Pittsburg high school plugs in a self-driving vehicle to its advanced auto classes

In recent times where the robust vocational programs like auto shop during high school are becoming out-dated, Pittsburgh high school has made a bold move. The school will launch its first advanced, hands-on course on repairing and maintaining self-drive electric vehicles.

Contra Costa Transportation authority and local motors have come forward to help this initiative. The auto company will donate ‘Olli’ – a $300,000 autonomous electric shuttle for the students. “It’s just a way for us to give back to the contra costa county community”, said a spokesperson from Local Motors. The company had earlier created the world’s first 3D-printed car.

A lot of the logistics in the partnership between them are being worked out and are yet to decide on the final curriculum. In order to ensure the students make the most of this opportunity and gain valuable skills about autonomous vehicles, Local motor’s engineering team will work on the curriculum. A monthly visit has already been planned by the engineering team.

Including an electric vehicle has made not just the student’s happy, but the teacher of the program is also  super excited as they start moving from the internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. This is the first and the only kind of automotive program curriculum in California.