“As
environmentalists demand ways
of improving car emissions, car-makers
have once again turned their attention
to the energy source they once rejected,
as documented in the absorbing new
DVD Revenge Of The Electric Car...”
HAVING DESTROYED THOUSANDS OF ELECTRIC CARS back in 2006, motor manufacturers
have made a U-turn in the belief that it's time for the 'second
coming'— the electric car is back!
Director Chris Paine (Who Killed The Electric Car?) takes a look at the
companies that are behind the resurgence of the electric car in Revenge Of
The Electric Car, gaining access to the usually closed doors of Nissan and
GM and also Tesla Motors, the company that proved electric cars can be sexy.
“An
intriguing and
informative documentary
that follows the
dramatic and electrifying
race to create the
ultimate electric car...”
For
three years Chris had access to the world's most secretive car manufacturers,
including independent car converters, going behind the scenes to give the viewer
an insight into the development from concept through to working vehicle.
He also looks at the technical expertise, financial problems, successes and
failures as the manufacturers strive to launch the first and best electric car
onto an eagerly-awaiting marketplace.
The electric car renaissance is seen through the eyes of four industry pioneers,
beginning with General Motors' larger-than-life Vice President Bob Lutz, describe
as a gruff, cigar-smoking maverick who appears to have just stepped off the
set of Mad Men!
Bob, 'Mr Horsepower', is one of the guys blamed for killing off GM's first electric
car, the EV1, so when he finally came up with an idea for a new electric prototype
his suggestions fell flat as GM had already lost so much money on the EV1. But,
against all odds, GM produced the Volt.
Meet Elon Musk, the young dot-com billionaire and Chairman of Tesla Motors.
He has taken on the Banks, the space industry and now takes on the car companies
with the first production roadster to make a difference to the world.
Tesla was established in Silicon Valley, California, in February 2008 as the
US's newest car company. Elon is a true believer in the electric car and has
put his personal wealth into Tesla. With a 200-mile range, this little car gives
the motoring giants something to think about. Elon believes Silicon Valley can
teach Detroit a few lessons about car manufacturing.
In Tokyo, Japan, Chris is given access to former EV sceptic Carlos Ghosn, the
CEO of Nissan/Renault — the man who turned Nissan around and who astonished
the car world in 2009 by announcing the launch of the Nissan Leaf. With a 100-mile
range, the Leaf is an affordable, pure electric car that is built for the widest
possible market.
And finally, a man with a vision. In Culver City, Colorado, Greg 'Gadget' Abbott
began a small business and is one of thousands of do-it-yourself electric car
converters determined to start the EV revolution today.
He took a Triumph Spitfire, a GT6 and a 1967 Camaro and changed their petrol
power to electric. He proudly shows Chris his latest product: a Porsche 356
Speedster with 120 miles of range that goes from 0-60mph in six seconds. But
there is tragedy along the way…
In this fascinating film we also hear from auto analysts, along with Dan Neil
of The Wall Street Journal, Jon Favreau and Danny DeVito, who still misses his
EV1. Don't miss out — Revenge Of The Electric Car is an intriguing
and informative documentary that follows the dramatic and electrifying race
to create the ultimate electric car.
Director of Photography is Thaddeus Wadleigh; Original Music is by David Robbins;
Producer is Jessie Deeter and P G Morgan; Directed by Chris Paine.
Narrated by Tim Robbins, Revenge Of The Electric Car chronicles the greatest
shift in technology in automobile history and rolls onto DVD and VOD, courtesy
of Dogwoof, on 6 August 2012. RRP: £14.99 | Running Time: 90 Minutes Approximately
| Catalogue Number: DOG273 | Barcode: 5050968009787.
Special Features — Tribeca Film Festival Talk-Panel Discussion after
the Film Premiere | Film Festival in New York 2011, with Chris Paine, Elon Musk,
Carlos Ghosn, Dan Neil and Moderated by David Duchovny | Bonus footage: Includes
Dave Barthmuss talking to Arnold Schwarzenegger | Additional Interviews and
Theatrical Trailer
"Revenge Of The Electric Car is an intriguing and informative documentary
that follows the dramatic and electrifying race to create the ultimate electric
car" — Maggie Woods, MotorBar
"A snapshot of a major industry shift on its way to a tipping point… a slick,
enjoyable valentine to a retooling industry" — New York Times
“As
environmentalists demand ways