Ryan Bruin

Professor Hubert
Pol 1010
Sep 28 2014
REVENGE OF THE ELECTRIC CAR
In 2006, the same companies that built them purposely destroyed electric
cars. Today, electric cars make a comeback. The film Revenge of the Electric Car
presents the recent resurgence of electric vehicles as seen through the eyes of four
pioneers of the electric vehicle revolution. General Motors (GM,) Nissan, Tesla
Motors, and a part time electric car converter who refuses to wait for the
international car makers to create the electric cars that the public demands. Revenge
of the Electric Car follows these auto-makers as they race each other to create the first,
best, and most publicly accepted electric cars for the new car market.
The purpose of this artifact is to educate the public on the evolution of the
electric car. I believe that the film did a very good job at analyzing the electric car
and the failures, and successes that accompany it. The purpose of this film is to
eventually convince others to be advocates for electric cars, despite the previous
failures. The idea is to prove that the car companies have figured out how to create
an electric car that is both affordable, and environmentally friendly.
The entire film is filled with ups and downs. While watching the film, I was
back and forth on my opinion about electric cars depending on the rise and decline
of the economy. However, I thought the film did a great job at portraying the idea
that all successful ideas require great risks. Some of the strengths of the film include

that the arguments were fairly assessed and critical thinking was apparent. For
example, knowing that the general public would worry that the electric car was a
bad idea because of the risk of running out of power, Bob Lutz, co-founder of
General Motors, counter-acts the argument with creating a car that has a gasoline
plan B, that will come into action when the original source of power runs out.
Another strength of the article is that it recognizes that the criticism of the public
comes from those who do not have any authority or knowledge when it comes to
cars or business. Entrepreneurs must take the criticism with a grain of salt in order
to be successful. They must take risks and hope for the best in order to keep up with
the other companies and public demand. The CEO of Nissan, Carlos Ghosn, said, we
must predict the future, prepare for it, you dont know if its going to happen, but if it
does, well be ready. This is just one of many examples in the artifact that
demonstrates the reality of the risks involved within this industry.
A general pattern of uncertainty was a weakness in the film. The
documentary did not go into great detail about things that I deemed important. For
example, in the beginning of the film, it was mentioned that drivers protested
against the first electric vehicle, the EV 1, but it didnt mention why. Due to that,
General Motors claimed they made the biggest mistake when they destroyed their
first electric car, but again, the explanation was questionable. I couldnt tell you the
exact why behind this situation; I think it needed to be elaborated on. Later in the
film, it was made clear that if Bob Lutzs mind could be changed by technology, that
anybodys opinion could be altered. It was left at that for a period of time before it
was finally explained. I feel like this was a potential weakness in the film because it

left the viewer confused for a good chunk of time. Another weakness is that
although the film shows many different credible people and their opinions on the
electric car, all were advocates for the idea. They do not touch base on the possible
risks that are involved, as well as the benefits of gasoline-powered vehicles. This
makes for a biased opinion.
According to rottentomatoes.com, a credible movie reviewing site, Revenge of
the Electric Car received a 70%. I however, would give this film a B or an 85%. The New
York Times movie review states slick, enjoyable valentine to a retooling industry. This
optimistic film lacks the outrage of the earlier work, but thats O.K. A movement needs
its triumphs too. I would have to agree fully with this comment. I think that it did a great
job at promoting the electric vehicle movement, but doesnt adequately recognize the
outrage of earlier work within the car-making industry. I give this film a high rating due
to ability it had to keep me interested, and the credible sources that were involved in this
film. Not to mention, by the end of the film, I was intrigued and the newest advocate for
electric vehicles. For that reason alone, I think the film successfully conveyed its
message.
Michelle Krebs an auto-analyst from Edmonds.com said it best when she
claimed that it is a race between the companies. Whichever company could create
a desirable, environmental, fast, and affordable car the quickest, would be the most
successful. The film took the viewer inside the four major founders of the electric
car and demonstrated the many difficulties as well as triumphant moments within.
It also touched base on the financial aspect, the demand, sacrifices made, and
governmental aid in keeping the companies alive. If I could describe the relationship

between the companies in one word I would say competition. Besides all of the
nitty gritty car details, the main concern of the CEOs was winning, being on top.
Many different politics were involved when it came to creating the vehicles. I felt as
if they would sacrifice certain aspects in order to be first, or to be the fastest, or the
cleanest. Because of the lack of certain components, the electric vehicle idea failed
time after time. Something I found interesting was that certain companies tried to
buy out the other companies CEOs. For example, General Motors tried to buy out
Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan due to his extremely valuable sales skills. In the end,
the electric vehicle movement was very successful. All companies addressed,
succeeded. I liked the documentary because it didnt just talk about the good, but the
hard times too. I think the deeper message in the story line is that in order for great
things to come about, great risks must be taken. I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this
film and like previously mentioned have an increased interest in electric vehicles.

WORKS CITED
"Certified Fresh Picks." Rotten Tomatoes: Movies. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Oct. 2014.
"Breaking News, World News & Multimedia." The New York Times -. N.p., n.d. Web. 09
Oct. 2014.
Revenge of the Electric Car. Dir. Chris Paine. Perf. Bob Lutz, Elon Musk and Carlos
Ghosn. 2011. DVD.