Who Killed Electric Car

Is electric car era finally dawning in US?

Concern over gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon combined with concern over greenhouse gases have caused consumers to reconsider the electric vehicle. In fact, President Obama is hoping to get people charged up about electric cars by offering big rebates.

But would you ever buy one?

On "The Early Show," CBS News Correspondent Ben Tracy reported that Chris Paine, a proponent of electric cars and documentary filmmaker, has an all-electric Tesla roadster that goes from zero to 60 miles per hour in about four seconds.

But, Tracy pointed out, Paine knows just how long and slow the road has been for electric vehicles.

Paine's documentary, "Who Killed The Electric Car?" chronicled their rise back in the 1890s and then again in the 1990s. Both times, car makers gave up on electric because gas-powered cars were cheaper and went further.

Now, Paine has a new film, called "Revenge of the Electric Car." It shows intense competition among auto companies to mass produce a new era of plug-in electric vehicles. Why? Gas isn't cheap anymore, and climate change is a growing concern.

Paine says most people will make the switch to electric cars to save money, not necessarily for the environmental reason.

He said, "The whole success of the electric car is going to be based $4 a gallon and $5 a gallon gasoline."

Paine owns three electric vehicles, including the Chevy Volt and the new Nissan Leaf. Because of better battery technology, the Leaf can travel up to 100 miles on one charge and plugs right into the wall.

Paine explained, "Like, you'll be at a friend's house, (and say) 'Excuse me, do you mind if I plug in?' ... They'll say, 'How much will this cost me?' (And you'll say) 'Well, I'll be here for three hours, so it will cost you like 75 cents.!"'

it sounds simple, but getting Americans behind the electric wheel isn't. A recent USA Today/Gallup poll found 57 percent of Americans won't buy electric, despite pain at pump.

What's behind Americans' seeming hang-up about electric cars?

Paine said, "Most Americans haven't had a chance to drive one."

Carlisa Hamagaki, 36, made the switch. She says she never has to stop at a gas station anymore.

But she knows most people are confused by electric vehicles.

Hamagaki said, "I just shake my head and say, 'There's no miles per gallon, it's kilowatt hours.

Revenge of the Electric Car plugs in for widespread release this ...

JUNE 22, 2011 –SILVER SPRING, MD – Stefano Durdic, Executive Producer, of WestMidWest Productions and Kirt Eftekhar, co-founder with Richard Abramowitz of Area23a, have announced a partnership for a hybrid theatrical release of the documentary film Revenge of the Electric Car. Through a combination of major metropolitan area theatrical runs and special event screenings, the film will open across the country in the fall of 2011. The film had its world premiere on Earth Day at the 2011 Tribeca International Film Festival, where it garnered strong reviews, and will close the 2011 Silverdocs, the premiere documentary film festival in the US. Filmmaker Chris Paine commented, "We're very excited to announce our partnership with Area23a for our theatrical release at Silverdocs. Area23a has a strong team that understands the changing distribution model for documentaries. 2011 marks the return of the electric car to the world and I'm happy 'Revenge' will be able to bring that story to people this fall." "We are thrilled to be working with Chris Paine on Revenge of the Electric Car and to have the opportunity to connect and inspire audiences across America with this fascinating film," said Kirt Eftekhar, Co-founder of Area 23a. "Revenge of the Electric Car provides communities with a one-of-kind platform to discuss how they can benefit from the use of electric cars and alleviate dependency on foreign oil." As part of the non-traditional release, potential audiences can visit http://www.revengeoftheelectriccar.com/see-the-film.html to request the film in their market. The markets with the most votes will get the film first. In addition, Revenge of the Electric Car has partnered with Sierra Club, Electric Drive Transportation Association and a number of other corporate and non-profit organizations to help promote the film. Directed by Chris Paine (Who Killed the Electric Car, 2006), Revenge of the Electric Car tracks the race to be first in big business. Behind the closed doors of Nissan, GM, and Tesla Motors, the film has unprecedented access to the teams that led the global resurgence of the electric car, following these major players as they race to be the first and the best, and to win over the public. Area23a is a bi-coastal, independently owned "event" based theatrical distribution company, co-founded by distribution guru Richard Abramowitz (Anvil, Exit Through The Gift Shop) and Ocule Films founder, Kirt Eftekhar.

Who Killed the Electric Car?

Plug-in electric vehicles, what role for Washington?

Two billion cars, driving toward sustainability

Turning Oil Into Salt, Energy Independence Through Fuel Choice

Seventy five businesses you can start to make money and make a difference