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This 2006, documentary film explores the story of a concept vehicle, GM’s EV1. Through interviews and old footage, the history of electric car technology and the politics of new car manufacture are examined. The underlying emotion in this film is America’s love affair with cars. The EV1 owners enjoyed their positive contribution to the environment through a car that was sporty and fun to drive. The film walks the viewer through technology issues and competing interests.
In 1990, GM introduces the concept car, Impact, later (at release) renamed EV1. General Motors offered the EV1 as a lease. No one was allowed to buy the car. They were testing the concept of electric cars and of re-charging stations around the country. Even when the test was terminated, GM turned down $1.9 million from consumers who wanted to buy the cars.
Who Killed the Electric Car?
The EV1 achieved between 60 and 100 miles on a single charge. The plan was to minimize the impact on the grid by charging the EV1 at night, when then demand for power is low.
The Environment
Thomas Davenport invented the first electric car in 1834. In 1890, Thomas Edison used nickel-alkaline batteries in his electric car design. In 1903, 33% of the cars on the road are electric and 33% gasoline powered. In 1930, Ford’s mass production of gas-powered engines killed the first successful electric cars.
The Environment and the EV1
An electric car offers zero emissions. Hybrid vehicles, while an improvement, still produce C02.
History and Electric Cars
The story of the General Motors EV1 is presented as a mystery. Suspects in the murder are examined and motives are questioned. The seven suspects are the consumers, battery technology, oil companies, auto manufacturers [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], U.S. Government, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and hydrogen fuel cars. The motives and actions of each suspect are explored and then a guilty or innocent verdict is pronounced.
Southern California, an area that has long supported the reduction of automobile emissions, was the testing ground for GM’s concept vehicle. While the EV1 was being leased (it was never sold) interest was high and putting your name on a waiting list was required. It was not easy to lease the car. Significant paperwork was required – including a resume. Eventually [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], in 2002, all leases were revoked for safety reasons and all cars were returned and destroyed. There are no other examples of a car company taking this action. Not even for the Chevrolet Corvair or Ford Pinto, both with known safety concerns.
At the heart of the electric car story is the impact on the environment. In this time when fuel is expensive, dwindling and destroying our environment [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], it is time to consider alternative options. An electric car meets the needs of most drivers and provides fuel at a price that is under $1.00 per gallon.
The consumers are passionate about their support and some of the suspects seem to behave in a way that defies the logic of new product innovation. The film has a point of view, but the viewer is given enough information to form an independent opinion.
The film was written and directed by Chris Paine. It is narrated by Martin Sheen and features commentary and performances by Ed Begley, Jr., Phyllis Diller, Mel Gibson, Tom Hanks and Alexandra Paul, representatives of GM, CARB and other industry specialists. Begley and Paul are featured as outspoken supporters of the environment and EV1 owners.
The Director. Supporters and Detractors of the EV1
Read on
Alternative Sources of Automobile Fuels
Hybrid Cars Enter the Mainstream Auto Market
Electric Car and North American Energy Supply