I have a hard time believing Who Killed the Electric Car. GM EV-1 program engineers as well as industry analysts have pointed to factors other than oil company and post-sale profits. First of all, EV-1 was never sold to customers, only leased. Thus the idea of "post-sale" lack of profits is impossible. If they really wanted to make money, they could have upped the lease prices. Second, contrary to popular belief, the auto industry is not "in bed" with the oil industry. They do, however, aim to sell what customers will pay good money for, which until recently has been large trucks--which have been more popular than small cars and offer higher profit margins (in fact, domestic manufacturers lose money on each small car they sell). It might be worth noting that outside of the "absolute best fuel economy" and "compact car" categories, the "most fuel efficient car in its class" awards usually belong to American manufacturers. Finally, EV-1 was a pilot testing project which proved not viable from a number of perspectives, safety/maintenance being one of them. This safety liability is a chief reason why EV-1's were not SOLD to their "owners" when the program was discontinued, despite much pleading and protest. It also might interest some to know that electric/hybrid cars are generally less ecologically friendly than conventional small cars when life-time (development-through-disposal) environmental impact is considered.

I am sick of people being misinformed by a biased media who makes presumptions on the ethics and motives of American business. Such people should move to Japan were their unfounded criticisms of business would be more appreciated... on wait, no it wouldn't because the Japanese actually take pride in their national accomplishments (as well they should)! That's why these suckers are in the United States. We ought to learn to appreciate the accomplishments of American industry, offer constructive solutions to problems we perceive, or shut-up.

On the other hand, here is a demonstration in excess... it serves no purposes except to show off American engineering possibilities. The vehicle never reached production, but some of its components are now seen in the form of Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) on large GM trucks. Allow me to introduce you to the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen (13.6L, 16 cylinder, 1000-horsepower/1000-ft.-lb. of torque).