7 Best-Selling Electric Cars Books Millions Love

These best-selling Electric Cars Books, written by leading experts such as David A Kirsch, Ted Lucas, and James Billmaier, offer proven insights and have earned widespread acclaim.

Updated on June 29, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a field as dynamic as electric cars. With the global shift toward sustainable transportation, understanding electric vehicles has never been more relevant. These seven best-selling Electric Cars books delve into the technology, history, and future of EVs, offering readers valuable knowledge grounded in real-world impact.

These books are authored by experts like David A Kirsch, who explores the social and industrial forces shaping electric vehicles, and James Billmaier, who examines the economic transformations tied to EV adoption. Their works stand out for combining deep research with accessible narratives that illuminate the evolution and promise of electric cars.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Electric Cars needs might consider creating a personalized Electric Cars book that combines these validated approaches with your unique interests and goals.

Best for electric vehicle history enthusiasts
David A. Kirsch’s book offers a distinctive look at the early competition between steam, gasoline, and electric cars at the dawn of the automobile era. Its enduring appeal lies in tracing how social context and industry dynamics influenced the ascendancy of internal combustion engines over electric alternatives. The work draws from the history of the Electric Vehicle Company and electric trucks to challenge conventional ideas about technological superiority. By connecting these historical insights to ongoing debates about transportation and environmental impacts, the book provides valuable perspectives for those seeking a deeper understanding of the electric vehicle’s place in automotive engineering history.
2000·312 pages·Automotive History, Electric Cars, Transportation Policy, Technology Adoption, Industrial Sociology

David A. Kirsch, a scholar focused on technology and society, probes the early 20th century when steam, gasoline, and electric vehicles vied for dominance. You gain a nuanced understanding of how social factors, industry interests, and technological choices shaped the fate of electric vehicles, especially through the story of the Electric Vehicle Company and the electric utility sector's role. Chapters exploring the decline of electric trucks and the contested coexistence of multiple propulsion systems shed new light on how preferences and perceptions, rather than pure technical merit, dictated the automobile's path. This book suits anyone interested in the historical context behind today's electric car resurgence and the broader interplay of technology and society.

View on Amazon
Best for hands-on vehicle conversion
This book offers a unique approach to electric cars by focusing on converting gasoline-powered vehicles into electric ones at a low cost. It addresses a practical need for affordable, clean transportation by detailing components like batteries, motors, and control systems in accessible language. The authors’ method empowers those without professional engineering backgrounds to undertake vehicle conversion themselves. This makes it valuable for anyone interested in hands-on learning about electric cars and sustainable driving solutions.
How to Convert to an Electrical Car book cover

by Ted Lucas, Fred Riess·You?

1988·128 pages·Electric Cars, Automotive Engineering, Battery Technology, Motor Systems, Drive Trains

What started as a practical challenge to make electric vehicles accessible became a detailed guide in this book by Ted Lucas and Fred Riess. They break down how you can convert a gasoline-powered compact car or van into a fully functional electric vehicle, with a total material cost around $1,500. You’ll learn about batteries, motors, drive trains, chargers, and control systems, enabling you to choose parts tailored to your driving needs. The book’s approachable style suits anyone with average mechanical skills, and it even covers historical ready-to-drive electric cars, giving you context for the technology. If you want a hands-on introduction to electric vehicle conversion without needing engineering expertise, this book fits the bill.

View on Amazon
Best for personal EV mastery plans
This AI-created book on electric cars mastery is tailored to your experience level and specific interests. You share your background and which advanced topics you want to focus on, and the book is created to match your goals perfectly. This approach makes learning about complex EV technologies more efficient and relevant for you. Instead of generic content, you get a personalized guide that tackles the areas you care about most.
2025·50-300 pages·Electric Cars, Electric Vehicles, Battery Technology, Charging Systems, Vehicle Performance

This personalized book explores advanced electric car concepts tailored to your background and goals. It covers the latest developments in electric vehicle technology, battery innovations, and performance optimization while addressing your unique interests. By focusing directly on the topics you find most relevant, it offers a deep dive into mastering EV systems, charging infrastructure, and sustainable driving practices. This approach reveals practical knowledge drawn from widespread reader experiences, ensuring the content resonates with your specific learning journey. The tailored nature of this book makes complex electric car mastery approachable and engaging, helping you build expertise efficiently without sifting through unrelated material.

