Movie Review: Who Killed the Electric Car?

Wow! I just watched this extremely compelling movie about how corporate greed can turn to absolute lunacy when a brilliant step toward the future threatens the corporate cash cow. The film shows, for example, how General Motors literally repossessed every last EV1 (its electric car of the late 1990s) and sent them off to an automobile shredding facility in the desert of Arizona. Despite long waiting lists for the car, GM claimed that consumer demand was insufficient to continue production. The oil industry's biggest players including Mobil and Chevron are also shown playing part in the ugly demise of the electric car. These entities created faux consumer groups that advocated against the creation of charging stations in California, among other below-the-belt antics. Although much of it is not news for folks who have been paying attention, the film gives helpful historical insight on the oil markets of the last 30 or so years.

Despite the persuasive indictment of the oil industry and automakers for undermining the growth of the electric car market, the movie ends on an optimistic note. Like it or not, Mobil, General Motors, and Chevron must face the reality that the technology exists for electric powered cars. Unlike hydrogen fuel cells and other "potential" fuels, electric technology is ready for the road right now. In fact, it was in mass production nearly ten years ago. While GM may have backed out on this alternative, many hobbyists and environmentalists have converted their gas-powered cars to electric. Toyota is in the midst of developing an even more fuel efficient version of its hybrid that relies on a plug-in rechargeable battery. After seeing this movie, I can see how my little "Carlita" (my Honda del Sol) would be a great candidate for conversion to electric power. Can I put a conversion kit on my wedding registry?? Oil independence, here I come!

The final word? This must-see movie gets Lisa's super five-flower rating!