Beginning with the scientific discoveries that made electric vehicle technology possible at the outset of the 20th century, author Michael H. Westbrook provides a thorough discussion of the technology's early history. Though initially overtaken by the unstoppable rise of the internal combustion engine, interest in electric vehicles began to reappear in the 1960s due to their low-emissions potential. But it was not until the passage of a California law in 1990 mandating the sale of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) that major automakers began serious development of the technology.
Westbrook details the successes and failures of electric and hybrid/electric cars introduced into the market in recent years by General Motors, Ford, Honda, Toyota and other automakers. Using photos, diagrams and other illustrations, this book also provides a strong basis for understanding the technology behind electric vehicles, as well as the many challenges facing its future development.
Chapters Include:
The History of Electric Cars Up to 1990 Propulsion Methods Controls and Power Electronics Energy Sources 1 - Storage Batteries Energy Sources 2 - Other Technologies Charging Vehicle Design and Safety Battery Electric Cars Hybrid Electric Cars Fuel-Cell Electric Cars Economics of Electric Cars Future Developments