Adam Molloy

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electric Vehicle Engineering.

Donegal – Letterkenny

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course? 

I’ve always been passionate about cars. Since secondary school I knew I wanted to do either Electronic or Mechanical engineering. So when I saw the new Electric Vehicle course in ATU Donegal Letterkenny, I knew it was the course I wanted to study. 

What are your favourite modules on the course?  

Throughout my four years my favourite modulus have been: 
Electric Vehicle Low Voltage and High Voltage Systems: Learning about how the different systems in EVs work and learning how to isolate a high voltage system. 

Thermodynamics and Battery Technology: Learning the understanding of the fundamental heat transfer principles associated with the thermal management of the battery. 

Vehicle Chassis Dynamics: Learning the principles of Suspension and Chassis Dynamics and how this influences the ride and handling of vehicles. 

Electric Vehicle Development Project : This module allows students to undertake an independent research project in a selected area related to Electric Vehicle Engineering/Mechanical engineering. 

Is there anything else about the course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial?  

In my 3rd year of college I got to design, build and test a system to improvement the power efficiency of a formula 24+ kit car by incorporating live data that allows the driver to gain insight into the current state of the vehicle, to improve racing performance. 

What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know?  

One of the best things about doing engineering within ATU Donegal is the state of the art facilities. Between the workshop and the computer design rooms, engineering students have access to using top of the range equipment ranging from computer software such as SoildWorks to new 3D printers and the various machines in the workshop. 

If you were speaking with a first year student about to start your course, what advice would you give them?  

Enjoy the course, its a quick 4 years. Try and do as much as you can to gain experience for when you graduate. 

What are your plans after ATU and any long-term goals you are aiming for?  

Once I graduate, I would like to work within the automotive sector. A long term goal would be to get involved within motorsport.