
"Who Killed the Electric Car?" is a 2006 documentary film directed by Chris Paine that explores the rise and fall of electric vehicles in the United States, focusing particularly on the General Motors EV1. Upon its release, the film received positive critical acclaim for shedding light on the environmental and corporate factors that led to the demise of electric cars in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, while it resonated strongly with environmentalists and car enthusiasts, it remained somewhat niche in mainstream audiences. Over time, as electric vehicles have surged in popularity and become more mainstream, the documentary's reputation has grown significantly. It is now widely regarded as an important and prescient work that highlighted early challenges facing electric transportation. Today, "Who Killed the Electric Car?" is considered a cult classic within automotive and environmental documentary circles, appreciated for its investigative storytelling and its role in sparking conversations about sustainable transportation.