Who Killed the Electric Car?

By Chris Paine

Subjects: Electric automobiles, Corrupt practices, Oil industries, Government policy, Petroleum industry and trade, Renewable energy sources, Automobile industry and trade, Sustainable development

Description: It was among the fastest, most efficient production cars ever built. It ran on electricity, produced no emissions and catapulted American technology to the forefront of the automotive industry. The lucky few who drove it never wanted to give it up. So why did General Motors crush its fleet of EV-1 electric vehicles in the Arizona desert? Who Killed the Electric Car? chronicles the life and mysterious death of the EV-1; examining the cultural and economic ripple effects caused by its conception and how they reverberated through the halls of government and big business. Paines film investigates the events leading to the quiet destruction of thousands of new, radically efficient electric vehicles. Through interviews and narrative, the film paints a picture of an industrial culture whose aversion to change and reliance on oil may be deeper then its ability to embrace ready solutions. Who Killed the Electric Car? and Chris Paine were nominated by the Writer's Guild for Best Documentary of 2006. The film also received nominations from The Broadcast Critics Awards and The Enviromental Media Awards for Best Documentary of 2006. The film won the audience award at the Canberra International Film Festival. and won a special jury prize at the Mountain Film Festival. - Publisher.