Build Your Own Electric Vehicle brings together the components, planning, and practical questions behind an EV conversion. This page introduces the second edition by Seth Leitman and Bob Brant. Moreover, it outlines the topics readers can explore before choosing a project.
Editor’s note: This post originally announced the second edition in 2008. Its component choices, supplier references, and cost examples reflect that period. This update clarifies the edition, fixes a typo, and replaces the dated retailer list with clearly labeled book references.
Build Your Own Electric Vehicle: What the Book Covers
The second edition builds on the earlier book announcement. It explains the roles of the motor, battery, controller, charger, and chassis. In addition, it provides illustrated, step-by-step material on converting a combustion-engine vehicle or planning an electric build.
Readers can compare component choices and project costs. However, the cost of a particular conversion depends on the donor vehicle, parts, labor, and project scope. The book’s historical examples do not guarantee that every conversion will cost less than buying another car.
Praise for the Book
“Create a superior driving experience, strengthen America and restore the planet’s ecosystems…that’s the promise of this book and it’s well worth a read!”
Josh Dorfman, The Lazy Environmentalist
“Empowering people with the tools to convert their own vehicles provides an immediate path away from petroleum dependence and should be part of the solutions portfolio.”
Chelsea Sexton, Who Killed the Electric Car?
Second-Edition Topics
The book covers electric and combustion-engine comparisons, environmental and energy considerations, and electric-vehicle history. It also explores purchase and conversion costs, chassis and design, motors, batteries, and electrical systems. Furthermore, readers will find material on licensing, insurance, driving, maintenance, clubs, associations, and additional resources.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Chapter 1. Why Electric Vehicles Are Still Right for Today!
Chapter 2. Electric Vehicles Save the Environment and Energy
Chapter 3. Electric Vehicle History
Chapter 4. The Best Electric Vehicle for You
Chapter 5. Chassis and Design
Chapter 6. Electric Motors
Chapter 7. The Controller
Chapter 8. Batteries
Chapter 9. The Charger and Electrical System
Chapter 10. Electric Vehicle Conversion
Chapter 11. Maximize Your Electric Vehicle Enjoyment
Chapter 12. Sources
Index
Find the Correct Edition
For bibliographic details, see the second-edition record on Google Books. McGraw Hill also lists a third edition by Seth Leitman and Bob Brant, published in 2013. These are different editions, so check the edition and format before ordering.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy’s conversion overview provides current background on component packaging and vehicle requirements. Ultimately, the book offers a starting point for understanding the project. Pair that foundation with up-to-date specifications, suppliers, and requirements for the vehicle you plan to build.
