Revenge of the Electric Car

The filmmakers that brought us the acclaimed documentary/murder mystery 'Who Killed the Electric Car?' are now gearing up for a film entitled, 'Revenge of the Electric Car.' Though it may sound like the title of a campy 1970s-style horror pic, it's actually the second documentary from director Chris Paine to center on the idea of electric-only transportation for the mainstream market.

The original film, which garnered accolades from the Sundance Film Festival, the Writers Guild of America, and scores of others, explored the short and abrupt end to the life of the now legendary GM EV1 electric car. The film became the second highest grossing theatrically released documentary of 2006 by probing why such a revolutionary vehicle would ever be willfully destroyed by its creator. Chris Paine delved into the mystery by interviewing former GM employees, government insiders, and smattering of notable Hollywood-types.

According to the filmmakers, 'Revenge,' is neither a follow-up nor a sequel to the first film. In an FAQ section of the film’s website, they assert that this will be a “very different film—in tone, approach, and content.”

So what’s the crux of this film? The website’s answer is “electric cars are back from the dead.” The most famous of which is GM’s own Chevrolet Volt, which has become the flagship for the resurgence of the EV movement in the US and abroad. The film’s subject is no doubt a timely one, as manufacturers around the globe scramble to get their EVs to market amid fluctuating fuel prices that show no signs of stabilizing.

Furthermore, 'Revenge of the Electric Car' “tells the story of the EV renaissance, circa 2008-2010.” The film’s website goes on to say “From new cars to conversions to plug-in hybrids, we’ll follow the many strands of what is—literally—an electrifying story.” The ultimate question it will answer is, can EVs finally challenge the 100-year rule of gasoline engines, petrodollars, and entrenched interests? In other words, will the EV be killed again?