Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)

Steeped in a world where fossil fuel shortages, escalating gasoline prices, and unrest in oil-rich regions are the norm, the documentary 'Who Killed the Electric Car?' paints a riveting and timely tale of innovation, politics, and a planet under threat. This narrative begins in the late 1980s, when General Motors, inspired by their creation of a solar-powered vehicle for a competition, ventured to develop an affordable electric car. The result was a high-powered, zero-emission vehicle, capable of running nearly 100 miles on a single charge - a distance sufficient for most daily commutes. As the specter of global warming loomed larger, California state regulators, armed with the knowledge that such a technology was viable, passed the pioneering Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate in 1990. This regulation required all automakers to offer zero-emission vehicles for sale within the state, thereby positioning the electric car as the most promising beacon of a cleaner, more sustainable future. Despite the initial enthusiasm and the passionate pleas of the electric car lessees, the mandate faced fierce opposition, culminating in its revocation in 2003. Under relentless pressure from the auto industry, the California Air Resources Board was sued and forced to retreat. Automakers began a systematic repossession of their electric vehicles, refusing to re-lease or sell the cars even to their existing users. 'Who Killed the Electric Car?' takes you on a journey through this turbulent period in automotive history, revealing the array of forces that conspired against the rise of electric vehicles. This includes not only car companies, Big Oil, and government officials but also consumers, who astonishingly turned their backs on this revolutionary technology in favor of gas-guzzling SUVs. In the end, the film serves as both an education and a call to action, shedding light on the death and resurrection of the electric car, the role of renewable energy, and the importance of sustainable living. It underscores the urgency of addressing our dependence on foreign oil - a concern that transcends political leanings, resonating with everyone from progressive liberals to the neo-conservative right. This is more than just the story of a car; it is a wake-up call to humanity, a plea for change, and a testament to the power of innovation that was once within our grasp.

Who Killed the Electric Car? is a documentary movie featuring Martin Sheen and directed by Chris Paine.

Who Killed the Electric Car? is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.

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