Electric Vehicles - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
The Zero Carbon Car Book Review
by Dave Stensland (4/2/2008)
This 544 page book captivated my attention and drew me in. On numerous occasions I found myself wanting to “high-five” the author for candid observations that hit the mark. The Zero-Carbon Car is a modern alternative to the EV books of yesteryear. Those interested in information about and solutions to today's transportation challenges will appreciate its depth of coverage.
The first 250 pages are loaded with sobering charts and facts about energy challenges in the transportation sector. Kemp and his team of contributors poured in a ton of research effort and it shows. The book discusses everything from the political, environmental, financial and health ramifications of oil dependency to the hype surrounding fuel cells. The Zero-Carbon car provides the best situational overview that I have seen to date.
The Zero-Carbon Car is uniquely special because it offers up a workable solution to the problems identified in the first few chapters. As far as I know, this is the first title to describe steps necessary to convert a gasoline vehicle to a plug-in series hybrid biodiesel-electric. A full 137 pages of detailed photos and information document the process of transforming an old 2000 Mazda Miata into a futuristic car similar in function to GM's Volt concept car; primarily electric with additional power supplied by an engine when necessary. The biggest difference is availability. Using guidance found in the text you could commence production of your own Zero-Carbon car today. Why wait years for Detroit to do it for you?
Anyone contemplating a DIY hybrid or electric vehicle should definitely get a copy. The details will inspire, guide and shave weeks off similar efforts. Quite often books like this get tangled up in theoretical academia or political dogma. Unlike those, The Zero-Carbon car does a good job of balancing theory and practice. Readers will find before and after dyno test results, torque curves, ladder logic, circuit diagrams, info about battery charging algorithms and cycle life. Important engineering considerations are presented which could make the difference between a rolling science project and something you'll enjoy.
Even if you're just curious about the nuts and bolts of a modern electric vehicle conversion this would be a good book to add to your collection. Older electric vehicle titles are still in print but in dire need of updates. Pure electrics like the Tesla Roadster, Commuter Car Corporation's Tango and Myers Motors NmG are mentioned, but not high-powered racing electrics like the Killacycle, the Buckeye Bullet, or the Current Eliminator.
The book crosses the finish line after another 100 pages of biofuel info. It provides solid lessons on zero carbon electricity and especially biodiesel. The author has published other books on renewable energy and has a knack for presenting these issues from a practical engineering perspective.
Kemp's book and his Zero-Carbon Car project are shining examples of what can be done when teams of talented individuals roll up their sleeves and get busy. They've thumbed their noses at hesitant automakers and blazed a trail for others to follow.
Special thanks to Michelle Mather at Aztext Press.
Wednesday, September 08, 2010 
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