What do you think?
Rate this book
Inevitable: Inside the Messy, Unstoppable Transition to Electric Vehicles
A sweeping portrait of the EV transformation and what it means for all of us.
The question is no longer if electric vehicles will happen, or even when they'll happen, but how. Veteran automotive reporter Mike Colias takes you inside the transformation in this thoroughly reported profile of the hard pivot in the car business, a $2 trillion industry undergoing the biggest change in its 120-year history—a change that is already sending ripples across the entire global economy.
Colias documents the inevitable shift from pistons to electrons from every angle, taking you inside the boardrooms where executives battle over their EV strategies to take on Tesla and, more recently, emerging Chinese powerhouses such as BYD. He brings you to family-run car dealerships deciding if they'll sell EVs—or sell their businesses. He follows entrepreneurs along lonely stretches of road that will soon need charging stations. He talks to power-train engineers whose skills were once the beating heart of the automotive industry but who now find themselves being replaced by coders.
This is an epic exploration that stretches from Detroit to Japan to Germany to China, and from factories in Normal, Illinois, and Haywood County, Tennessee, to a burgeoning mining operation along the shores of California's briny, lithium-rich Salton Sea.
Inevitable is a deeply enjoyable and smart book that uses masterful storytelling to capture the expanse and dynamism of the transition to electric vehicles in profound detail, bringing to life its seismic effects on everything and everyone.
The question is no longer if electric vehicles will happen, or even when they'll happen, but how. Veteran automotive reporter Mike Colias takes you inside the transformation in this thoroughly reported profile of the hard pivot in the car business, a $2 trillion industry undergoing the biggest change in its 120-year history—a change that is already sending ripples across the entire global economy.
Colias documents the inevitable shift from pistons to electrons from every angle, taking you inside the boardrooms where executives battle over their EV strategies to take on Tesla and, more recently, emerging Chinese powerhouses such as BYD. He brings you to family-run car dealerships deciding if they'll sell EVs—or sell their businesses. He follows entrepreneurs along lonely stretches of road that will soon need charging stations. He talks to power-train engineers whose skills were once the beating heart of the automotive industry but who now find themselves being replaced by coders.
This is an epic exploration that stretches from Detroit to Japan to Germany to China, and from factories in Normal, Illinois, and Haywood County, Tennessee, to a burgeoning mining operation along the shores of California's briny, lithium-rich Salton Sea.
Inevitable is a deeply enjoyable and smart book that uses masterful storytelling to capture the expanse and dynamism of the transition to electric vehicles in profound detail, bringing to life its seismic effects on everything and everyone.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published February 4, 2025
28 people are currently reading
2235 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 23, 2025
I am not a car person - at all. But I am an environmentalist, deeply concerned about climate change and the environment. So when my wife and I started to think about getting a new car to replace the old one, I started to read up on - and became fascinated by - electric vehicles. As a result, in the last couple of years, it's become sort of a hobby of mine to read up on new electric vehicles and the progress of EVs and EV technologies.
"InEVitable" tells the story of the last ~10-20 years of the EV transition. It does so in an evenhanded, realistic kind of way, based off of years of automotive reporting and an understanding of the industry players that shies away from the sometimes utopian optimism of EV promoters or excessive skepticism and pessimism of EV detractors. For example, Colias clearly notes that nobody in the automotive industry today truly thinks that current target end dates for the end of the combustion engine are actually realistic - with the author postulating that, even in 2045, at least in the U.S., consumers will likely still have multiple ICE options to choose from alongside EVs.
One of the most important things I learned from this book was the fact that it was Volkswagen's Dieselgate scandal, and VW's subsequent pivot towards massive investments in EVs, that really kicked off the turn of the legacy car industry towards EVs. While automakers had invested in electric vehicles up to this point, they were largely compliance cars designed to meet regulations. Automakers hadn't yet invested in reorienting their infrastructure and supply chains to design and build EVs from the ground up, but VW's turn (of course, alongside Tesla's success) catalyzed the auto industry to truly pivot towards EVs.
Another lesson that is clear from this book is that, as chapter 14's title has it, "Building Cars is Hard." Especially, building EVs that aren't just retrofitted ICE vehicles is challenging. The book starts with Ford CEO Jim Farley asking his team to take apart the Mach-E and Lightning and compare them to the Tesla Model Y - the exercise being a humiliating one for the engineers, as it showed that the Ford design added over 70 pounds of unneeded weight and somewhere between $3000-$4000 of added cost compared to Tesla's more efficient design. Ford still has no EVs on the market that are designed from the ground up - though they promise to release such offerings in the next couple of years. GM, while more successful than Ford in setting up a fairly decently comprehensive lineup of EVs for different drivers, likewise struggled to set up and operationalize its Ultium battery factories. Even the near (by end of this year) re-introduction of the Bolt promises to be more of an upgrade to the earlier design than a complete redesign. Traditional automakers are clearly still learning how to make EVs.
