TPS high schoolers get a look at 2023 BMW XM hybrid
Toledo – Career technology students received a close-up at a high performance hybrid vehicle when a BMW representative visited the Waite and Start high school campuses on last week.
The tour was arranged by Yark Automotive Group and BMW of Toledo as a way to showcase today’s EV and hybrid technology to students, as well as what they might work on when they join the workforce.
It certainly didn’t hurt that the demonstration vehicle – a 2023 BMV XM hybrid – had a range of upgrades and luxury details, which included a lighted interior ceiling and a metallic sparkle amid the dark gray exterior paint hue.
“How often do you get to probe around a nearly $200,000 car?” BMW Group Technical support engineer Jonathan Staley asked with a smile as he prepped for the first student group to arrive.
Participating students were from welding and auto collision career technology classes at Waite High School, along with auto mechanic technology classes at Start High School.
“I’ve always liked cars,” said Brooklyn Tucker, a Waite junior who is taking the welding class.
Waite High School welding teacher Zach Kulwicki said he wanted his students to see the hybrid vehicle because it shows a practical use for the robotic welding lessons they are learning in class.
Electric vehicle adoption has been happening in fits and starts in the United States during the past few years. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that about 50,000 all-electric vehicles were registered in the state of Ohio in December 2023. California, Texas and Florida are the states where they have caught on the most, the federal data shows.
Staley said early adopters flocked to the technology, but others continue to hold out for reasons such as driving range questions and charger availability. “Demand for EVs has definitely cooled off,” he said.
While today’s EVs look similar to other vehicles on the road, their operation and charging logistics are a significant change from the gas engines Americans have driven for decades.
That’s one of the reasons that BMW includes school visits on its promotional campaigns. Staley said it takes a lot of “intelligence and training” for technicians to be able to keep the newer vehicles running smoothly, and he wants the students to be aware of the possibilities when making a career choice.
“We go around and explain the reality of working on cars these days,” Staley said.
