"Car of the Future" Rolls Out This Spring...

NOVA's got a brand new bag: the PBS stalwart is taking open-source idea-sharing to documentary making. For its first experiment in "open production," NOVA has chosen "Car of the Future" as its subject. The one-hour show will explore the possibilites of emerging auto technologies, such as plug-in hybrids, hydrogen cells, and EVs with lithium-ion batteries--and beyond.

To whet your appetite, the show's web site features "My Car of the Future, Today." These are real-world alternative-fuel vehicles that are buzzing around right now, including world-record-holder Dennis Berube and "Current Eliminator V," his 160-mph EV.

Part of being an "open" production is letting the audience know what you're up to. To this end, there's a draft of the script on the site and a roster of experts, including Tom and Ray Magliozzi from NPR's "Car Talk," and Martin Eberhard, cofounder and CEO of Tesla Motors.

The other half of having an "open" process is listening to the public. Producers received nearly 900 emailed questions and ideas, some of which are answered by the show's panel of experts on the site. The producers will use the questions and suggestions submitted to shape the documentary and any materials that go along with it, including teacher's guides. There's also a pretty active forum for further ideas and discussions, with topics ranging from hydrogen fuel cells to Smart Cars to reading recommendations.

"Car of the Future" is slated to air on Earth Day this year, April 22, on your local PBS station, according to the latest news at AutoblogGreen.com.