Tailored Content
EV Performance Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for historical and technical insights
Gijs Mom is an associate professor in the history of technology at Eindhoven University of Technology. With his academic background, he brings an authoritative voice to the century-long story of electric vehicles, illuminating how they once rivaled gasoline cars in early 20th-century Europe and America. His deep dive into the technological, cultural, and systemic factors offers readers a richly detailed reassessment of electric propulsion’s role in automotive history.
2004·440 pages·Electric Cars, Automotive Engineering, Electric Vehicles, Technology History, Transportation

Gijs Mom, an associate professor specializing in the history of technology, offers a fresh perspective that challenges the longstanding belief that electric vehicles were always inferior to gasoline cars. You’ll learn how electric vehicles once thrived alongside combustion engines, backed by detailed historical analysis of four distinct generations of electric vehicle design and use in both Europe and America. The book dives into cultural biases, technological challenges, and infrastructure issues that shaped the trajectory of electric cars, with chapters dedicated to passenger and commercial vehicles alike. If you want to understand electric vehicles beyond the modern hype and grasp their complex evolution, this book provides a thorough, nuanced exploration.

View on Amazon
Best for inside look at EV innovation
Michael Shnayerson is a seasoned Vanity Fair writer and non-fiction author recognized for his compelling works including 'Boom' and 'The Car That Could'. His extensive background in investigative journalism and storytelling equips him uniquely to unravel the clandestine journey of General Motors' Impact program. This book draws from his remarkable inside access to GM, offering you a rare narrative of automotive innovation and the bold decisions behind the groundbreaking electric vehicle.
1996·295 pages·Electric Cars, Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Development, Corporate Strategy, Innovation

The breakthrough moment came when Michael Shnayerson gained unprecedented access to General Motors' secretive Impact program, enabling him to chronicle the behind-the-scenes development of one of the first mass-produced electric vehicles. You will discover detailed insights into the engineering challenges, corporate decision-making, and technological innovations that shaped GM's pioneering electric car. This book is particularly suited for automotive enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the early evolution of electric vehicles. Chapters delve into the secrecy surrounding the project and the risks GM undertook, offering a rare glimpse into a transformative moment in automotive history.

View on Amazon
Best for beginner EV buyers
Discover what makes this guide a practical starting point for anyone exploring electric cars. Brad Durant’s book breaks down the essentials—from different electric vehicle types to the pros and cons of owning one—helping you make informed decisions amid a rapidly growing market. It addresses common questions and misconceptions, offering clarity on models like the Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf. If you’re considering an electric car, this book serves as a solid introduction to understand what’s involved before making the switch.
2014·104 pages·Electric Cars, Automotive Engineering, Vehicle Types, Model Comparisons, Benefits

Unlike most electric car guides that dive straight into technical jargon, Brad Durant’s book offers a straightforward, beginner-friendly overview that demystifies the transition to electric vehicles. You’ll learn about the history of electric cars, detailed comparisons of popular models like the Tesla Model S and Nissan Leaf, and the practical pros and cons that often get overlooked in advertisements. For example, the book carefully examines the different types of electric cars and highlights key factors to consider before buying. This makes it especially useful if you’re curious about making the switch but want to avoid common pitfalls or marketing hype.

View on Amazon
Best for rapid skill building
This custom AI book on electric vehicles is created based on your current knowledge, specific interests, and learning goals. Since electric vehicle technology covers a wide and fast-changing landscape, having a book tailored to what you want to focus on makes your learning efficient and relevant. AI helps by combining proven popular knowledge with your personal preferences to craft a learning path that suits you perfectly. This way, you get exactly what you need to quickly gain skills and confidence in electric cars.
2025·50-300 pages·Electric Cars, Electric Vehicles, Battery Technology, Charging Infrastructure, Vehicle Types

This personalized book explores the essentials of electric vehicles through a tailored, step-by-step learning path designed to match your unique background and goals. It covers foundational concepts such as battery technology, charging infrastructure, and vehicle types, while also examining practical applications and recent advancements in EV technology. By focusing on your interests, this book reveals how to quickly build expertise and confidence in electric vehicle operation and maintenance. Combining insights drawn from widely validated knowledge with your specific learning objectives, the book offers targeted action steps to accelerate your understanding and application of electric car technologies. This tailored approach makes complex topics accessible and engaging, helping you gain meaningful skills for the rapidly evolving world of electric transportation.

