Revenge of the Electric Car presents the recent resurgence of electric vehicles as seen through the eyes of four pioneers of the EV revolution. Director Chris Paine (Who Killed the Electric Car? 2006) has had unprecedented access to the electric car research and development programs at General Motors, Nissan, and Tesla Motors, while also following a part time electric car converter who refuses to wait for the international car makers to create the electric cars the public demands. As more models of electric cars than ever before start to arrive in showrooms and driveways across the world, Chris Paine's film offers an inspiring, entertaining and definitive account of this revolutionary moment in human transportation. 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. Written by Michelle Kaffko
Many reviewers seem to miss the point of this documentary, which is to document the varied approach businesses are taking to react to the new technology of the electric car. The comparisons captured between the Nissan approach versus the GM approach versus the Tesla approach are very revealing of the strengths and shortcomings of these different companies. Even Netflix gets it wrong when they categorize this movie as a Political documentary, when it is actually a Business documentary.
This movie is an instant classic for business school audiences in particular, and yet is still entertaining and engaging enough for very general audiences. Without spoiling, one scene that is particularly revealing is when two competitor's see a third's production product at an auto show, and seem unable or unwilling to understand the threat to their respective businesses.
Stunning access to a thrilling competition for a new technology in which the stakes could not be higher. Every MBA class in the world should see this movie as a precondition to graduate. 9 stars plus.