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Who Killed the Electric Car

I’m angry. I’m mad at the president, the oil companies, the state of California, and several major automakers, all because of this little documentary, “Who Killed the Electric Car”. The film mentions several electric cars that came out around the same time period, but the film’s focus is on General Motors’ EV-1.

The narrative begins with a funeral service, staged to draw attention to the fact that General Motors was not just ending its electric car program but recalling all the existing cars. It goes on to talk with drivers delighted with the EV-1’s performance and appalled by GM’s lack of faith in the line. They wanted to buy their cars but were only allowed to lease. When the company ended the EV-1 program, they took back the cars and destroyed them.

Writer/director Chris Paine tells the car’s story through the salesperson who fought for the cars alongside the lessees and to GM executives who defended their actions. He explores landmark legislation enacted by the same California energy board that later caved to complaints from carmakers. He looks at the ad campaign for the EV-1 and the response from consumers. The film wraps up with a checklist of “suspects” in the car’s murder, presenting the evidence and finding each guilty or innocent.

Even if you’re not concerned about global warming, gas prices, or the environment, the simple waste of a fleet of cars that were running perfectly could be enough to get your dander up. “Who Killed the Electric Car” is an eye-opening film that’s well worth seeing – if you don’t mind getting angry.

Written by: Auriette Lindsey

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