EV1 engendered great loyalty from the few hundred folks fortunate enough to get one. ^[5] EV1 wait anxiously for ABC news crew to publicize the danger, but it was in vain. Not even the news could save them from being destroyed.^[6]

General Motors was not the only corporation that felt threatened by the electric car. The oil companies soon became partners in a conspiracy (yes, the word does apply here) to abort the EV-1.^[7] General Motors has been at the center of one of the nation's largest controversies over clean emissions-cars. In 1996 the company introduced the EV-1 electric car in California and Arizona.^[8] General Motor's CEO, Roger Smith challenged the same design team to build a prototype practical electric car which became known as the 'Impact' when announced in 1990. The project expanded to small scale production vehicles with the aim that it would give GM several years lead over any competitor car companies.^[9]

Toyota’s Prius is currently the most popular hybrid, ironically, as the US program of hybrid vehicles is what prompted the Japanese to compete in the first place. With the number of hybrids increasing, the question is no longer why, or how do we incorporate electric cars into our lives, but when will this new technology become part of our mainstream culture?^[10] Toyota was the only company that sold some of its electric vehicles -- all the other car companies only leased. So the cars that were sold were not able to be recalled and crushed.^[11]

They're called "bicycles.". ^[13] They're not, and, to no surprise, the storm is still looming in the distance. ^[14]

Fast and furious, "Who Killed the Electric Car?".is, in brief, the sad tale of yet one more attempt by a heroic group of civic-minded souls to save the browning, warming planet. The story mostly unfolds during the 1990's, when a few automobile manufacturers, including General Motors, were prodded to pursue ?^[20] Fast…zero to 30 in three seconds. Zero to 60 in eight seconds.^[21]

Thanks to reliance on oil we're not only causing huge environmental problems such as pollution and global warming, but we're also enriching the bully-boys who brought us 9-11! How much more trouble and tragedy do we - not just the U.S., but the entire civilised world - need?^[22] Thank you for releasing this shot under CC license. Just wanted to let you know I've selected to display this image at 'Electric Cars ' news page (it's my hobby site), full attribution and link to you is provided.^[23]

Paine's rogues gallery of evil corporate interests and money-hungry manufacturers probably points to wrong-doers, but it fails to yield exciting cinema. ^[26] Paine pinpoints many possible culprits, including consumers, corporations, and the government. ^[27] Paine tells with bite. In 1996 a Los Angeles newspaper reported that 'the air board grew doubtful about the willingness of consumers to accept the cars, which carry steep price tags and have a limited travel range.' Mr.^[28]

Paine then resourcefully takes this passion the audience feels about the issue and presents us with clear ways to channel that enthusiasm. ^[29]

Hybrids save fuel - whether its gasoline, diesel, ethanol, bio-fuels or hydrogen. Is GM trying to kill the hybrid-electric vehicle as well?^[35] Hybrid and electric car technologies are held up to be glorious and infallible while other technologies are mocked and impugned. The filmmakers did a good job of pointing out the shortcomings of other "new" technologies but they never discussed the limitations of hybrids or electric cars.^[36]

Ever had a car that broke down 10% of the time? Why doesn't the film even mention the fact that the battery pack of the EV1 cost over $25,000 and lasted about 5 years, making the car, not the cheap form of transportation that the liars in the film claim, but instead the most expensive car in the world to drive?^[38] Eventually the California Air Resources Board (CARB) caved, seduced by the promise of hydrogen fuel cells, and GM (and the other auto makers, who’d jumped into the market) killed their electric cars. They didn’t just pull the leases and take the cars back, they crushed and shredded them, wanting to ensure that they never got out there again.^[39] Even though it's not the movie, it's still an interesting view, they go in depth into some of the topics discussed in the movie. It's about a 26 minute program.^[40]

Ever wonder why GM's sales are falling? In the face of rising gas prices, Toyota's hit Prius hybrid and a $1.1 billion loss posted last quarter, GM has announced a whole new line of large pickups and SUVs for next season.^[41] EV's work, and work well. Also, in the extras it explains why a Hydrogen future is a waste of time and money trying to develop.^[42]