We may be standing at the precipice of a revolution in propulsion not seen since the internal combustion engine replaced the horse and buggy. The proliferation of electric cars will change the daily lives of motorists, boost some regional economies and hurt others, reduce oil insecurity but create new insecurities about raw materials, and impact urban air quality and climate change. If you want to understand how quickly the transition is likely to occur, and the factors shaping the pace of the transition, this book delivers with a candid, illuminating style.
The invention of the lithium-ion battery and its adaptation to the auto sector set the stage for the exciting proliferation of electric cars, beginning with California and Norway. This book focuses on the period from the oil crises of the 1970s to the present, tracing the development of this entirely new industry and its critical supply chain. John Graham delves into the major societal concerns, economic rationales, governmental policies and corporate strategies. He emphasizes that consumer concerns slowed the pace of the transition while spurring more innovation and new policies to persuade reluctant consumers. And he explains why the transition is now occurring much faster in China and Europe than in Japan and the United States. More broadly, the book tells the story of many successes and failures in public policy, technological innovation and corporate strategy.
This book provides an in-depth understanding of how people on every continent in the world are contributing to the new electric-vehicle industry, including the raw materials, battery components, electric motors and charging stations. Faculty, students and researchers will appreciate the integrated treatment of the technical, economic, political and international issues. For the practitioner in industry, government and civil society, the book is an engaging look at the roles of key decision makers and organizations, both those favoring electric cars and those opposed.
Industry Reviews
'I highly recommend this book for two reasons: First, it is an excellent compendium on an emerging topic of great economic, environmental, and political importance. And second, it is a model for other "deep dives" into similar complex problems associated with the transition away from fossil fuels. For someone working on the energy and environmental risk issues associated with vehicles, this book will be an excellent reference as well as a way to become broadly informed. For an academic leading seminars and guiding research, this book provides an in-depth summary for students and colleagues to enhance dis- cussion and debate as events evolve in the transition to electrified vehicles.' -- D. Warner North, Risk Analysis
'This is a thoroughly researched book and the only offering that wholly encapsulates the development of the electric vehicle in the early 21st century, which is one of the most important technological developments and policy interventions for transportation in the last 20 years and promises to wield the same influence for at least another 20.' -- Bradley W Lane, Journal of Policy Analysis & Management
'For those who have limited acquisition budgets and can purchase only one book that deals with electric vehicles in all their aspects, this is the book. The 13 chapters, each supported by more than 100 notes/references, quickly add up to a very high quality, useful volume. A smart student will find out what these people have written and use the primary sources. Weighty information with a physical weight that will make any backpack uncomfortable but well worth reading and transporting. Every teacher should read chapter 1 - it's full of relevant information that will probably come up in the classroom, and this is painless preparation.' -- C J Myers, CHOICE
'Policymakers (both in areas where PEVs are becoming established and in areas where there is currently low penetration of the market), as well as scientists, engineers, and economists, should take note of this incredibly in-depth and comprehensive study. By taking a broad look backwards, Graham has identified the key origins of the emergence of modern PEVs, the supporting policies that increase the rate of transition, and the potential obstructions that may delay the transition from conventional powertrains going forwards. The book, whilst incredibly detailed, is split into clear sections that can be read and referenced separately; such that it serves as an essential basis for modern PEV research across many different disciplines.' -- Maeve Carys McLoughlin, Journal of Risk Research
'This book is literally electrifying. John Graham connects all the circuits to deliver an exciting and edifying analysis of the seemingly imminent transformation of our transportation system to electric vehicles. Drawing on his deep expertise in automobile science, safety and politics, Graham shows how technological advances, charismatic leaders, and energy and environmental policies have driven the EV competition among the United States, Europe, Japan, China and others. This detailed and thorough book will ground a serious discussion and spark a provocative debate on the future of our cars and our societies.' -- Jonathan B. Wiener, Duke University, US
'A new age may be dawning, in which plug-in electric cars and light trucks will largely replace those powered by oil. John Graham provides a magisterial and comprehensive overview of the technologies, consumer demand, production supply chains, and government policies that shape the differing pace of change in the US, Europe, Japan, and China.'
