Watch Who Killed the Electric Car?

Who Killed the Electric Car? is a thought-provoking and eye-opening documentary from 2006 that explores the rise and fall of electric cars in America. The film sets out to answer the titular question - who is responsible for the demise of electric cars in the early 2000s? The documentary is directed by Chris Paine and features an all-star lineup of narration from the likes of Martin Sheen, Tom Hanks, and Mel Gibson, making it a compelling and engaging watch.

The documentary begins with a brief history of electric cars, dating back to the early 1900s when they were more commonly used than gasoline vehicles. The film then jumps to the late 1990s when California began implementing state laws requiring car manufacturers to produce a certain number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The film predominantly focuses on one of the first electric cars to hit the market, the General Motors EV1, which was produced in response to these new laws in 1996.

Through interviews with former EV1 drivers, environmental activists, auto industry insiders, and clips from news broadcasts and advertisements, the film explores the benefits of electric cars and why they were gaining popularity at the time. Those who drove the EV1 adored the car for its quietness, lack of tailpipe emissions, and overall efficiency. The film also touches on the positive environmental impact of electric cars, as they produce no emissions and rely on clean energy sources like wind and solar power.

However, as the documentary progresses, things take a turn for the worse for the electric car market. The film delves into the politics and greed that ultimately led to the demise of the EV1 and other electric cars. The documentary highlights the influence of powerful oil companies, their massive lobbying efforts, and the complicity of the government, which allowed these corporations to maintain their profit margins at the expense of the environment and public health.

Through the film's interviews with auto industry insiders and experts, it is revealed that many of the major car companies fought against electric cars, instead choosing to invest in gasoline engines and other non-electric technologies. The documentary claims that the idea of the electric car was squashed because it threatened powerful interests in the fossil fuel and automotive industries, who were more interested in maintaining the status quo than investing in clean, sustainable energy solutions.

Who Killed the Electric Car? is a powerful and impactful documentary that forces viewers to question the motives of individuals and corporations who prioritize profit over the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. It raises important questions about the role of government in regulating industries and protecting the environment, and the need for consumers to be more conscious of the products they buy, the companies they support, and the impact of their actions on the world around them.

Overall, Who Killed the Electric Car? is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of electric cars, the politics of the auto industry, and the ongoing fight for sustainability and a cleaner, healthier future. The narration by Martin Sheen, Tom Hanks, and Mel Gibson provides a compelling and emotional narrative to the story, making it both informative and engaging. Whether you're an environmentalist or simply interested in the history of technology and the automotive industry, this documentary is sure to leave a lasting impact.

Who Killed the Electric Car? is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 70.