Review
Boyer doesn't write with the kind of pastoral gloom many climate advocates and activists swear by. He's clinical, sticks to the facts, presents the facts, yet writes with a kind of matter-of-factness and creative nonfiction touch, making the read immersive emotionally to boot — but not by way of apocalyptic doomsday-saying, or a general, grim atmosphere.
----- Colin Jordan - Medium
By highlighting the history, and more importantly the significance of that history, Boyer comes across as informed, reliable, and most importantly in touch. He isn't preaching to a particular choir, rather a particular gospel, factually-backed and unemotional. Appropriately clinical. The result is multi-pronged, this can speak to those skeptical about the idea of replacing oil and gas, and simultaneously bolsters Boyer's already considerable arguments, backed by facts, stats, and the ABCs of basic engineering knowledge.
"Boyer, an author, professor, and self-proclaimed car enthusiast, tells a story about the automotive industry's evolution toward embracing electric vehicles, appealing because they help reduce carbon emissions and rely less on fossil fuels. Boyer is an advocate for electric vehicles and is passionate about the research that is ongoing, calling the transformation a "rebuilding of society." In this book, readers can take one of two journeys: read cover-to-cover, or pick and choose chapters. The book begins with an introduction and a strategic analysis of success factors for electric vehicles, followed by profiles of three well-known auto manufacturers, General Motors, Tesla, and Honda, as well as Vinfast, out of Vietnam. He forecasts their success in selling electric cars before shifting topics to environmental and societal change. Readers will be drawn to the conversational style and organization of the book, helping them grasp the industrial challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This book is for those interested in the technological shift from gas-powered to electric vehicles, the future of the automotive industry, and the people who are impacted by the change."
Hollywood Digest
Kenneth K. Boyer's excellent book, The Electric Vehicle Revolution, delves into the complexities of the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). It focuses on the green transformation of the global auto parts supply chain to make this incredibly difficult journey. It offers insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the automotive industry as it re-engineers its operations to create a cleaner, post-carbon future.
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by major car manufacturers marks the most significant shift in the automotive industry since the gas car replaced the horse and buggy.
The book highlights the stories of influential leaders in the EV industry. Each of these leaders brings a unique perspective and vision for transforming transportation while navigating the challenges of profitability and sustainability in a capitalist economy.
Boyer's examination raises critical questions about the future of transportation and whether the ongoing auto revolution can successfully lead to a more sustainable economic model. The book provides a thought-provoking exploration of the innovations and struggles within the industry, offering readers a glimpse into the potential pathways to a greener, more sustainable future.
The groundbreaking book's ten chapters give a wealth of EV industry information. Five of the chapters are focused on automotive leaders and their companies that Boyer highlights as leaders of the EV revolution.
-- Bill Pierce, EV Influencer
From the Author
This book was born out of a long career researching and teaching about supply chains - and a fortunate opportunity to do a sabbatical in Vietnam. From a visit to VinUniversity in Vietnam an idea to write a book about the vast changes in the automotive industry was born.
This book tells a story about the electric vehicle revolution using five main characters. Elon Musk; Mary Barra (CEO of GM); Pham Nat Vuong, founder of VinFast; Jim DeLuca, who has had leading roles at GM, VinFast, and Ceer; and Rob Hanson, cofounder of Monolith. Each of these leaders has a vision for their company and a greener world. All
four are seeking to align the Gears of Change and bring a revolution in transportation.
Join me on a fascinating journey/read through history and into the future - many stories of interesting and world changing innovations - and the unintended downsides to what Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller, Otto Benz and many others introduced to the world. Going forward, the visionaries and others shaping this revolution will impact out lives .... interested?!
From the Back Cover
"Essential reading for those driving the EV industry transformation, The Electric Vehicle Revolution provides a captivating exploration of the global shift toward electrification."
- Alan Taub, director, Electric Vehicle Center, University of Michigan
"Kenneth K. Boyer captures critical insights regarding the birth and development of the EV revolution essential for understanding its impact and future course."
- Joe Cole, president, Advanced Mobility Solutions, a Technical Rubber Company
"Focuses on a handful of companies and players at the forefront of EV evolution. A key cog, in Boyer's eyes, is transforming the supply network, an element that has been skillfully deployed by Elon Musk and his team, underpinning the success of EV leader Tesla."
- Paul Lienart, Felix Strategy
"Offers insights into the inspiring mindsets, practices, courage, and vulnerability of leaders who are pushing vital and challenging frontiers."
- Marianne W. Lewis, PhD, dean, University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business; author, Both/And Thinking
"Boyer is a car lover, an enthusiast, and a respecter of the automobile sector and its history who, as a passionate observer, has shared an honest, fascinating, and understanding assessment of what is truly an electric vehicle revolution."- Steve Hellem, executive director, Suppliers Partnership for the Environment
About the Author
Kenneth K. Boyer is a supply chain management researcher with over fifty peer-reviewed publications and the author of two prior books, Extending the Supply Chain and Operations and Supply Chain Management for the 21st Century. He is also a Fisher-designated professor of operations and business analytics in the Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University. Boyer has been researching and teaching supply chain management for three decades and has been an automobile enthusiast since riding in his father’s 1965 Corvette Stingray. His first car was a Ford and he currently drives a Tesla Model 3. He lives in Columbus, Ohio.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Excerpt © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Excerpt from the Preface
In addition to believing that electric cars provide a better driver experience than gasoline-powered cars, I also believe the adoption of electric vehicles is one of the best waysto reduce carbon emissions worldwide. But transitioning from gasoline to electricity as a power source requires a transformation of epic proportions. It requires rebuilding society through investments, from mining to production and assembly to the underlying energy grid that powers our daily lives.
My hope is that readers of the book will identify with some of the people profiled while recognizing that it is completely human to innovate and try new things, only to discover over time that any new product or process inevitably has both positive and negative features. As humans advance and gain new knowledge, we hopefully work to mitigate the negatives or unintended consequences of new technologies or systems of living. This book is intended to help readers increase their understanding of the pluses and minuses of electric vehicles, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with the transformation process.
The book is written so that it can be read in two different ways. The chapters are laid out in a manner that is intended for cover-to-cover reading. At the same time, it is challenging to provide more than a superficial explanation of many of the technical and supply chain challenges involved with changing power sources, packaging, tires, and the overall supply network in a purely linear manner. Thus, the book is organized around the introductory chapter, followed by a strategic analysis of key factors that must be mastered for success. Chapter 2 is titled, pun intended, “Gears of Change.” The second section profiles four auto manufacturers driving the industry: Tesla, Vinfast, General Motors, and Honda. The third section focuses on two technical areas where the industry (both the auto manufacturers and their supply network) are pushing for both environmental and societal change: “Power Sources” and “Tires.” The last chapter, “Driving It Home,” seeks to pull the story together and provides forecasts regarding the chances for success for the individuals and companies described throughout the book. Alternatively to a straight read through, readers also are encouraged to pick and choose the chapters they find most interesting, as my intention is that any of these chapters can stand on its own as a story and analysis.
Imported From: United States