Revenge of the Electric Car

A few years ago, a documentary film was released that gave filmgoers a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes dealings that would lead to the untimely demise of General Motors' EV-1 electric car. The film was called, appropriately, Who Killed the Electric Car?

While the tone the filmmakers went for was one of corporate conspiracy, and of evil executives protecting their greedy interests, it did show something that many people have overlooked: years before the sky-rocketing of oil prices, before carbon footprints were in everybody's mouth, before the effects of climate change had started becoming increasingly evident, one of America's legendary car companies came up with a vehicle that was astoundingly advanced and that, many claim, would have changed the whole playing field. As far back as 1996!




Almost fifteen years later, the car industry has given us hybrid vehicles like the Honda Insight, the Toyota Prius, and the Chevrolet Volt (arguably the EV-1's heir - except for the fact that it is a hybrid and not purely electrical). All of these cars are, by themselves, a big step forward towards the zero-emissions vehicle that we need today. But in light of GM's earlier attempt, they almost would seem to be a step backward, or a half-hearted attempt at best. Many arguments can be made: market wasn't ready, too expensive, not really appealing to consumers, blah, blah, blah. Truth is, I would absolutely agree to all of this if GM had let the market decide on the EV-1. But they pulled the plug on the project too early, and without much explanation.

Now, Tesla Motors, a start-up and as such a company without the corporate hurdles tha GM had, has shown the industry that there is a market for electric cars. Nissan will be launching their LEAF this year. BMW has been testing its all-electric Mini-E since last year. More carmakers, both old and established, and young and hungry for recognition, are due to enter the market with their own offerings.



The electric car was almost killed. The reasons? Many. None in particular. I think that's beside the point, and better not dwelt upon. The filmmakers that created Who Killed the Electric Car? have realised this. The future looks bright - and they've seen it. Now they're readying up a new documentary, which rather than lament the EV-1's untimely and unprovoked demise, celebrates the birth and growth of it multiple descendants. In light of this, the new documentary's title is fitting in more ways than one.

It is, indeed, the Revenge of the Electric Car.