Quentin Willson, one of Britain’s most recognizable motoring presenters and an early advocate for electric vehicles, died aged 68 after a short illness, his family announced.
The former Top Gear host became a household name during the 1990s with his sharp wit and deep automotive knowledge. But Willson’s real impact came through his decades-long push for electric mobility – championing EVs long before they entered the mainstream.
His family confirmed he died peacefully on Saturday after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Pioneer of Electric Vehicle Advocacy
Willson recognized the potential of battery-powered cars years before most of the motoring world took notice. In 1996, he became one of the first journalists to drive General Motors’ groundbreaking EV1. The experience shaped his perspective for the rest of his career.
He put his convictions into practice by owning multiple electric models over the years.
His personal fleet included Nissan Leafs, Renault Zoes, Vauxhall Amperas, and even a rare 1970s Enfield Electric. Willson accumulated more than 70,000 miles driving battery-only vehicles, giving him real-world experience that informed his advocacy work.
The presenter regularly testified before government committees and lobbied ministers for better charging infrastructure. He consistently challenged negative perceptions about electric cars through his writing and television appearances.
GreenFleet ranked him 18th on its 2020 list of Top 100 EV influencers – recognition of his unique position as both journalist and genuine electric vehicle user.
Television Career and Consumer Advocacy
Willson first gained national prominence on Top Gear from 1991 to 2001, working alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Tiff Needell. His television work extended well beyond the BBC program, including presenting duties on Fifth Gear, The Car’s the Star, and The Classic Car Show.
His newspaper columns in The Times and The Daily Telegraph combined consumer advice with his growing focus on sustainable transport.
As founder of the FairFuelUK campaign, Willson fought against rising fuel duty to keep motoring affordable for ordinary drivers. The campaign demonstrated his ability to balance advocacy for both traditional drivers and the electric future he envisioned.
Even while defending petrol and diesel drivers from high fuel costs, he was quietly steering public conversation toward cleaner alternatives.
Industry Tributes
AA President Edmund King described Willson as “a brilliant TV presenter, amazing campaigner for both fair fuel prices and the EV transition.”
“Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms. The void he has left can never be filled. His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach.”
Former Top Gear colleague James May called him “a great bloke” and “a true enthusiast” in his tribute.
Willson’s approach differed from many automotive journalists of his era. Rather than simply writing about electric vehicles, he lived with them daily – understanding their limitations and advantages through practical experience.
His credibility came from this hands-on approach. While critics dismissed EVs as impractical, Willson could counter with real-world data from his own driving.
The presenter’s career traced the evolution of British motoring culture. He began during the era of petrol-powered enthusiasm and helped guide the conversation toward today’s electric transition.
Willson’s influence on Britain’s shift to electric mobility extended far beyond his television appearances. His combination of media platform, genuine expertise, and practical experience made him one of the most effective early advocates for battery-powered transport.
His work laid groundwork for the broader acceptance of electric vehicles that followed in recent years.
