MAKING ELECTRIC VEHICLES SAFE IN NON-FORMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS USING VIRTUAL REALITY

Studies on the use of virtual reality (VR) training in non-formal learning environments are scarce. This article seeks to address that gap by introducing a use case developed by the company CESVIMAP, in which VR competes advantageously with the chance to do training in a classroom-workshop setting. Considering the continuous increase in the number of electric and hybrid vehicles (xEV) in the rolling stock, it is essential to train all professionals involved in their maintenance and repair. Considering this situation, this article presents the creation and subsequent implementation of a VR training environment that allows for interactive learning focused on securing and electrically connecting an electric vehicle. By creating a VR classroom with some boxes, many people can be trained simultaneously within the structure of a short-duration course aimed at professional personnel. Since these training sessions typically involve small groups, each participant is able to carry out the practice themselves, rather than merely watching a video or, at best, observing the instructor’s demonstration on a vehicle. In view of the results obtained through the use of VR in this practical training on xEV safety procedures, delivered face-to-face in a non-formal learning environment, it can be affirmed in this use case that interactive VR is an advantageous solution compared to the usual practices in a workshop classroom, since it enables the practical session to take place while allowing students to learn in an easy and proactive manner. In this way, hundreds of professionals can be trained in a few months. This VR-based training offers numerous benefits, e.g., from an occupational safety point of view, the complete elimination of electrocution risk. It is also worth noting that; the ability for students to interact directly with the xEV and learn through hands-on engagement; the opportunity to focus on mastering the process itself; and that, since there are concepts that cannot be taught using a real vehicle, the incorporation of an interactive VR environment provides an effective solution to this training need. Key Words: Virtual Reality, Training of professionals, Learning, Electric vehicles, Safety procedures