This text for engineers and business managers working in electric vehicle development describes the history, current status, and likely future development of electric cars. Coverage includes such topics as AC and DC propulsion methods, types of charging systems, design and safety issues, and experimental and production hybrid electric cars. Economic issues relating to electric and hybrid cars also are addressed. Westbrook recently retired as Manager of Technological Research with Ford Motor Company at Dunton, Essex. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)