In 1996, a new wave of electric vehicles (EVs) surged onto the roads of California, capturing the imagination of a public that craved innovation. These modern marvels operated silently and swiftly, free from the pollutive grasp of gasoline, marking a promising step towards sustainable transportation. However, the optimism faded, and nearly a decade later, these advancements had all but vanished, leading to the question: Who really killed the electric car?
'Who Killed the Electric Car' is a gripping documentary that delves into the intricate narrative surrounding the rise and fall of the electric vehicle from the early 1990s to 2006. Directed by Chris Paine, the film combines insightful interviews and rich archival footage featuring over 65 individuals intimately connected to this enigmatic saga. Paine masterfully sets the stage with a retrospective look at the origins of electric cars, dating back to the twentieth century, and recounts how initial innovations were ultimately overshadowed by the advent of gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which proved to be less expensive.
As the film progresses, it highlights the dire consequences brought on by traditional gasoline vehicles, illustrated by smog, skyrocketing asthma rates in children, harmful carbon dioxide emissions, and the severe ramifications of climate change. The documentary also alludes to the U.S. military's involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, an issue that is noticeably overlooked in relation to the mounting costs in both human lives and finances.
The narrative shifts to 1987, when General Motors made headlines by winning the World Solar Challenge with their solar-powered car, the SunRaycer. This victory prompted then-CEO Roger Smith to challenge the design team to create a practical electric vehicle, leading to the inception of the Impact in 1990. Up until this point, the state's Air Resources Board (CARB) had identified a pressing need for cleaner vehicles and enacted the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate in 1990. This legislation mandated that automotive manufacturers sell a progressively increasing number of zero-emission vehicles, leaving them with no substantial choice but to either comply or resist—a dual strategy they ultimately employed.
The documentary meticulously reveals the insidious tactics employed to stifle the growth of electric vehicles. Oil companies stood to lose a significant profit margin if electric vehicle sales escalated, and they conspired with others to undermine the movement. In 1996, GM initiated a leasing program for the EV1, its first electric production vehicle, while other manufacturers followed suit by converting existing models into electric variants for lease. However, despite overwhelming potential, the board at GM showed little faith in the car's success, dismissing it as unprofitable due to high development costs and the absence of a lucrative maintenance revenue model less prevalent among electric vehicles.
The documentation underscores the poor battery technology, particularly the substandard Delco lead-acid batteries installed in the EV1, as a critical failure point. Furthermore, the marketing strategies employed were viewed as disingenuous, aiming to deter public interest rather than promote the benefits of the vehicle. The car companies countered claims advocating for renewable resources, arguing that using coal electricity for EVs would generate more pollutants than gasoline; however, experts swiftly rebutted this assertion.
Throughout the story, Alan Lloyd's tenure as chair of CARB comes under scrutiny as he influenced significant weakening in the ZEV Mandate's requirements, endorsing unproven hydrogen fuel cell technology while sidelining electric battery innovations that were already proving successful. As the federal government and oil lobby pressured the state to terminate the ZEV Mandate, the narrative starkly details how automakers began to shut down EV programs in 1999, shifting focus towards more lucrative gas-guzzling vehicles like the Hummer.
With the expiration of EV leases in 2004, the mass destruction of electric vehicles commenced, symbolizing the erasure of an innovative venture from the public consciousness. Chris Paine hired a helicopter to document the devastating sight of around 50 crushed EV1s at GM's Proving Ground. Public entities rallied against this unwarranted destruction, presenting protests and identifying potential buyers eager to revive the EV1 fleet, yet GM remained unresponsive to their overtures.
In an evaluative moment, the film examines various “suspects” involved in the demise of the EV, attributing guilt across the board—from oil companies to governmental entities, automotive corporations, and even misled consumers. In a sobering conclusion, the documentary reflects on the resiliency of electric vehicle technology that has once again begun to take shape in today's market.
The plug-in hybrid vehicle emerges as a beacon of hope, championing efforts from varied political factions to promote clean energy solutions. With escalating oil prices, burdensome military engagements, and the urgent threat of global warming, there is a mounting desire to pivot away from fossil fuel reliance. New trends in electric vehicle production are on the rise, with companies exploring solar power and battery innovations unfettered by traditional oil industry constraints.
The film concludes with a poignant reflection from January 2006, as George Bush openly accepts, “America is addicted to oil,” leaving viewers with a pressing contemplation on the shift toward a cleaner, electric future.
