Drive-in Movies: Interesting intersection of BEVs and COVID-19

[ChasingCoral]

From Green Car Reports:
https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1129004_electric-cars-are-better-for-drive-in-movies

Electric cars are better for drive-in movies

BENGT HALVORSON JULY 26, 2020 1 COMMENT

One of the greatest comebacks in this trend-breaking year has been the resurgence of the drive-in movie.
And the best kind of modern vehicle to take in a drive-in movie is an electric car.

Hemmings recently outlined several style-setting ways to go to the drive-in movies—including a 1955 Pontiac Starchief, a 1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS, a 1974 AMC Matador wagon, or a 1966 International Harvester Scout.

Aside from those irresistible ways to play the part and go retro with a trip to the drive-in movies, EVs are a better match than anything that involves gasoline and tailpipes.


Capital District EV Drivers drive-in movie night in Greenville, NY [CREDIT: Scott Edward Anson]

That’s because in an EV you can roll up the windows and run the climate control without having to turn on a noisy engine—which is prohibited at some drive-ins once the movie starts.

Most EVs—like the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, for instance, or the BMW i3—also have a lower hoodline that allows a better view out than vehicles that were conceived to have an engine up front.

Tesla vehicles even have a Camp Mode that allows extended use of the climate control and accessories.

Socially distanced times have dictated that catching a movie from your car isn’t just the safer way to stay the distance and watch it on the big screen; with traditional movie theaters closed in much of the U.S., it might be the only way.


Walmart drive-in

We've heard of a wide range of facilities, from ski resorts to expo centers, being turned into makeshift drive-ins this summer. Even Walmart has announced that it’s transforming 160 of its parking lots this summer into drive-in theaters starting in August. With Electrify America charging at more than 120 Walmarts, we suspect at some of those stores you might be able to catch a movie and a recharge for yourself and the car.
--
h/t Tom Rimes via John Voelcker

 

[timbop]

I've been to a drive-in 3 times already this year with my convertible, and to me IT is the best car for a drive-in . We bring an old boom box for the audio since my car wants to keep the running lights on with the accessories on, which is of course rude and unacceptable etiquette at a drive-in.

 

[dbsb3233]

It's a cute concept to try and bring back, but without hanging out with other kids at the snack bar, or hooking up in the back seat, it's kinda pointless in today's world. Big screen TVs at home are better quality, the recliner at home is more comfortable, and the popcorn is a helluva lot cheaper at home.

But in a broader context, COVID is likely to revive America's love affair with the automobile that has been slowly dipping in recent years. More telecommuting, and more homes further away from the city core (thus needing a car to get around rather than using transit to commute downtown). All of which should help fuel BEV sales too.

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