FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Electric vehicles are becoming more common on roads across the U.S., with over one million new EVs sold nationwide in 2024. 

As the auto industry shifts toward electric technology, students at Peach County High School are getting the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of these modern vehicles firsthand.

Thanks to a donation from the Kia America plant in West Point, Georgia, the school’s automotive career program now has a new 2025 Kia EV6 GT for students to work on. Until now, students primarily worked on their own cars, but this new addition allows them to gain experience with the latest automotive technology.

Automotive teacher Gary Moye emphasized the importance of students learning about EVs to prepare for future careers in the industry.

“I wanted to try to find something more modern,” he said. “I feel like these kids, they get out of here and they go get a job in the real world they’re going to see some of this stuff, so it was important to me to have something newer with this technology.”

Senior Jordy Padila Velasco, who has been in the program for three years, is eager to work on the new EV. 

“They’re different than gas motors, electric motors, they’re bigger, heavier, and they also have different dynamics,” Padila Velasco said. “They’re not like a conventional piston engine, so it’s definitely something to learn on how they work.”

For junior Brayden Sanders, the hands-on experience is helping him build a strong foundation for his future career. 

“I want to be a diesel mechanic when I grow up,” he said. “I want to get a head start and start learning stuff young. So when I get a job, when I graduate, I already got that experience.”

The CTAE automotive program covers a range of skills, from engine building to brake repair. Moye, who still operates his own car shops after school, said learning EV safety is a top priority before students dive into major mock repairs.

“In our business, everything’s moving so fast lately,” Moye said. “We have to spend a lot of money to keep up with the technology.”

As technology in the automotive world advances, Peach County High School students are getting a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the curve, working together to learn and adapt to the future of transportation.