Colias' treatment also clearly demonstrates how automakers reached an overhype stage of optimism for EVs in the early 2020s, only to reach new barriers and challenges from late 2023 onwards. Automakers did not expect the accelerated growth of 2020-2022 to slow down as dramatically as has been the case since then - leading to adjustments in investments towards more of a multi-pathway approach including hybrids, PHEVs/EREvs, and EVs - seemingly validating (in a general sense, at least) Toyota's overall approach in the process. Except in cases of significant government intervention (as in Norway and China), it seems that current EV technology is not quite yet up to the challenge of fully replacing ICE - although that doesn't mean it won't be in the future. On the other hand, as Colias persuasively demonstrates, automakers are unlikely to move away from an EV trajectory - for multiple reasons, including government regulations, climate change, Tesla's stock value, and perhaps most importantly, the competitive threat of Chinese EVs.
"InEVitable" covers most of the elements of the ongoing EV transition, but not all. Traditional automakers, including GM, Ford, VW, and Toyota are covered quite well, as is EV charging infrastructure and EV and battery factories. Tesla's story is weirdly enough not given its own chapter(s), but is instead selectively covered as kind of the background to the wider story of traditional automaker's pivot towards EVs. Battery technologies are covered only quite briefly, and not much is said about current efforts to diminish fast charging times (upcoming 10-80% 10 minute charge times will likely attract much more of a mass market than 20-30 minute charge times). And while the book covers the United States in particular depth, it does quite well weaving developments in China and Germany into that story as well.
When my wife and I bought our new car last year, we ended up with a Corolla Hybrid. I would've liked to have gotten an EV, but affordable options only just barely existed for used ones. Given the developments in EV technology, given the extensive gaps in U.S. charging infrastructure, given the price of new EVs, and given the fact that we currently only own and use one car rather than two and would like to be able to road-trip smoothly alongside daily use - as well as given both the affordability and reliability of Toyota hybrids - we ended up not getting an EV this time. But I'm hopeful that the next time we'll need to buy a vehicle we'll have more affordable EV options, more ubiquitous and faster charging charging infrastructure, improved EV designs and battery technologies, and a market further along on the pathway towards an all EV future.
"InEVitable" tells the story of the last ~10-20 years of the EV transition. It does so in an evenhanded, realistic kind of way, based off of years of automotive reporting and an understanding of the industry players that shies away from the sometimes utopian optimism of EV promoters or excessive skepticism and pessimism of EV detractors. For example, Colias clearly notes that nobody in the automotive industry today truly thinks that current target end dates for the end of the combustion engine are actually realistic - with the author postulating that, even in 2045, at least in the U.S., consumers will likely still have multiple ICE options to choose from alongside EVs.
One of the most important things I learned from this book was the fact that it was Volkswagen's Dieselgate scandal, and VW's subsequent pivot towards massive investments in EVs, that really kicked off the turn of the legacy car industry towards EVs. While automakers had invested in electric vehicles up to this point, they were largely compliance cars designed to meet regulations. Automakers hadn't yet invested in reorienting their infrastructure and supply chains to design and build EVs from the ground up, but VW's turn (of course, alongside Tesla's success) catalyzed the auto industry to truly pivot towards EVs.
Another lesson that is clear from this book is that, as chapter 14's title has it, "Building Cars is Hard." Especially, building EVs that aren't just retrofitted ICE vehicles is challenging. The book starts with Ford CEO Jim Farley asking his team to take apart the Mach-E and Lightning and compare them to the Tesla Model Y - the exercise being a humiliating one for the engineers, as it showed that the Ford design added over 70 pounds of unneeded weight and somewhere between $3000-$4000 of added cost compared to Tesla's more efficient design. Ford still has no EVs on the market that are designed from the ground up - though they promise to release such offerings in the next couple of years. GM, while more successful than Ford in setting up a fairly decently comprehensive lineup of EVs for different drivers, likewise struggled to set up and operationalize its Ultium battery factories. Even the near (by end of this year) re-introduction of the Bolt promises to be more of an upgrade to the earlier design than a complete redesign. Traditional automakers are clearly still learning how to make EVs.
