Although not strictly a classic car book, I found myself thoroughly enjoying this book — and, whether you like it or not, electric vehicles are probably the wave of the future, so this makes a good stop on the way.
In effect, this book details the history of the electric car and looks at how you can convert a standard, petrol-guzzling car into a convenient, environmentally friendly electric car. So, there are lots of discussions about electric motors, controllers and batteries (most of which apply only to the US) plus coverage of a range of converted vehicles — from humble Toyota trucks to a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a tyre-frying electric Porsche.

The author also looks a off-the-shelf electric cars — such as the Tesla — but the real aim here is to educate readers on the benefit of electric vehicles and how go about effecting a full conversion. I have to admit I blanched a little at some of the recommendations. For instance, the author recommends extremely high tyre pressures. Harder tyres, less rolling friction. He even mentions freshly developed EV tyres which run at 90psi! Anyone who has driven a Toyota Prius will know how skinny, hard tyres can affect handling.

Still, a very interesting book, and one that should probably be read by anyone interested in the future of the private motor vehicle. In 10 or 20 years time, converting classic cars to electric power could be big business!

Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman and Bob Brant
Review book supplied by Techbooks
Review by James Black