Review of Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006) by Janet F — 30 Jan 2010

Produced after 9/11 but before GM's bailout, "Who Killed the Electric Car?" examines the development and death of the 90s era, attractive, consumer-friendly electric car developed by GM (not to be confused with today's golf-cart like "smart cars"), in response to California's temporary legislative mandate that it do so in order to sell cars in California's large market. At the time of the electric car's development for California's market, motivation centered largely on environmental and health issues. (It is common in CA to have several days a year declared emergency air days where the elderly and those with respiratory issues are asked to remain inside for their heath, and anyone not having to make trips outside are encouraged to remain home. Further health issues for reasonably healthy people living in smog dense regions regions exist.) However, now, additional motivations for a viable electric car could include avoidance of transferring wealth to foreign countries that formally and informally wage war on America and a personal economic desires to not spend money on automobile gas. It's shocking when you understand that the technology for electric cars, having a speed capacity of over 70 mph and a range of up to 300 miles before needing a recharge HAS EXISTED FOR WELL OVER A DECADE.

GM did not relish producing electric cars, although consumers wanted them and, in fact, waiting lists existed to receive them. It minimally fulfilled its legal mandate, while at the same time actively lobbying against the requirement that it manufacture electric cars for the California market. Ultimately, GM was successful. Electric cars of this type are no longer on the road. At what point, given the consequences of GM's bailout and long history of squashing any alternate transportation that deviates from the dependence of individuals on cars fueled by petroleum, can we reasonably identify GM as a treasonous corporate citizen?

An American conversion to affordable, viable cars not using petroleum for fuel is a goal that can make unlikely bedfellows out of liberals and conservatives who might not agree on much else. "Who Killed the Electric Car?" is a must-see for people concerned about America's wealth transfer to the mid-East, climate change, effects of pollution on health, and GM's beneficiary relationship with the US government. Does that include you?