With 30 new models introduced since 2010, The electric car has enjoyed quite a resurgence in recent years. Though this infrastructure-intensive vehicle might seem a bit more illusive to those of us in the Midwest, charging station initiatives continue to creep inward from either coast and home-charging solutions are becoming increasingly viable. As of January, Iowa hosts 33 public charging stations, though only four electric vehicles are registered to Johnson County.
Looking for a crash course? Interested parties have the opportunity become more familiar with this growing technology by heading over to the Iowa Memorial Union (IMU) Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. for a night of electric car immersion.
The University of Iowa is hosting a free screening of The Revenge of the Electric Car at 6:30 p.m. in the Illinois room of the IMU. Prior to the screening, the IMU’s metered parking area–adjacent to Hubbard Park–will showcase various electric vehicles starting at 5:30 p.m. Charging stations and other related equipment will also be on display in the IMU’s Northwestern Room, giving the public a more tactile opportunity to become better acquainted with these emerging technologies.
Director Chris Paine’s The Revenge of the Electric Car picks up where his popular 2006 documentary, Who Killed the Electric Car, left off. Although Paine’s previous film documented the manner in which thousands of new electric cars were purposely destroyed or donated by the same car companies that manufactured them, The Revenge of the Electric Car tells the story of the electric car’s global resurgence following the release of the 2006 documentary. This follow-up takes us behind the scenes of Nissan, Tesla Motors and General Motors, highlighting the electric car’s development and re-introduction into the marketplace, as well as underscoring the public relations race to win the hearts and minds of consumers.
This event is co-hosted by the Regional Sustainable Business Alliance, the University of Iowa Sustainability office and the Iowa Clean Cities Coalition as part of the University of Iowa’s Earth Month activities. Optional advanced registration is available online.
