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This book provides a comprehensive picture of the history, current status and the future development of electric cars. Intended for those working on all aspects of electric vehicle development, as well as for others with an interest in this promising technology, The Electric and Hybrid Electric Car examines trends in electric car development from a global perspective, with many examples drawing from the author's own experiences in the American and European automotive industries.

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:

About the Author
Michael H. Westbrook recently retired as manager of Technological Research with Ford Motor Company at Dunton, Essex, after 33 years in the automotive industry. He has also been Visiting Professor at Southampton University, Chairman of the IEE Computing and Control Division, Vice President of the Institute of Physics and IEE Faraday Lecturer. He has authored or co-authored 29 technical papers and the book Automotive Sensors, as well as lecturing extensively in the U.S. and U.K.