Build Your Own Electric Vehicle

Overview

Go Green-Go Electric! Faster, Cheaper, More Reliable While Saving Energy and the Environment

“Empowering people with the tools to convert their own vehicles provides an immediate path away from petroleum dependence and should be part of the solutions portfolio.” – Chelsea Sexton, Co-founder, Plug In America and featured in Who Killed the Electric Car?

“Create a superior driving experience, strengthen America, and restore the planet’s ecosystems…that’s the promise of this book and it’s well worth a read!” – Josh Dorfman, Founder & CEO – Vivavi, Modern Green Furniture Store; Author, The Lazy Environmentalist: Your Guide to Easy, Stylish, Green Living.

This new, updated edition of Build Your Own Electric Vehicle contains everything that made the first edition so popular while adding all the technological advances and new parts that are readily available on the market today.

Build Your Own Electric Vehicle gets on the expressway to a green, ecologically sound, cost-effective way that even can look cool, too!

This comprehensive how-to goes through the process of transforming an internal combustion engine vehicle to electric or even building an EV from scratch for as much or even cheaper than purchasing a traditional car. The book describes each component in detail---motor, battery, controller, charger, and chassis---and provides step-by-step instructions on how to put them all together.

Build Your Own Electric Vehicle, Second Edition, covers:

• EV vs. Combustible Engine Overview
• Environmental and Energy Savings
• EV Evolution since the First Electric Car
• Current Purchase and Conversion Costs
• Chassis and Design
• Today's Best Motors
• Battery Discharging/Charging Styles
• Electrical Systems
• Licensing and Insurance Issues
• Driving
• Maintenance
• Related Clubs and Associations
• Additional Resources

Table of contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
Chapter 1. Why Electric Vehicles Are Still Right for Today!
Chapter 2. Electric Vehicles Save the Environment and Energy
Chapter 3. Electric Vehicle History
Chapter 4. The Best Electric Vehicle for You
Chapter 5. Classics and Design
Chapter 6. Electric Motors
Chapter 7. The Controller
Chapter 8. Batteries
Chapter 9. The Charger and Electrical System
Chapter 10. Electric Vehicle Conversion
Chapter 11. Maximize Your Electric Vehicle Enjoyment
Chapter 12. Sources
Index

Biographical note

Seth Leitman, (Briarcliff Manor, NY) is currently President and Managing Member of the ETS Energy Store, LCC, which provides energy efficiency, electric transportation and organic, natural, and sustainable products for business and home use (from energ-efficient bulbs to electric vehicle conversion referrals). Previously, he worked for the New York State Power Authority and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, where he helped develop, market, and manage electric and hybrid vehicle programs serving New York State and the New York metropolitan area. Seth is the consulting editor for a series of upcoming titles called the “Green Guru Guides,” which focus on implementing environmentally friendly technologies and making them work for you.
Bob Brant was the forward-thinking author of the now classic first edition of Build Your Own Electric Vehicle