What You Really Need to Know About Electric Vehicles: Find Out if an EV is Right for you

Thinking about buying an electric vehicle?

If so, read this book first to make sure you have all the necessary facts so that you can make the best possible decision.

Be wary

Many of the people you approach can't even answer your basic questions.

I CAN

Some will intentionally or unwittingly give you false information.

Even things on the internet that look legitimate can be misleading or incomplete.

You have the power to make good choices when you have the right information.

That is what this book is all about. By the end you will know everything you must know to have the confidence you need to make this important decision.

Why ME

Over the past three years I have conducted hundreds of conversations and test drives with prospective buyers as a contracted Product Specialist for Plug'n Drive at the Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre (EVDC) in Toronto, Canada, on road trips, at school presentations, and at 4 major international auto shows. During that time span, I have driven 20 different models of EVs and PHEVs from 13 different manufacturers on a regular basis.

The test-drives and conversations educated me on what people want to know about EVs and what they have been told, many times from ill-informed sources or those wishing to discourage their interest. I want to be the voice of reason by informing readers with little or no prior exposure to electric vehicles.

To my horror, as I researched my topics to validate my input, I discovered how hard it is to locate useful, trustworthy information about many seemingly common and relatively simple queries. If I struggle, with all my knowledge, I can't imagine what you have faced in your quest for valid info.

Don't leave anything to chance. Be prepared - this book will help.

What you will learn

• The history of EVs from the beginning to modern times
• Types of electric vehicles - PHEV (plug-in hybrids**) and BEV (battery electric vehicle)
• How EV/PHEVs work
• Some things about batteries
• Charging your EV at home and on the road
• Cost comparison owning a BEV or PHEV vs. a gas car
• Other stuff you should know.

** Non-plug-in hybrids are not included in this book. My expertise and focus have been on plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles from the beginning.

Busting some myths

Also sprinkled throughout the book are several popular BEV/PHEV myths you should be aware of and the importance of knowing the truth, good or bad.

We encourage readers to continue their own research into the areas for which they would like more detailed, specific information. Hopefully, this book will prepare you to make more effective inquiries.

As much as I enjoy driving BEVs and PHEVs, I am not personally appealing to you to buy one. One of the cardinal rules at the Centre was that we do not sell cars; we provide education about them. That is an important personal decision and should not be made without considering the kinds of issues I raise in the book and how they relate to you. When you have completed the book, you will be better informed to make an appropriate decision about the purchase of an electric vehicle.