Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)

Getting around is something that everybody needs to do. The most valuable and profitable source of transportation is automobiles. However, as the need for fuel supply is in high demand, the price of oil goes up, and consumers are not easily persuaded. Enter the electric car: an automobile of the future that could reduce our oil consumption by a hefty margin. So, why don't we see a lot of them on the road? There are many possible answers, as well as solutions and alternatives, that are promptly explored in the 2006 documentary “Who Killed the Electric Car?” It is a pretty shocking look at automobiles and the ways alternative energy can be obtained. But at the same time, the film is somewhat dated as there have been major strides since this film premiered. “Who Killed the Electric Car?” is a rather interesting look at how automobiles can present the new way for the future, but ultimately, consumers can not be that interested.

The point that the film is trying to convey is that in the mid-90s, General Motors unleashed unto the world the electric car. A vehicle that didn't need consumption from gasoline, and run on a powerful battery that could be charged at various power stations, or at home. But because of government interference, especially from the government of California, electric cars soon had to be taken off the roads, only for destruction or museum preservation. But why?

“Who Killed the Electric Car?” is a unique documentary about how persuasive people's minds can be when it comes to buying cars.

The film explores many subjects that link to the death of the electric car. Topics include government intervention, oil and car companies, and of course, the American consumers.

Now, of course, there really is no answer to this question, but here's what I think.

Personally, it was a lack of consumer interest, as well as the car companies realizing that this type of source would be too much to handle.

For consumers, they were not interested enough to buy the vehicle, and therefore, the car went into obscurity. Consumers wanted familiarity, and they got it by not purchasing an electric car. Also, the electric car was somewhat expensive as from what people saw, the electric car was something that mostly rich people- i.e. celebrities- could afford.

For car companies, it was considered a big gamble. They didn't want to put in enough time and effort to make electric cars a reality, and with consumers not purchasing them, what was the point of making them? At least in America.

After this movie came out, car companies across the Pacific- Toyota and Nissan for example- have created electric cars that consumers could purchase, and have better qualities like lower gas mileage and whatnot. Also, car companies have made major advances in alternative fuel sources, most notably, hybrids, in producing better vehicles for the general public.

The above paragraph pretty much summons up what the major issue that this movie has. Had the filmmakers done a little more research, then the film would have been given a much better conclusion.

So, “Who Killed the Electric Car?” is an interesting documentary that has paved the way for future endeavors. The filmmakers just needed to be more aware of their facts.