In the early 1990s, California's sweeping regulations aimed at curbing air pollution set the stage for a revolutionary era in the automotive industry. The General Motors EV1 emerged as a key player during this time, pioneering technology that still influences modern electric vehicles today. Just over 1,000 of these remarkable cars were built, and they were initially available for lease in a few select states.

GM's Pioneering Electric Vehicle

General Motors Co./GM was at the forefront of electric vehicle development with the EV1. Kris Trexler vividly remembered his experience with the EV1, stating, "It was the most reliable car I had ever driven. I took it home, plugged it in at night, and the next morning it was like having a gasoline station in the garage." This little two-door car resembled a cross between a flying saucer and a computer mouse, and it incorporated innovative features that have become common in today's EVs.The EV1 had zippy acceleration and an aerodynamic bodywork that partially covered the rear tires. Its innovative braking system used the motors in reverse to act as generators, helping to recharge the battery. The car's battery could take drivers about 70 miles on a full charge, and over the years, battery technology improved, increasing the range to about 100 miles.However, the EV1 gave rise to a new concern among consumers - "range anxiety." Consumer Reports researcher Ron Conlin explained, "The fear of being stranded and running out of power was reflected in our studies. The anxiety of the consumer was a significant factor."The EV1 was only available in a few states and was expensive, with a suggested retail price of $35,000 (more than $70,000 in today's money). It was only available for lease, targeting an upscale consumer who was educated and affluent.

The EV1's Origins

In 1990, California's regulations pushed automakers to research electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cells. Reporter Paul Eisenstein was assigned by NPR to test drive an early GM prototype called the Impact. As he turned the key and stomped on the accelerator, the Impact burst to life with a sudden lurch and an eerie whine. This prototype eventually became the EV1 that hit the market in 1996.GM engineer Larry Oswald explained the regenerative braking system, saying, "When you apply the brake pedal, the motors act as generators, generating electricity and putting it back into the battery for the next acceleration."

Controversy and Demise

GM built just over 1,000 EV1s before ending production in 1999. The EV1 became controversial as California weakened the mandate to build zero-emission vehicles, making the EV1 an unnecessary cost. The cars' three-year lease agreements expired in the early 2000s, and GM canceled the program and took back the EV1s.In 2005, NPR reporter Luke Burbank visited a GM facility in Southern California where dozens of repossessed EV1s were stored. Chelsea Sexton, a former GM employee who worked on the EV1 program, was critical of the company's decision. She said, "It absolutely breaks my heart. I helped put these cars on the road, and now they're taking them away."GM loaded the EV1s onto semi trucks and crushed them in Mesa, Arizona. The company claimed that a lack of replacement parts made the EV1 unsafe, with Barthmuss stating, "There are 2,000 unique parts to this vehicle, and some of them are computer control modules that control the braking. If that part fails, there are serious safety concerns."

A Legacy in the Making

Twenty-five years after EV1 production ended, every major automaker is now building EVs, including GM. In October, the company announced that it is on track to build about 200,000 EVs this year and has set a goal to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035.Some of the EV1s managed to escape the crusher. In 2010, former EV1 driver Kris Trexler visited the car he once plugged in to charge each night. It was now at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, one of only 40 EV1s still intact. Trexler said, "Wow, this brings back some serious memories. It's amazing to see this car again."The General Motors EV1 may have had a short-lived presence on the road, but its impact on electric vehicle technology and the automotive industry as a whole is undeniable. It paved the way for the EVs we see today and left a lasting legacy.