As the world accelerates towards a cleaner, greener future, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche innovation, they are the cornerstone of a global energy revolution. But how did we get here? What challenges have we overcome, and what lies ahead? These are the questions at the heart of Electric Vehicle Technologies: Renewable Energy for the road, a compelling new book published by the IET and co-authored by two of the most experienced minds in the field: John Samuel and Pete James.
This book is more than just a technical manual, it’s a sweeping narrative of innovation, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of sustainable transport. Whether you're an engineer, policymaker, student, or simply an EV enthusiast, this book offers a rich, accessible, and inspiring look at the technologies shaping our roads and our planet.
A Meeting of Minds
John Samuel and Pete James bring together decades of complementary experience in electric vehicle development and power electronics. Their collaboration began over a decade ago during an IMechE webinar, and their shared passion for clean transport has driven this project forward.
“I saw EVs arriving in their millions and thought, we’ve done all this work over 45 years. There ought to be a definitive book on electric vehicle technology,” says John. “And it ought to include renewables.”
Pete adds, “I’ve always been motivated by electronics that do something physical in the world—whether that’s moving a vehicle or launching a rocket. Electric vehicles are the perfect intersection of power, control, and purpose.”
From Racing Cars to Redox Batteries
John Samuel’s journey began in the 1960s, building lightweight, low-drag racing cars—an ideal foundation for EV design. His early work on the Enfield 8000, one of the first electric city cars, laid the groundwork for what would become a global movement. “Many of today’s electric cars owe a considerable debt to the Enfield 8000,” he notes, quoting a BBC review.
From Detroit to Denmark, John’s career has spanned continents and decades, including pioneering hybrid vehicles and developing vanadium redox flow batteries for grid-scale energy storage. His work has always been driven by a single word: innovation.
Pete James, meanwhile, has been at the forefront of power electronics since the 1990s. As co-founder of Lyra Electronics, he has worked with major automotive manufacturers on everything from traction drives to fuel cell systems. He also helped write the IET’s Code of Practice for EV charging infrastructure and has played a key role in electric motorsport, including the TTXGP electric motorcycle championship.
The Big Picture: EVs and Renewable Energy
One of the book’s most compelling themes is the integration of EVs with renewable energy. As John explains, “Electric vehicles running on fossil-generated electricity don’t do much other than clean up the cities a little bit. They actually add to the greenhouse gas problem.”
The authors explore how technologies like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) can help stabilise the grid, especially as we move away from traditional power stations with high inertial mass. Pete highlights the role of EVs in frequency regulation: “Electric vehicles can offer some stability by outputting energy from their batteries as well as controlling when they take the load.”
China, BYD, and the Global Race
The book doesn’t shy away from the geopolitical dimensions of the EV revolution. The authors discuss how China’s aggressive investment in charging infrastructure and vertical integration, exemplified by companies like BYD, has propelled it to the forefront of the industry.
“BYD is now ahead of Tesla in terms of volume,” says John. “They make their vehicles 30% cheaper and have gone for both hybrids and battery EVs, which gives them a broader market.”
Pete adds, “What’s incredible is that BYD makes its own electronics, its own batteries and even the power modules. That level of vertical integration is hard to compete with.”
What’s Next?
The authors are candid about the challenges ahead. From grid upgrades to charging infrastructure, from battery innovation to public perception, the road to mass EV adoption is still under construction.
“There’s a huge challenge,” says John. “By 2050, we could have 3 billion cars on the road. We’ve got to have at least 50% of them running on clean fuels or electricity.”
Pete is equally passionate: “We need to be efficient with all energy, not just fossil fuels. Even renewable energy shouldn’t be wasted. And we need to bring down the cost of EVs so that everyone can afford them.”
Why You Should Read This Book
Electric Vehicle Technologies: Renewable Energy for the road is not just a technical guide, it’s a roadmap for the future. It covers everything from the history of EVs to the latest in battery chemistry, from policy and infrastructure to the role of fusion and hydrogen.
It’s also a deeply personal book, filled with stories of trial and triumph. As John recalls, “Jeremy Clarkson once tested one of our hybrids and said it was no faster than a Ford Anglia. We tweaked the software, and after another go, he said, ‘This is better. I like it.’ That’s the power of innovation.”
Meet the Authors
John Samuel is a veteran engineer and entrepreneur with over 45 years of experience in electric vehicle development. He has worked on pioneering EV projects across the UK, US, and Europe and was instrumental in developing the Enfield 8000 and early hybrid vehicles.
Pete James is a power electronics specialist and co-founder of Lyra Electronics. He has worked with leading automotive companies and helped shape the IET’s standards for EV charging and energy storage. He is also a passionate advocate for clean transport and innovation.
Join the Conversation
Have you read Electric Vehicle Technologies: Renewable Energy for the Road? What are your thoughts on the future of EVs and renewable energy? Are you working on a related project or considering a career in this field?
Leave a comment below! We’d love to hear your questions, insights, and experiences. The authors are happy to respond and continue the conversation.
Ready to dive in? You can purchase the book directly from the IET: Electric Vehicle Technologies – IET Shop or recommend the book to your librarian Electric Vehicle Technologies: Renewable energy for the road | IET Digital Library.