With electric cars surging in popularity GRIDSERVE has cross-referenced a database of almost 500 all-electric cars of the past, present and future with films spanning 72 years to see if Hollywood is plugging in.
There’s been a 2,967% increase in the number of EVs in films since 2010
In 2010, only three EVs appeared on the big screen, but that number has sky-rocketed since, rising to 92 in 2022 – a 2,967% jump and an all-time high. While it might seem low in actual numbers, it indicates that on-screen EV representation is moving in the right direction.
EV appearances are much more sparse the further back you go. For example, in the noughties (2000-2009), there were 20 appearances of all-electric cars and only 10 appearances in the entire 1900s.
The first on-screen example of an electric car was way back in 1951, when the Baker Electric Stanhope appeared in Excuse My Dust. The car itself predates the film by many years, however, as production started in 1904.
The Tesla Model S appears on the big screen more than any other EV
It’s little surprise that Tesla, the UK’s best-seller, takes the top spot. On 75 total appearances, it comfortably trumps the Nissan Leaf (51 appearances) and BMW i3 (49 appearances) in second and third respectively.
In total, Tesla has 176 appearances, thanks to strong showings from the Model 3 (36 appearances), Model X (35 appearances), first-gen Roadster (20 appearances) and Model Y (10 appearances).
Half of on-screen EVs are hatchbacks
Despite the ever-growing popularity of SUVs, it’s hatchbacks that account for the largest portion of EVs in film. With 250 appearances out of a total 533, these make up 47% of the results.
SUVs and off-roaders make second, way down on 91 appearances, followed by superminis on 57 appearances. Pick-ups are the least popular car type, with only two appearances across our entire research, which covers 463 films and 72 years’ worth of data.
Learn more at: https://www.gridserve.com/electric-leasing/blog/evs-in-film
