Part 1: Getting In On the Popularity of Electric Cars 7
Chapter 1: So You're Thinking About Buying an Electric Car 9
Chapter 2: The Fascinating Tech That's (Sort of) Under the Hood 37
Chapter 3: Electric Vehicles and a Safer Drive 59
Part 2: Buying Wisely 87
Chapter 4: Consider the Cost (of an Electric Vehicle) 89
Chapter 5: Researching Your EV Options 109
Chapter 6: Buying Your New Electric Car 155
Part 3: Maintaining Your Newfangled Horseless Carriage 181
Chapter 7: Charge 'Er Up! 183
Chapter 8: Protecting the Battery (and Your Investment) 207
Chapter 9: Keeping Your Car in Top Shape 231
Part 4: Futurethink and Fun with EV Engineering 259
Chapter 10: Faster, Farther, and More Fun 261
Chapter 11: Our Autonomous Future 289
Chapter 12: Other Vehicles That Are Going Electric 311
Chapter 13: The Best Car Is No Car: Electric Bikes and the Morning Commute 333
Part 5: The Part of Tens 351
Chapter 14: Ten Countries Leading the Way -- and What They're Doing 353
Chapter 15: Ten Companies Leading the Way -- and a Look at What They're Doing 361
Chapter 16: Ten Predictions from EV Insiders (with Plenty of Commentary and Opinion Because It's My Book There, Bub) 369
Index 379
Drive into the 21st century in an electric car
With falling cost of ownership, expanded incentives for purchasing, and more model and body type options than ever, it may finally be time to retire the old gas-guzzler and dive into the world of electric car ownership. Electric Cars For Dummies is your guide to becoming lightning powered, reducing your carbon footprint, and saving money on gas while you do it. This book teaches you how to select the battery-charged vehicle that fits your need and budget. It also offers insight into how to maintain your electric car, including answering all your questions about charging your vehicle. Calculate the total cost of ownership, prep your home to become one huge charger, and demystify the battery, the tune-ups and more.
Learn the difference in cost of ownership and emissions between electric and gas-powered vehicles
Explore your options and find an electric car that fits in your budget
Know when and how to charge your vehicle, and what kind of maintenance it needs
Figure out how to charge your car on the go
This is the perfect book for new and would-be electric car owners looking for guidance on buying and maintaining one of these super sleek machines.
Brian Culp is a long-time technical writer who is currently the technical publications manager for a U.S.- based electric car manufacturer. Before he started his career as an electric vehicle expert, Brian played three years of professional baseball. He still holds the career home run record at his alma mater, Kansas State University.
