Who Killed the Electric Car? documents the birth, limited commercialization and subsequent demise of the United States' battery electric vehicle and specifically, the General Motors EV1 of the 1990s. This ground-breaking modern car was created in response to the smog and subsequent public health issues caused by auto exhaust pollution in California. The GM EV1 didn't need gas, oil changes or mufflers, and required only occasional brake maintenance. But the car was never made available for public sale. Instead, interested consumers signed up for a lease with no clause allowing for purchase at its conclusion. The EV1 was ultimately recalled and production discontinued, GM citing a lack of consumer demand as its motive. But evidence revealed by Who Killed the Electric Car? supports the notion that other, more persuasive forces were at work. Among them, those with a stake in the gas-guzzling auto industry and the government officials whose pockets they fill. Suncoast Sierra Club hosts a screening of the film with a discussion, prize drawings and light refreshments to follow. Sat., May 19, 6-10 p.m., Studio@620, 620 First Ave., S., downtown St. Petersburg, free admission, 727-895-6620, thestudioat620.com.
This article appears in May 16-22, 2007.