Vehicle Technology
What the exam tests
Vehicle technology covers modern systems: MPFI, common-rail diesel, turbocharging, ABS, airbags, CAN bus, hybrid and electric vehicles, and driver-assistance features. Questions test function, benefits and limitations.
Core rules and concepts
- MPFI injects fuel near the intake port; common-rail diesel holds fuel at high pressure and injects it electronically.
- A turbocharger uses exhaust energy to compress intake air; a wastegate limits boost.
- ABS modulates brake pressure; EBD distributes braking force; ESP corrects skids by braking individual wheels.
- A CAN bus reduces wiring by letting ECUs share data on a twisted pair.
- Hybrids combine an engine and electric motor; mild hybrids assist but cannot drive alone for long.
- EVs use a battery, inverter and motor; regenerative braking recovers energy.
Worked example
An EV has a 30 kWh battery and consumes 15 kWh/100 km. Ideal range = 30/15 × 100 = 200 km. If only 80% of the battery is usable, range = 0.8 × 200 = 160 km. At 20 kWh/100 km, range falls to 120 km with the same usable energy. The calculation shows why consumption, not battery size alone, determines range.
Traps that cost marks
- Confusing kW power with kWh energy.
- Treating a mild hybrid as a full hybrid.
- Assuming ABS always reduces stopping distance on loose surfaces.
- Ignoring the difference between CAN communication faults and component faults.