weber State University Davis Campus in Layton, Utah, focuses on high-voltage vehicle systems. Students participate in a week-long intensive training session held in the Computer & Auto Engineering building, room 131. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of modern automotive technology, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and battery-electric vehicles (BEV).
Technical Curriculum Details
During the boot camp, participants utilize high voltage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while performing hands-on exercises. The training is designed to accommodate a wide range of professionals, including service technicians, service managers, fleet vehicle technicians, and managers. It also serves do-it-yourself hobbyists, vehicle engineers, service engineers, high school and college auto shop teachers, and factory training center instructors.
Diverse Vehicle Fleet
The program features a diverse fleet of 16 different vehicles for practical instruction. The selection includes eight battery-electric vehicles: four Tesla Models—the Model S, Model 3, Model X Plaid, and Model Y—alongside the Ford Lightning, Mustang Mach-E GT, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Kia Niro EV, and Nissan LEAF. The fleet also contains two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the Chevrolet Volt and the Subaru Crosstrek PHEV, and five hybrid electric vehicles, including the Ford Explorer Hybrid, three generations of the Toyota Prius, and the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.
Expanded Component Coverage
Beyond the primary vehicles, the course covers various additional components from models such as the Toyota Prius Prime, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Jeep Wrangler 4xe PHEV, Ford Fusion HEV, Chrysler Pacifica PHEV, Kia Niro Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, Honda Civic HEV, Acura MDX, and RLX Sport Hybrid. The instruction is led by Professor John D. Kelly, known for the WeberAuto YouTube channel.
Prerequisites and Scheduling
Enrollment in the Phase III boot camp requires completion of two prerequisite courses: Phase I High Voltage Safety Training and Phase II Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Systems. The course content is delivered over approximately 35 hours, typically scheduled between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Previous sessions were held during specific windows, such as March 9–13, 2026, and May 4–8, 2026.
The Global EV Transition
This specialized training arrives as the automotive industry undergoes a fundamental shift toward electrification. As noted by environmental historian Brian C. Black, the introduction of mass-market electric vehicles, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, shifts the electric vehicle transition into a new phase. Unlike earlier models from manufacturers like Toyota or Tesla, which may rely on consumer preference for environmental reasons, the F-150 Lightning targets mass-market consumers who primarily purchase light trucks, pickups, SUVs, and minivans.
Mass Market Electrification Trends
The Ford F-150 Lightning represents a significant move toward electrifying the most profitable vehicle segments for automakers. The truck features a battery capable of traveling over 200 miles on a single charge, with higher-tier configurations exceeding 300 miles. Additionally, the truck's battery pack can be configured to produce 9.6 kilowatts of power, enough to run an average home for three days during a power outage. The vehicle also includes 11 outlets that allow it to function as a worksite power station for charging tools and equipment.
