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 introduced the EV-1, an innovative electric car that challenged traditional automotive design. Offering zero emissions and eliminating the need for gasoline, oil, or routine maintenance, it appeared to be an ideal vehicle. However, just six years later, GM unexpectedly recalled and dismantled the entire fleet. This documentary explores the story behind the EV-1’s brief existence and investigates the reasons for its sudden disappearance, raising questions about the future of electric vehicles.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Who Killed the Electric Car? yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

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

Unlock the Full Story of Who Killed the Electric Car?

Don't stop at just watching — explore Who Killed the Electric Car? in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Who Killed the Electric Car? is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Who Killed the Electric Car? Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Who Killed the Electric Car?, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Who Killed the Electric Car? Summary

Who Killed the Electric Car? Timeline

Track the full timeline of Who Killed the Electric Car? with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Who Killed the Electric Car? Timeline

More About Who Killed the Electric Car?

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Who Killed the Electric Car?: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Who Killed the Electric Car?

Similar Movies to Who Killed the Electric Car?

Discover movies like Who Killed the Electric Car? that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.