Tribute to Quentin Willson: A Legacy in Motion

The EV community mourns the loss of Quentin Willson, a motoring journalist, campaigner, and passionate advocate for cleaner transport. Quentin wasn’t just a familiar face from Top Gear and Fifth Gear—he became one of the most influential voices pushing for fairness, accessibility, and truth in the EV transition.

Warren Philips, EVA England Chair and EV Groups Nexus founding member, reflected on his time working with Quentin:

“The first big project we worked on together was the Road to COP26. Quentin brought his wealth of motoring experience and insight to every conversation, making the challenges and opportunities ahead feel both accessible and urgent. Quentin leaves behind a legacy that will outlast any TV show or campaign.”

Quentin’s story shows us that passion, knowledge, and persistence can change the world — and for that, the EV community will always be grateful.

Champion of the EV Rally Club

Quentin was not only a national advocate for cleaner transport — he was also a supporter of the EV Rally Club and its mission to show what electric vehicles can achieve in real‑world journeys. During the London to Geneva EV Rally 2024, Quentin joined us informally and spoke to participants about the importance of community, persistence, and myth‑busting in the EV transition.

His presence reminded us that the rallies are more than just road trips: they are living demonstrations of durability, accessibility, and the joy of driving electric. Quentin’s encouragement helped reinforce the message we continue to share — that EVs are not limited by range or practicality, but are ready for long‑distance travel, family adventures, and everyday motoring alike.

We are proud to have Quentin’s words and support captured in video from that event, a lasting reminder of his belief in the power of grassroots movements to change perceptions and inspire action.

Watch Quentin Willson speaking to the EV Rally Club during the London to Geneva EV Rally 2024 above. This was an impromptu, amateur recording — no microphone, no stage — so the sound quality is rough, but the authenticity of his message shines through.

Quentin’s support for the EV Rally Club was matched by his wider mission to challenge misinformation and empower drivers — a mission captured most clearly in his work on the Little Book of EV Myths.

His book and myth‑busting mission

Quentin’s work with FairCharge produced the Little Book of EV Myths — a free resource debunking 44 common misconceptions about electric vehicles. It became a cornerstone for advocacy, adapted internationally by groups like AEVA in Australia. His podcasts and appearances at Everything Electric carried the same mission: fight misinformation, share facts, and empower drivers.

Tim Rault‑Smith also highlighted this lasting contribution:

“A key contribution to the car industry in recent years was The Little Book of EV Myths which I hope will live on as one of his legacies.”

Voices from the EV Community

Across clubs, rallies, festivals, grass roots communities, and professional networks, tributes have poured in:

• Orkney EV Owners: Tim Flanders Gillott: “RIP. Quentin Willson. A great advocate for EVs. Only 68.”
  
• UK Electric Vehicle Owners Club: Elaine Golding: “Sad to read of the death of Quentin Willson. A staunch advocate for EVs.”
  
• Dave Walker: “There weren’t many people in his position who actually said it how it was. It was great to meet him and all things EV in 2023.”
  
• Pat Kirley: “One of the first to make cars fun and interesting… stood up for motorists, embraced new technology including EV. One of the good ones.”
  
• Chris Daniels: “His lobbying for cheaper charging and campaign against misinformation were superb. We will miss him.”
  
• Adrian Bond (Colchester EV Society founder): “RIP Quentin Willson, a real force majeure in the EV world.”
  
• Steven Halsall (Council Highways professional): “Quentin was a true advocate for fairness in transport and infrastructure.”
  
• Lucy Siegle (journalist and broadcaster): “Sad, sad news… Quentin was not only a campaigner but a family man, deeply committed to leaving a better future for the next generation.”

International voices echoed the same themes over time

• Irish EV Association’s Facebook Community: Brian Dowling highlighted Quentin’s podcast with Matt Cleevely on EV repair myths.
  
• Electric Vehicles for Australia: Nathan Gore‑Brown noted Quentin’s help in adapting the Little Book of EV Myths for AEVA.
  
• Wales: Gareth Davies MS: “He really knew his onions on cars… I always looked out for his views and comments on EVs. RIP Sir.”
  
