NOTE: This title now fulfilled through Print On Demand (POD)- click here for detailsWritten by clean energy guru and electric vehicle expert Seth Leitman, this hands-on guide gives you the latest technical information and easy-to-follow instructions for building a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
Build Your Own Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle puts you in the driver's seat when it comes to hitting the road in a reliable, economical, and environmentally friendly ride. Inside, you'll find complete details on the hybrid powertrain and all the required components, including the motor, battery, and chassis. The book covers the plug-in hybrids currently on the market as well as hybrid conversion companies, conversion kits, and related resources. Pictures, diagrams, charts, and graphs illustrate each step along the way. With this how-to guide on hand, you'll be behind the wheel of your own plug-in hybrid electric automobile in no time!
Build Your Own Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle covers:
* Energy savings and environmental benefits
* PHEV background
* Drivetrain components and design
* Chassis selection
* DC and AC motor types
* Batteries and chargers
* The conversion process
* Licensing and insurance
* Safety, maintenance, troubleshooting, and warranties
* Clubs and associations
* Additional resources
Table of contents
1. What is a PHEV and Why Is It Good?
Have you driven a hybrid lately?
New electricity rates
Conversion costs
Big players in the hybrid movement
Pimp my ride to e my ride!
Best conversion companies
Global impact
2. Environmental Benefits of PHEV
Issues that surround plug-in hybrid electric cars
3. Electric Cars, Hybrids, and PHEV
Transportation solutions
CARB (California Air Resources Board)
Expanding the PHEV market
Converting today
4. Conversion Basics
Different conversion kits
Comparison to pure electric vehicles
5. Motors
What and how to choose
6. Controllers
Hybrid drive controllers
7. Batteries
Nickel
Lead
Lithium
8. Chargers
Modern chargers
Electrical system information
9. Sample Conversion to PHEV
Information from conversion specialists
The best PHEV systems available
10. How Can I Get One?
Sources
Parts
Conversion companies
Experts