Revenge is sweet for electric car enthusiasts. There are lots of signals that the electrification of the auto industry finally has reached a tipping point.
Less than seven years after GM recalled and destroyed most of its EV1s, there are now more than 20,000 electric cars on the roads and new releases on the way. Gasoline prices in California are creeping up toward the five-dollar mark, prompting new interest in fossil fuel alternatives. And this year California passed the toughest clean car standards in history. The Federal government is considering similar standards.
It's this revolution in the auto industry that film maker Chris Paine tries to capture by following four industry pioneers in his 2011 film, "Revenge of the Electric Car" now out on DVD. This time around the doors of GM seem to be wide open for filmmaker Chris Paine who directed, "Who Killed the Electric Car." In his latest documentary former GM head Bob Lutz and Paine seem to actually be on friendly terms as Lutz explains his hopes for the Plug in hybrid GM/Chevy Volt. We visit Nissan's Carlos Ghosn and find out more about the company’s mass market play with the Nissan Leaf. We also hear from Tesla's risk taking CEO, Elon Musk as well as an underground electric car converter in L.A.
It's an interesting look at the auto industry's reversal on electric cars although it could use some editing and a bit more of an investigative look at the next gen EV revolution. A lot has happened since the film wrapped up in 2010. If you are in the Bay Area you can check out a screening of the film and timely discussion to follow. KQED and ITVS are organizing the event as part of their community cinema series.
WHAT: Screening of Revenge of the Electric Car and discussion with panelists to follow
Where: San Francisco Public Library
WHEN Tuesday, March 20th.
TIME: Doors open at 5:15. Screening starts at 5:30.