Colias' treatment also clearly demonstrates how automakers reached an overhype stage of optimism for EVs in the early 2020s, only to reach new barriers and challenges from late 2023 onwards. Automakers did not expect the accelerated growth of 2020-2022 to slow down as dramatically as has been the case since then - leading to adjustments in investments towards more of a multi-pathway approach including hybrids, PHEVs/EREvs, and EVs - seemingly validating (in a general sense, at least) Toyota's overall approach in the process. Except in cases of significant government intervention (as in Norway and China), it seems that current EV technology is not quite yet up to the challenge of fully replacing ICE - although that doesn't mean it won't be in the future. On the other hand, as Colias persuasively demonstrates, automakers are unlikely to move away from an EV trajectory - for multiple reasons, including government regulations, climate change, Tesla's stock value, and perhaps most importantly, the competitive threat of Chinese EVs.
"InEVitable" covers most of the elements of the ongoing EV transition, but not all. Traditional automakers, including GM, Ford, VW, and Toyota are covered quite well, as is EV charging infrastructure and EV and battery factories. Tesla's story is weirdly enough not given its own chapter(s), but is instead selectively covered as kind of the background to the wider story of traditional automaker's pivot towards EVs. Battery technologies are covered only quite briefly, and not much is said about current efforts to diminish fast charging times (upcoming 10-80% 10 minute charge times will likely attract much more of a mass market than 20-30 minute charge times). And while the book covers the United States in particular depth, it does quite well weaving developments in China and Germany into that story as well.
When my wife and I bought our new car last year, we ended up with a Corolla Hybrid. I would've liked to have gotten an EV, but affordable options only just barely existed for used ones. Given the developments in EV technology, given the extensive gaps in U.S. charging infrastructure, given the price of new EVs, and given the fact that we currently only own and use one car rather than two and would like to be able to road-trip smoothly alongside daily use - as well as given both the affordability and reliability of Toyota hybrids - we ended up not getting an EV this time. But I'm hopeful that the next time we'll need to buy a vehicle we'll have more affordable EV options, more ubiquitous and faster charging charging infrastructure, improved EV designs and battery technologies, and a market further along on the pathway towards an all EV future.
March 17, 2025
This book gives an approachable perspective on the pursuit of electrifying vehicles in America. I recommend for those who’d like a deeper understanding of the pros and cons to the EV argument, the major players, and what they see in the headlines.
March 13, 2025
Riveting Revelation of the EV Revolution
Mike Colias’ “Inevitable” delivers an insightful, well-researched exploration of the chaotic shift from gas-powered cars to EVs. Blending sharp analysis with real-world case studies from major automakers, Colias unpacks the technological, economic, and political hurdles shaping the industry’s future.
The book highlights themes of innovation, resistance to change, and the power struggles between legacy automakers, startups, and policymakers. Colias maintains a balanced perspective—neither glorifying nor dismissing the EV revolution—but instead emphasizing its uncertainty and complexity. His journalistic style is clear and engaging, making technical and business concepts accessible without oversimplification. I particularly enjoyed his vivid portrayals of industry executives and technology innovators, drawn from firsthand interviews, which add a human dimension to the narrative.
While the book focuses heavily on U.S. automakers, with less attention on global competitors like China’s BYD, it offers a broad, contemporary take on the business and policy challenges of electrification. A compelling read for anyone interested in the future of transportation, business strategy, or sustainability. I’d love to see a sequel in 10–15 years, tracking how these industry battles, technological advancements, and policy shifts ultimately played out—who thrived, who faded, and whether the transition truly proved inevitable.
Mike Colias’ “Inevitable” delivers an insightful, well-researched exploration of the chaotic shift from gas-powered cars to EVs. Blending sharp analysis with real-world case studies from major automakers, Colias unpacks the technological, economic, and political hurdles shaping the industry’s future.
The book highlights themes of innovation, resistance to change, and the power struggles between legacy automakers, startups, and policymakers. Colias maintains a balanced perspective—neither glorifying nor dismissing the EV revolution—but instead emphasizing its uncertainty and complexity. His journalistic style is clear and engaging, making technical and business concepts accessible without oversimplification. I particularly enjoyed his vivid portrayals of industry executives and technology innovators, drawn from firsthand interviews, which add a human dimension to the narrative.
While the book focuses heavily on U.S. automakers, with less attention on global competitors like China’s BYD, it offers a broad, contemporary take on the business and policy challenges of electrification. A compelling read for anyone interested in the future of transportation, business strategy, or sustainability. I’d love to see a sequel in 10–15 years, tracking how these industry battles, technological advancements, and policy shifts ultimately played out—who thrived, who faded, and whether the transition truly proved inevitable.
June 4, 2025
This is a long form article, a string of anecdotes. It’s very short on business strategy or analysis of industrial organisation
May 29, 2025
As a Tesla investor, I'd say Colias got some of his reasoning wrong for some of his data, but overall an interesting book. The history lesson about some of the other brands was illuminating.