Tailored Content
EV Knowledge Boost
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for engineering-focused readers
This book offers a thorough examination of electric cars, covering their development from early stages to modern battery, hybrid, and fuel-cell technologies. It addresses crucial engineering challenges like charging infrastructure and safety, while also considering key business factors for mass market success. As an established work published by The Institution of Engineering and Technology, it serves engineers and managers seeking to understand both technical and commercial dimensions shaping the future of electric vehicles.
2001·216 pages·Electric Cars, Automotive, Car, Battery Technology, Hybrid Systems

Mike H. Westbrook explores the evolution of electric vehicles, tracing their journey from early prototypes to the latest battery, hybrid, and fuel-cell models. You gain insight into the technical challenges faced by automotive engineers, including charging infrastructure, safety considerations, and cost factors. The book delves into predictions for future vehicle development and market adoption, offering a clear-eyed view of ongoing advancements in range and performance. If you're involved in electric vehicle design or management, this book provides a solid foundation to understand both engineering and business aspects shaping the industry's future.

View on Amazon
Best for economic and policy perspectives
James Billmaier has devoted his professional life to predicting how emerging technologies will impact our lives in the future. As a founding partner of Charge Northwest and former CEO of multiple tech companies holding over 80 patents, he brings unparalleled expertise to the electric vehicle sector. His book outlines how the EV revolution is not just about cars but a sweeping economic shift he calls the "electriconomy," emphasizing why America must act swiftly to lead this transformation for both economic and national security reasons.
2010·236 pages·Electric Cars, Energy Independence, Economic Policy, Automotive Industry, Technology Innovation

James Billmaier's decades of experience in technology and innovation shape this thorough exploration of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. You learn not only why EVs are poised to dominate the personal auto market but also how they will reshape America's economy and energy independence. The book offers detailed insights into the emerging "electriconomy," explaining how a shift from oil to electricity will spur a massive economic transformation. If you want to understand the strategic stakes in the global EV race and what America must do to lead, this book provides a clear-eyed roadmap. It's especially suited for those interested in technology, policy, or economic shifts tied to automotive innovation.

View on Amazon

Proven Electric Cars Strategies, Personalized

Get tailored Electric Cars insights without generic advice that misses your goals.

Custom Insights Fast
Expert Methods Tailored
Focus on Priorities

Trusted by thousands of Electric Cars enthusiasts worldwide

Electric Cars Mastery Code
30-Day EV Boost System
Electric Cars Strategy Blueprint
Electric Cars Success Formula

Conclusion

This collection of seven best-selling Electric Cars books reveals common themes: the importance of historical context in understanding EV technology, practical guidance for hands-on enthusiasts, and insight into the economic and policy shifts driving the industry. If you prefer proven methods, start with technical guides like Ted Lucas's vehicle conversion manual. For validated approaches to the broader impact, combine historical analyses from David A Kirsch and Gijs Mom with James Billmaier’s economic outlook.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Electric Cars book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in navigating the complex landscape of electric vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Brad Durant's "Electric Cars" for a straightforward introduction covering basics and popular models. It’s beginner-friendly and helps you make sense of the market before diving into more technical or historical books.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Electric Cars?

Not at all. Books like "Electric Cars" by Brad Durant and "How to Convert to an Electrical Car" offer accessible entry points. More detailed works are there when you're ready to deepen your understanding.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with beginner-friendly guides, then explore historical and technical books like Kirsch's and Westbrook's for context. Finish with policy and economic perspectives like Billmaier’s "JOLT!" for a full picture.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Electric Cars?

Several books, such as Ted Lucas’s conversion guide, are designed for readers with average mechanical skills, while others provide historical or economic insights suitable for all levels.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

"How to Convert to an Electrical Car" by Ted Lucas offers practical, step-by-step guidance for converting a gasoline car to electric, ideal for hands-on readers ready to start a project.

Can I get tailored Electric Cars insights without reading all these books?

Yes! While these expert books offer proven knowledge, creating a personalized Electric Cars book lets you focus on what matters most to your goals, combining popular methods with your unique needs.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!