10 Jeremy Clarkson Moments That Prove He’ll Never Love EVs
Jeremy Clarkson, a prominent figure in the automotive world known for his candid and often controversial opinions, has had a tumultuous relationship with electric vehicles (EVs) over the years. From harsh critiques on popular television shows to fierce online sparring with industry leaders like Elon Musk, Clarkson’s disdain for EVs has been both a source of entertainment and debate. In this article, we delve into some of the most notable instances where Clarkson’s views on electric cars led to public outcry, legal battles, and unforgettable television moments.
10. Tesla Roadster Review Sparks Lawsuit on Top Gear
In 2008, Jeremy Clarkson’s harsh critique of the Tesla Roadster on Top Gear ignited a legal battle. Clarkson claimed the Roadster’s brakes failed, batteries died after 88 miles, and recharging took over 16 hours. Elon Musk sued, alleging defamation, but UK courts ultimately dismissed the case in 2013.
9. Clarkson Calls Electric Cars “White Goods” on The Grand Tour
In the Grand Tour finale, Jeremy Clarkson delivered a stinging rebuke of electric vehicles, declaring, “I hate electric cars. They might as well be white goods.” To him, EVs lack character and emotional value, comparing them to appliances like washing machines—useful but soulless and uninspiring.
8. Declaring EVs Ended The Grand Tour
In the final Grand Tour episode, Clarkson bluntly stated electric vehicles were a key reason for ending the show, saying: “I’m simply not interested in electric cars. They are just white goods, they’re washing machines… You can’t review those, you can’t enjoy them.” He lamented that younger generations would never experience the distinctive engine sounds he loves.
7. Comparing Electric Cars to Household Appliances
Jeremy Clarkson famously likened electric cars to household appliances, calling them “white goods—washing machines, microwave ovens” on The Grand Tour finale. He argued that EVs lack personality and emotional connection, making them unexciting to review or enjoy, unlike the noisy, characterful petrol cars of his youth.
6. Building “The World’s Worst Electric Car” on Top Gear
Jeremy Clarkson, along with co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May, famously built their own electric car dubbed “Geoff” (later renamed “Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust”) in 2009. This deliberately terrible creation featured garden chairs, milk float batteries, and atrocious handling, reinforcing Clarkson’s skepticism toward electric vehicles. The car was so bad that Autocar gave it abysmal ratings for safety and performance.
5. Slamming EVs’ Lack of Engine Noise Compared to Classics
Clarkson has frequently derided electric vehicles for their silence, lamenting that EVs lack the visceral engine roar that defines classic motoring excitement. He’s argued that, without the deep, mechanical noise of combustion engines, electric cars feel soulless—more like appliances than thrilling machines.
4. Fierce Twitter Critiques of Electric Vehicle Hype
Clarkson recently reignited his EV feud with Elon Musk in March 2025, taunting him over Tesla vandalism. In his Sunday Times column, he wrote that the global movement to damage Tesla vehicles was “kinda hilarious. Especially if you’re me.” This continues his long-standing criticism of electric vehicles, which began with a controversial Tesla review in 2008.
3. Clarkson Renews Feud with Elon Musk Over Tesla
Jeremy Clarkson has reignited his long-standing feud with Elon Musk, criticizing Tesla’s recent struggles with declining sales and acts of vandalism. Clarkson called Musk an “idiot,” attributing much of Tesla’s backlash to Musk’s political actions. Their dispute began in 2008 after Clarkson’s infamous negative Top Gear review resulted in Musk unsuccessfully suing the show.
2. Admitting Hatred for Electric Pick-Ups—But Liking the F-150 Lightning
In a surprising 2022 review, Jeremy Clarkson—who famously claimed he “hated two things in life: pick-up trucks and electrical power”—admitted to loving the Ford F-150 Lightning. Despite calling it “stupid” and “far too enormous,” he praised its performance, comparing its 0-60mph time to a Ferrari F40. This unexpected approval showcases the Lightning’s impressive capabilities in changing even the staunchest EV critics’ minds.
1. Defending Anti-EV Stance in Columns and Blogs
Jeremy Clarkson has repeatedly dismissed electric vehicles as uninspiring, likening them to household appliances rather than real cars. In a 2023 Sunday Times interview, he said he “can’t be bothered” to understand EVs, complaining that their lack of noise and excitement strips cars of their soul, making them little more than “fridge freezers” on wheels.
Conclusion:
Despite the rapid rise and growing acceptance of electric vehicles in the automotive industry, Jeremy Clarkson remains a steadfast critic, often expressing his dissatisfaction through various media outlets. Although shifting perspectives are not uncommon, Clarkson’s recent admission of appreciation for the Ford F-150 Lightning suggests that even staunch detractors can find merit in EV technology. Whether his opinions will continue to evolve or remain staunchly rooted in the past, Clarkson’s take on electric cars continues to provoke thought and discussion among car enthusiasts and critics alike.
