# Electric Car Conversions : The Benefits for You, Source: Mother Earth News - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/10/electric-car-conversions-for-beginners-explained/ - Published: 2009-10-30T19:00:02-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Build Your Own Electric Vehicle Build Your Own Electric Vehicle, 2nd Edition by Seth Leitman and Bob Brandt got into Mother Earth News today. They published an over 16-page excerpt of my book. This excerpt covers not only the technical aspects but also the inspiring stories of those who have successfully built their own electric vehicles. I had no idea this was happening and am beyond honored and humbled by the mention. This feature recognizes not just my [work but also the movement towards sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/02/smappee-works-with-nest-to-save-money-on-your-gas-and-water-consumption/) transportation. Thank you for this opportunity to share my passion with a wider audience, Thank you. Thank you, Thank you. ## Excerpt of the article ### Build Your Own Electric Vehicle ###  — Chapter 1:  **Why [Electric Vehicles Are Still Right for Today!](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/01/chevy-volt-plug-in-electric-hybrid-transforms-energy-auto-industries/)** The opening chapter of Build Your Own Electric Vehicle establishes the timeless relevance of electric vehicles (EVs) — even as automotive technology continually evolves. It starts by laying out the key reasons EVs deserve attention now: * Environmental urgency: EVs reduce dependency on petroleum and [cut greenhouse gas emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/06/saved-gas-how-chevrolet-volt-makes-a-difference/). Therefore, they are a powerful tool in the fight against [pollution and climate change](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/04/eco-flipping-how-you-can-make-a-house-flipping-business-sustainable/). * Energy efficiency: [Electric drivetrains are inherently more efficient](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/recycle-that-heat-hyundai-and-kia-turn-up-ev-efficiency-with-new-heat-pump-technology/) than internal-combustion engines. They convert a higher percentage of energy into motion with fewer losses.   * Cost-effectiveness: Even though upfront conversion costs exist, the chapter explains how [building or converting your own EV](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/build-an-electric-vehicle-your-comprehensive-guide/) can be cheaper than buying a new car. In addition, it is much cheaper to operate over the vehicle’s life.   * Technological maturity: [Advances in batteries](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/gms-chevy-spark-ev-and-advanced-battery-technology/), motors, controllers, and chargers make EV builds more accessible and reliable than ever before. Not just for engineers, but for hobbyists and environmentally- minded drivers alike.   Together, this opening section frames EVs not as a futuristic fantasy but as a practical and ecologically responsible [choice for today’s drivers](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/kia-soul-ev-wins-2015-motorweek-drivers-choice-award/). It offers a roadmap for converting a conventional vehicle or building one from scratch.   ![A sleek black electric car parked in a garage surrounded by various tools and equipment for electric car conversions](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp- content/uploads/2009/10/image-3-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy") _(The following is an [excerpt](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/03/epa-pollution-standards-federal-court-stated-failed-updating/) from_ Build Your Own Electric Vehicle_ by Seth Leitman and Bob Brant (McGraw-Hill, [2008](https://www.amazon.com/Build-Your-Electric-Vehicle-second/dp/B004XIN8VS/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?crid=1Q7HKQ7YDFQCE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pbeI0jV7V7ycEXdQ1whK7ZNA28YFxgMmVz7QSl4NZpvwonKpANzlZ3wGUOtBIvyEIWkg86Yjxoq17BGgiGYcJmazDa7H_Amth-evBD2RBY2oRcP5MpmBpybRXTtaH3e9B82Ouo-HViMmpI8DteTjORyG9bAnNs8PVnVL2RGfhu197Oz_u3iF_guTIIu6vgtZcLdAZ2P0axxCctLCLAvUAg.hOMYSsVFtAUuR1fXYqhtIM9SUzQgWP_P7mYmCNUL4Cc&dib_tag=se&keywords=build+your+own+electric+vehicle&qid=1771212290&sprefix=build+your+own+electric+ve%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-10)). The excerpt is Chapter 1: Why Electric Vehicles Are Still Right for Today! The book is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in electric car conversions, covering the advantages of electric cars, choosing the right car for a conversion, the components of an electric vehicle drivetrain, batteries, maintenance, and resources to learn more and engage with other [electric car conversion enthusiasts.](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/02/electric-classic-car-conversions-for-vintage-enthusiasts/))_ ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)