• Pole to Pole EV: Chris Ramsey recalled meeting Quentin at Nissan Futures, calling it “a nice moment when you meet someone you grew up watching on TV.”

Even outside the EV world, voices like David Beattie acknowledged: “I didn’t agree with his EV ideology, but respect for his knowledge on cars. He will be missed.“

Industry tributes

Quentin’s influence reached across the EV industry, inspiring colleagues and campaigners alike. Dan Caesar of Fully Charged and Robert Llewellyn shared their own heartfelt reflections on his legacy:

*This video captures their tribute to Quentin — recognising his passion, persistence, and the impact he had on the EV movement.*

A life remembered

From the Road to COP26 project to countless rallies and events, Quentin’s presence was felt everywhere. He gave confidence to newcomers, challenged unfair charging practices, and reminded us that this transition is about fairness and the future we leave behind.

His last message to Warren signed off: “Time is my enemy right now. Enjoy the event. Best, Q.” Time may have been his enemy then, but the time he gave to this cause—and to people like us—will never be forgotten.

“Cheers, Quentin. Your place in EV history is assured.” – Warren Phillips

In Solidarity

Quentin’s passing is also a reminder of the battles many face beyond the road. His fight with lung cancer highlights the importance of compassion and support alongside innovation.

As a community, we’re proud that Macmillan Cancer Support is the official charity partner of the London to Brighton EV Rally and the Charge & Drive event, helping ensure families affected by cancer receive the care and strength they need.

In honour of Quentin, and in solidarity with all those touched by cancer, we encourage members to learn more about Macmillan’s work and consider supporting their mission.

Share your memories

We’d love to hear your own reflections, stories, or tributes to Quentin. Please feel free to add your thoughts in the comments below.

Note: To keep our community safe and respectful, commenting requires a quick registration on the Nexus site. You can register here: Member Registration. Once registered, you’ll be able to comment on this and any future posts, plus register for community events.

Further tributes and resources

If you or someone close to you has been affected by lung cancer, support is available:

• Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation – the UK’s only charity dedicated exclusively to lung cancer, offering helplines and patient support.
  https://roycastle.org/our-support/useful-contacts-and-support-organisations/
  
• Macmillan Cancer Support – practical, emotional, and financial support for anyone affected by cancer.
  https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/local-support-groups
  
• Cancer Research UK – evidence‑based information and nurse helplines.
  https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/lung-cancer/living-with/resources-books
  
• Asthma + Lung UK – resources and guidance for those living with lung conditions, including lung cancer.
  https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/support-lung-cancer

For those who want to explore more, here are selected links and posts will the full content:

• BBC obituary
  https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2lpww7pw72o
  
• FairCharge – Little Book of EV Myths
  https://www.faircharge.co.uk/little-book-of-ev-myths
  
• Podcast with Matt Cleevely on EV repair myths
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wGCH7BqdDQ
  
• Quentin driving the GM EV1 (Top Gear, 1997)
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-xmph_XC5g
  
• Pole to Pole EV – Chris Ramsey meeting Quentin in 2017
  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=909698869224390&set=a.162148393979445
  
• EV Rally Club – John Bickerton tribute on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/johnbickerton_really-sad-to-hear-of-the-passing-of-quentin-activity-7392963959642955777-jZ0U
  
• Clare Nicol tribute on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clarenicol_quentin-wilson-generously-took-on-an-impromptu-activity-7393227577743613952-FmyY
  
• Colchester Electric Vehicle Society – Adrian Bond tribute on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adrian-bond-71a95916_rip-quentin-wilson-a-real-force-majeure-activity-7392986087859851264-t5z1
  
• Steven Halsall tribute on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/steven-halsall-60709473_yesterday-one-of-my-connections-died-quentin-activity-7393209724260986880-bDh-
  
• Lucy Siegle tribute on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/lucy-siegle-a8774b8_sad-sad-news-that-journalist-and-broadcaster-activity-7392988030044774400-X-se
  
• AEVA adaptation of the Little Book of EV Myths
  https://aeva.asn.au/little-book-of-ev-myths-australian-edition/