The astute Epinions follower will know that my recent reviews have focused on electric vehicle technology. I have given the subject countless hours of research in an effort to bring the public another perspective on it's importance to America's future. The review that follows is short but to the point: if you are curious or wanting to buy a hybrid get this book!

The book opens up with a discussion about the benefits of hybrids and covers some of the fallacies in their existing technology. The one weak point of the current hybrid lineup in America today is the lack of plug-in ability. The author explains the various technologies in use today supplemented with diagrams and photos.

After the opening, the meat of the book is a collection of car reviews with editorial style insets scattered about the page. Each review is finished with a specification page. The cars covered in this book are (with personal side notes by me added for your benefit):
Toyota Prius - car is available as of March 2008 in Houston, one car in Houston even had an aftermarket leather upgrade!
Toyota Highlander Hybrid - SUV was tagged with a markup in Houston.
Toyota Camry Hybrid - car is available as of March 2008 in Houston.
Lexus RX400H
Lexus GS450H
2006 Honda Insight
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrid
Mercury Marineer Hybrid
Ford Escape Hybrid - New York city cab service has taken a majority of the 2008 dealer allocation. Only a special order can get this SUV to the Houston market as of March 2008.
Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid
GMC Sierra Hybrid
Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid

Our story finishes up with coverage of alternative fuel vehicles and discussion of future automotive technologies. Expect to read about all-electric, natural-gas, fuel-cell and ultra-compact vehicles. Nick does a good job debunking the hype and even presenting illustrations of the way these technologies would be implemented.

The book is packed with black and white photos for you the reader to enjoy. The pictures of the cars themselves are good but remember seeing the car in person is a much better way to judge it's appearance. For example, the interior of the Toyota Prius looks much better in person! A hefty table of contents and index are helpful when the book is used for reference. The book is only 160 pages long and measures 9" x 7" x .5".

Recommended Reading And Websites
The following list of books and DVDs will also help you understand electric vehicles:
Electric Dreams: One Unlikely Team of Kids and The Race to Build the Car of the Future
Who Killed The Electric Car?
Solo: Life With an Electric Car
Michael Brian Schiffer - Taking Charge: The Electric Automobile in America

Plug In Hybrids By Sherry Boschert

Summary
Structured like a consumer reports novella, The Essential Hybrid Car Handbook by Nick Yost is an exceptional book that covers every aspect of hybrid cars. You will learn how to buy the right car, upgrade it and maintain your valuable purchase. Young and old alike will delight to the colorful layout and easy to read text. Finally, the current Amazon price is almost a flat $10!

Recommended: Yes