5.0 out of 5 stars Good historical perspective, I like it for Gen Z

E.M. · November 30, 2023

As a history book on the development of EVs, I felt this was very complete. It even mentions fuel cells in the 1950’s. I think it would be a great read for anyone who is interested in how technologies develop, and would be especially valuable as an example to those who are unaware of the many decades of development behind today’s “ new” technologies. By creating awareness of how not only this, but many other technologies develop, it will provide insight into possible futures.How did I get to 5*?The history was fairly complete. (Not that I know it missed something, but i can’t be sure unless I know everything, which I don’t. I did show it to someone who worked with Toyota on the Prius concept, and they saw no obvious historical omissions).It’s not a coffee table book. I didn’t reduce points for that .And it’s not an exhaustive study. I didn’t reduce points for that. I doesn’t look in-depth at current “controversies” , like battery technologies, where the issues/trade offs are not only technical and ecological but also geopolitical and could consume and entire book. But it does mention them and an interested reader can then look elsewhere for pros and cons.Maybe I would have taken points off for the lack of some “ future” description or a nice concept car drawing. But I didn’t because while it might have been fun to see something, it would have just been pure speculation. The last few pages mention several important things ( regulatory and socio-economic trade offs as well as battery components like lithium and rare earths) that will influence the future. About the only think that the author explicitly predicted about the future was that it would take much longer than advocates hope. By the time you get to this, you should understand why and agree.Just be careful who you give this to, they may, like me, now want a $220,000 Sportech Roadster.

4.0 out of 5 stars Raising Awareness About EV’s (Past, Present & Future) Excellent Writing. Meager Book Construction.

J. · December 4, 2023

Celebrating electric motor vehiclesBreaking EV stereotypesRaising EV awarenessTelling the EV StoryHow was this receivedNot independently packaged nor sealed, rather loose. I do not care for that. I would have preferred the book be shrink-wrapped, to protect its integrity, or at least give me the impression it was.Describe the bookThis [partly iridescent] hardcover, non-jacketed, somewhat worthy of the coffee table, is a somewhat smaller sized book of about (176) pages in length, measures a good sized (8¾”) wide, 10¼” tall, and 0.8” thick.Why was this published?Really, to celebrate the EV’s resurrection, after years of obscurity. But does not the title say Revolution? Yes. However, would I consider today’s worldwide movement a revolution. Hmm, no. Reason being, as this book addresses, there was a significant EV presence during the dawn of the start of motor vehicle revolution (leading to mass production and adoption), about (130+) years ago. I think this book raises the awareness, to the reader, to the historical beginnings of EVs. It’s a fun awareness surrounding those initiatives with captivating tidbits and spectacular photography and illustrations. This book has stories about those who participated in the early revolution and on; and those who even drive EVs and on. It features participants in dapper to everyday fashions and offers wonderful photos in locations we all may know about or would like to visit. The sources for this book are varied and widespread. Photos are stunning and many are from the industry.A page turnerOnce I started reading [and turning pages] I did not want to stop; and there are a lot of pages to look over. I really enjoyed this and recalled and gazed over cars that I have seen in museums to auto shows that I have been.Publishing dateThis book’s USA publishing date is 2023. I received this during early December 2023, so this is hot off the press. [First published during 2023.] Text copywrite 2023.Printed priceThe printed retail price is $35US; $45.99CANeBook?It’s available as a Kindle eBook.Country of OriginPrinted in China.WeightThis book weighs two (2) pounds.Referred to asThis is referred to as a Trade Paperback, which is a higher quality softcover book, its primary market being bookstores, rather than the corner drug store.PublisherIt’s published by Motorbooks (International) – which was acquired by The Quatro Group, and of which this book is their imprint. Motorbooks is a specialty publisher surrounding transportation related topics, said to be offering books created by motoring’s top photographers and writers, many created with major partners like Harley-Davidson, Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler, in addition to magazines like Hot Rod, Car & Driver, and Cycle World.ThoughtsI am interested in EV’s. I was not disappointed. It’s all wrapped in this book, from early years to EV renaissance and to the future, it’s about the EV’s that existed and developed throughout the century plus timeline. As a person who cut their teeth being fascinated with EV’s, from a young lad, to today, this is truly enjoyable to read and page through.It's not fictionThis is a true story of stories.ValueCompetitive discount pricing.BindingThe binding on my edition borders on terrible. It literally not only has a cracking sound, but cracked on the hinge and separated the endpaper at its seam. I do not expect the board will stay together very long. I am taking a star off for poor quality control, from what I gather, at the factory.Bottom-lineThis book’s writings are excellent; and it makes sense why so. The author has been involved in writing about the automotive industry spanning decades. This would have been five (5) star, but for the lack in quality in the books manufacture.Please refer to Bolo for pics of this copywritten work.I hope my thoughts added information.

5.0 out of 5 stars Nicely illustrated history book on EVs

A.C. · January 10, 2024

The Electric Vehicle Revolution is a captivating read, covering the history of the earliest of EVs and battery technologies to the present. I'm more of a history buff than a car enthusiast, but the format of this book made for a compelling read. I had seen electric vehicles from the early 1900's in museums, but hadn't realized the extent to which EVs were a popular and practical option in the early days of automobiles. My knowledge of EVs was previously dominated by Tesla, which the book naturally covers well. I did detect some hints that the author is skeptical of the way Elon Musk does things, but he's fair in assessing the significance of Tesla in the history of EVs. It's probably for the best that a book covering all of EV history isn't written by a Tesla fanboy. The book does seem to end a little abruptly--with just a few brief words on how the author sees the future, but I would rather stick to the substantive content rather than a drawn out ending of fluff or opinions.While this isn't as large as a coffee table book, the pages have a thick premium feel, and the high quality photos and illustrations would make this book a great gift, especially for a car enthusiast, historian, or technologist. The cover and binding is also nicely done, although my book has some distinct creaking sounds coming from the binding, which seemed odd.

Interessante

G.A. · July 26, 2024

O livro apresenta a história dos carros elétricos com muitas ilustrações. Se trata de um trabalho de jornalismo de boa qualidade.