Who Killed the Electric Car?

In 1996, electric cars started to emerge on California's roads, presenting a new eco-friendly alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. These cars were noteworthy for being silent, fast, and emitting no exhaust, attracting interest as a possible solution to the growing environmental concerns of the time.

In 1996, General Motors began leasing the EV1, its first modern electric vehicle, to a small number of customers. This step was part of an effort to comply with California's Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate, even though the company had reservations about the vehicle's profitability.

In 1990, the California Air Resources Board passed the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which mandated that automakers increase the sale of zero-emission vehicles. This regulatory environment pushed car manufacturers to either adapt to the law or fight it in court, leading to considerable tension in the automotive industry.

Despite the initial enthusiasm for electric cars, their appeal dwindled over the following decade. Consumer demand was undermined by poor advertising and misinformation propagated by the car companies, which exaggerated the limitations of electric vehicles to potential buyers.

General Motors developed the EV1 after winning the World Solar Challenge in 1987 with the SunRaycer solar car. The EV1 aimed to lead the market in electric vehicles, but the company's leadership never fully supported it due to concerns over profitability and maintenance costs.

As the ZEV Mandate put pressure on car manufacturers, coalition efforts formed among car companies, oil firms, and the federal government to legally challenge and overturn the mandate. This opposition signaled a collective denial of the market shift towards electric vehicles.

In 1999, car manufacturers began to shut down their electric vehicle programs following weakening concessions in the ZEV Mandate. General Motors shifted focus to more profitable models, such as the Hummer, signaling a retreat from electric vehicle innovation.

In 2004, as leases expired, car companies began reclaiming and crushing their electric vehicles, including the EV1. This sidelining of electric cars was a dramatic effort by manufacturers to erase their existence from public perception, leading to widespread dismay among EV supporters.

From 2004 to 2005, public protests erupted against the destruction of the EVs. These demonstrations highlighted the discontent and frustration of consumers who believed that there was substantial demand for electric vehicles that manufacturers were intentionally thwarting.

During his investigation, filmmaker Chris Paine discovered a stash of around 78 EV1s in a GM back lot in Burbank, California, which had been neglected and were awaiting destruction. This find sparked outrage and became a symbol of the evanescent dream of electric cars in the mainstream market.

The film showcases the growing realization that battery technology was rapidly improving, paving the way for better electric vehicle performance. It counters the prevalent narrative from automakers that electric cars had limited range and capacity compared to conventional vehicles.

As oil prices rose and the threats of global warming became more apparent, interest in electric vehicles began to revive. New groups like 'Plug-In America' emerged, promoting electric and hybrid vehicles as viable alternatives to traditional gas-driven cars.

In January 2006, during his State of the Union address, President George Bush highlighted America's dependence on oil, acknowledging the serious issue facing the nation. This admission hinted at a potential shift towards sustainable energy alternatives, including electric vehicles.