Customer Reviews:
 What's been happening with electric/hybrid autos the last 10 years. September 12, 2007
8 out of 10 found this review helpful
I've often wondered what been happening with electric/hybrid car development since the mid 90's and GM's EV-1. Remarkably little is written on this subject.
This book reveals the truth about what's possible, and how little the car manufacturers are doing to make them a reality. Even Toyota's Prius is a small step compared to what they could be making NOW.
A rare combination of facts and intrigue that will recharge the reader September 1, 2007
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
Sherry Boschert brings her science-writing skills to bear on the thorny problem of efficient transportation on the highways. While informing us about the details of hybrid vehicle technology, she also manages to weave in the gremlins that have interfered with improving car efficiency for many years. Her portrayal of the problem of hydrogen hype is well documented and clearly explained in Chapter 3. I recommend this book highly to the environmentally concerned driver as one of the best books in the field, because it gives the reader the inside story with scientific balance.
 Timely and engaging but unconvincing August 5, 2007
9 out of 16 found this review helpful
In "Plug-in Hybrids" (New Society, 2006), Sherry Boschert writes about recent electric vehicles, charged from commercial power lines, with gasoline engine backup. See also Michael Schiffer, "Taking Charge" (Smithsonian Books, 1994), on the early history of electric vehicles, about 1880 to 1930.
Main merits of Boschert's book: wide-ranging account of many starts and slips from about 1990 to the present; engaging style, focused on charismatic individuals; deconstruction of hydrogen-powered transportation myths.
Main defects of Boschert's book: inability to relate vehicle speed to operating range performance, cavalier approach to environmental and conservation issues, lack of concern about long-range marketing appeal.
Boschert says plug-in hybrid vehicles can reduce petroleum use and air pollution but does not prove the case. In order to do both, widespread use of plug-in hybrids must somehow avoid stimulating new coal-fired, oil-fired and gas-fired power plants. Boschert shows no way to assure that such an outcome would actually occur.
very practical, myth-busting discussion of the facts July 29, 2007
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
This book --which in some ways begins where the video "Who Killed the Electric Car" ends, but is yet independent of it --is a very practical, myth-busting discussion of the facts about the capabilities of alternatively-powered vehicles. As one might guess from the title, the book concludes that of all the possible alternatives for fueling cars, plug-in hybrids are the most practical. In fact, as the book reiterates, practical plug-in hybrids were produced and leased by the auto companies about a decade ago --and then recalled and destroyed. Today (July, 2007), news reports say Toyota and GM and perhaps Ford and others "hope" to have an electric car available by 2010. The news stories say Toyota and GM are having trouble getting much more than a range of 40 miles out of the batteries, even though this book points out GM produced electric vehicles in 1999 with a range of about 140 miles!
This book is a good primer on how plug-in hybrids work, and also explores other alternative technologies such as hydrogen and fuel cells, though for several reasons it returns to plug-in hybrids as being immediately available technology.
Demand a Plug-In Hybrid from your automaker today June 10, 2007
12 out of 15 found this review helpful
Highly recommended. Great follow-up to "Who Killed the Electric Car"
If you hunger for more info on Electric Vehicles, solutions to Global warming, ending the war in Iraq, ending our dependence on Oil and returning to a more secure (pre 9/11, pre Iraq war) life and economy, Boschert illustrates how both sides/extremes of the political spectrum are joining together to kick the oil habit.
Even George W. admits "America is addicted to Oil" but the car and oil companies will do anything to "keep the junkie hooked" and Dubya wants to devastate Alaska for a dismal amount of domestic oil.
Don't believe the Hype about using electricity to power cars will worsen GHG and other emissions. This book cites all the studies that disprove that myth.
Ordinary citizens are joining forces with Engineers, Evangelicals, Environmentalists, some reluctant Automakers and National security Hawks (Ex CIA Director James Woolsey et. al.) to pave the way to eliminate our dependence on oil.
Like the back cover says "It will recharge your political batteries".
Get this book and get involved.
This book also clarifies the different flavours of Hybrids: Series, Parallel, Series/Parallel, Full, Hollow and Flex Fuel options.
PS An "easy read" despite some chapters quoting various gallons, kilowatts, miles and kilometres.
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