re: Revolution - New JJ Abrams Production

Solar flares or a massive EMP would definitely knock out a lot of electronics, but far from all. Any capacitor that devoid of residual electricity would be fine, including anthing shielded, like possibly vehicles parked in a metal building.

Most diesel engines built before 1995I or so are all mechanical, other than the starter. They would be fine.

The biggest surprise after a nuke attack, EMP, solar flare, asteroid, meteor or ZA would be how normal things were after. It's just so hard to do that much damage to our planet.