Who Killed the Electric Car?

Who Killed the Electric Car?

Year: 2006

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Chris Paine

Documentary

In 1997, General Motors unleashed the EV-1, a groundbreaking electric car that defied conventional norms. With zero emissions, no gas, oil or maintenance required, it seemed like the perfect ride. But six years later, GM mysteriously recalled and destroyed the entire fleet. This documentary delves into the rise and fall of a revolutionary vehicle that had the potential to change the game.

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Timeline & Setting – Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1990s - 2006

The film covers the critical timeline from the emergence of modern electric vehicles in the 1990s until 2006. This period saw both significant advancements in electric vehicle technology and a systematic decline of these cars due to corporate and governmental pressures. The timeline reflects the struggles between innovation and market forces influenced by oil companies and automotive giants.

Location

California, Arizona, Australia

The film is primarily set in California, where electric cars were first introduced and later suppressed. Arizona is depicted through the visuals of GM's Proving Ground, highlighting the fate of the EV1s. Australia is referenced as the site of the World Solar Challenge, emphasizing the global nature of the development of electric vehicle technology.

🌍 Location 🚗 Electric Vehicle

Last Updated: January 02, 2025 at 17:53

Main Characters – Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)
Meet the key characters of Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Chris Paine

Chris Paine serves as the documentary's filmmaker and narrator. He passionately investigates the historical and political factors that led to the demise of the electric car. Paine's determination for social change and his role in documenting this critical environmental issue showcase his commitment to raising awareness around sustainable transportation.

🎬 Filmmaker 🌍 Environmentalist

Last Updated: January 02, 2025 at 17:53

Major Themes – Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)
Explore the central themes of Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚡ Innovation vs. Greed

The theme centers around the clash between technological innovation and corporate greed. The film illustrates how electric vehicles, despite their potential to transform the automotive industry and reduce pollution, were stifled by profit-driven motives of oil and car companies. This theme raises questions about consumer choice versus corporate influence.

🌱 Environmental Awareness

Environmental issues are at the forefront, highlighting the detrimental effects of fossil fuels and the promise of cleaner alternatives. The documentary connects public health concerns and emissions with the urgency for sustainable energy solutions. It advocates for the transition to electric vehicles as a means to combat global warming.

Last Updated: January 02, 2025 at 17:53

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