Covid, yes, but not widespread lockdowns (and some other stuff from the "early covid" period) which is basically what the article is reflecting on. For example, I hadn't really thought about how it could affect child social development due to significantly reduced social exposure.
This isn't really a "covid is over" piece. 'It's still a serious human pathogen' wouldn't be a sub-heading if it was.
It actually sounds like the van's panels (I'm guessing especially the large roof panel) can provide non-trivial power:
No doubt the huge array of panels on his roof can give it a lot more juice though!