April 1, 2025
Mike Colias’ Inevitable takes a look at the ongoing shift from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles (EVs). Drawing from his experience with the automotive industry, Colias explains the challenges faced by traditional car companies like Ford and General Motors as they try to compete with innovators like Tesla and Chinese car makers. He talks about the difficulties of new technology, resistance to change, and the struggle between old and new players in the market.
The book is easy to read and does a great job of breaking down complex ideas, so it’s accessible to readers like me who aren’t experts in cars or business. Colias mixes facts and real-life stories from people in the industry, which makes the book interesting and relatable. Although the focus is mostly on U.S. automakers, Colias gives a good overview of how the global auto industry is dealing with the rise of EVs.
I would be curious to see a revisit in a few years down the road, particularly in light of the drastic changes in policy by the current US administration, the opposition to Tesla due to Elon Musk's involvement in US politics and government, and the increasing pace of Tesla's competition.
Overall, Inevitable is a great read for anyone curious about the future of cars, sustainability, or business competition. It shows how the transition to electric vehicles is happening right now, and the author's clear, balanced perspective makes it an enjoyable and informative read.
My thanks to the publishers, who provided me with a free copy in exchange for this freely given review.
The book is easy to read and does a great job of breaking down complex ideas, so it’s accessible to readers like me who aren’t experts in cars or business. Colias mixes facts and real-life stories from people in the industry, which makes the book interesting and relatable. Although the focus is mostly on U.S. automakers, Colias gives a good overview of how the global auto industry is dealing with the rise of EVs.
I would be curious to see a revisit in a few years down the road, particularly in light of the drastic changes in policy by the current US administration, the opposition to Tesla due to Elon Musk's involvement in US politics and government, and the increasing pace of Tesla's competition.
Overall, Inevitable is a great read for anyone curious about the future of cars, sustainability, or business competition. It shows how the transition to electric vehicles is happening right now, and the author's clear, balanced perspective makes it an enjoyable and informative read.
My thanks to the publishers, who provided me with a free copy in exchange for this freely given review.
June 9, 2025
As someone who follows the EV industry closely, I found Inevitable by Mike Colias to be a refreshingly honest and engaging look at the electric vehicle revolution. Colias, a seasoned auto reporter, takes readers inside the boardrooms of major automakers, revealing the real struggles and bold moves behind the scenes as companies like Ford, GM, and Volkswagen pivot toward electrification.
What makes this book stand out is its focus on the people—the executives, entrepreneurs, and workers driving change—and its global perspective, covering everything from battery factories in the U.S. to lithium mines and the rise of Chinese EV makers. Colias doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges: he highlights the cultural resistance, supply chain headaches, and financial risks that make this transition so complex.
While I would have liked a bit more depth on Chinese brands and autonomous driving, Inevitable is packed with insights and behind-the-scenes stories that any EV enthusiast will appreciate. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the messy, unstoppable shift reshaping the auto industry.
What makes this book stand out is its focus on the people—the executives, entrepreneurs, and workers driving change—and its global perspective, covering everything from battery factories in the U.S. to lithium mines and the rise of Chinese EV makers. Colias doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges: he highlights the cultural resistance, supply chain headaches, and financial risks that make this transition so complex.
While I would have liked a bit more depth on Chinese brands and autonomous driving, Inevitable is packed with insights and behind-the-scenes stories that any EV enthusiast will appreciate. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the messy, unstoppable shift reshaping the auto industry.
April 11, 2025
This was a recommendation from a colleague/friend with whom I usually talk books. And I decided to give it a try.
I believe the book is great, I didn’t quite enjoy the order with which it was written, I believe that a chronological order would have been great in this one, however, that’s just my opinion
As for the content of the book, it was fantastic, I enjoyed all the stories, the information, the explanations it had. One can really tell the author knows what he’s talking about.
If you know nothing about where the car industry is headed to, grab this one and enjoy it!
I believe the book is great, I didn’t quite enjoy the order with which it was written, I believe that a chronological order would have been great in this one, however, that’s just my opinion
As for the content of the book, it was fantastic, I enjoyed all the stories, the information, the explanations it had. One can really tell the author knows what he’s talking about.
If you know nothing about where the car industry is headed to, grab this one and enjoy it!
May 10, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy, and I enjoyed it, but I didn’t finish as quickly as I had hoped. This was an interesting book, and it is well written in a way that everyday people like me can understand. I learned more in this book than I expected. I won’t lie, I had a slow start with this one. But I think if you’re even mildly interested in the topic, that it is worth checking out.
March 23, 2025
Very interesting read, both historically and unique insights. Highly recommend if you want to learn more about EVs
May 2, 2025
perfekts stāstījums kas apvieno aelektro auto vēsturi, tehnoloģiju, psiholoģiju un politiku.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews