The Lazy E loves fast cars. Sleek sexy gas-less cars. That’s why electric cars get us so charged; hello Tesla, Th!nk, Aptera. But, if you are like us and still waiting in line for one of those mean muscle mobiles, consider converting your current car engine over to electric power by consulting the new book Build Your Own Electric Vehicle. In this exclusive interview, the author, Seth Leitman, gives us the clean details about electric engine conversions.
MARGARET: The first edition of ‘Build Your Own Electric Car’ was written by Bob Brant in 1994. What are the major differences between the two books?
SETH: The first and most glaring difference is that when I submitted the manuscript for the book oil had reached over 0 a barrel (when Bob Brant’s estimates for change were at 0).
Oil prices, climate change, “Who Killed The Electric Car?,” economic crisis and “Pimp My Ride.” MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” was a successful TV show about converting cars and good mechanical jobs. This lead me to the question could a car shop “pimp” and “e” my ride at the same time.
The American Spirit is partially based on our automobile. It is part of our essence and our freedom of expression and that is what makes the electric car conversion so cool and green at the same time. Take, for instance, an old 1957 Chevy or a Porsche 911 as your second car. Get a mechanic to trick out the inside interior and make it all electric. Good for your pocket and the environment at the same time.
The other great part about electric cars is all the job possibility: the industry needs more mechanics! Local mechanics could be getting more work to create electric cars; thereby creating a whole diverse economic platform for mechanics. Not to mention most of the better motors and controllers are made right here in the USA.
With predominantly US companies leading the way, we are only further propelling an economic opportunity to reduce energy costs, provide a sustainable car for th environment and still enjoy driving. We have had the technology needed revolutionize the electric vehicle industry. Only now, we really need it! Like the old adage goes, Crisis Creates Change.
