First things first, who is this individual? Harry Metcalfe established Britain’s Evo car magazine, which is still in operation at the time of writing. He is also a successful farmer, much like his friend Jeremy Clarkson. Metcalfe has also had a close relationship with another former co-host of Top Gear, Richard Hammond, with whom he shared a special bond over a Ferrari 550 Maranello.
In addition to being a highly skilled entrepreneur, journalist, and farmer, Metcalfe is also a genuine car enthusiast. He possesses a barn filled with both classic and modern vehicles that would undoubtedly spark envy in anyone. However, like any true car lover, he keeps the majority of his collection stored away and utilizes other cars for family transportation or commuting purposes. Over the past four years, he has owned a Jaguar i-PACE and a BMW X5 xDrive45e. The former being an electric vehicle (EV), while the latter is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Secondly, it is quite surprising to see someone with such extensive experience revert back to a diesel-powered car, even if it is a well-equipped Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The global trend is leaning towards EVs such as the Tesla Model 3 or the BMW i4 M50, which are gaining popularity.
It is also important not to overlook the initial motivation behind transitioning away from internal combustion engines, which was primarily focused on combating climate change on a global scale. This movement also aimed to reduce dependence on foreign oil and create quieter cities. Recently, the conversation has expanded to highlight the silence within the cabin and the potential for cost savings in personal mobility.
A change in narrative has occurred in recent times, as owning an EV has become a matter of personal preference. Most automakers have improved their offerings, making the switch to “zero-emission” driving much more accessible. Opting for a Chevy Bolt or a Hyundai Kona Electric, for example, is a viable option if you have access to a home charging outlet or a Level 2 charger at your workplace. After all, commuting vehicles don’t necessarily have to be high-end models like the Tesla Model X Plaid, Lucid Air Grand Touring, or Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo.
However, finding affordable insurance for EVs can be challenging. Insurance providers have realized that EVs are expensive to repair, making the transition from traditional cars more difficult for some individuals.
Thirdly, a majority of EV owners claim they would never return to an internal combustion engine-powered vehicle. The minimal maintenance required, one-pedal driving, advanced car technology, instant torque, lower center of gravity, smooth start-ups, avoidance of gas stations, and simplified climate control systems that allow for easy preconditioning are the most commonly praised advantages mentioned by EV buyers when discussing their “greener” rides.
So, should you take their opinions into consideration? The short answer is “yes.” Gathering information from owners who have already made the switch is always a wise decision when researching cars.
However, it is wise to see what others have to contribute. Take Metcalfe as an example. He tests and owns a plethora of vehicles. He has experience as a journalist and as a businessperson.
Of course, that does not imply that he cannot be biased. However, the man is a reliable source of information in a world where discussing cars has somehow transformed into a TV show that is solely intended to capture your attention without providing any substantial content.
Photo: Honda
Keeping it simple
Furthermore, Metcalfe argues that transitioning to a diesel-powered car was a straightforward decision – it all came down to finances. If the cost of vehicles had not been a factor since the inception of motor vehicles, we would all be driving luxury cars like Rolls-Royces, Porsches, BMW Ms, Mercedes-Maybachs, and so on. It is understandable why even a well-off car enthusiast would prioritize financial stability.
He examined the available lease deals for a two-row SUV that caught his interest. Opting for the Range Rover Sport P460e would have resulted in a monthly payment of £1,026 ($1,296). On the other hand, selecting the diesel-powered Sport D300 with a mild hybrid system would only require a monthly payment of £600 ($758). That is nearly half the price.
Nevertheless, it still did not seem like the ideal car for a man with a farm, a spacious garage, and a warehouse. He could have easily charged the vehicle at home and avoided the hassle of considering fuel costs. However, a Land Rover customer does not necessarily prioritize cost efficiency. If people truly valued reliability and running expenses, we would all be driving Toyotas or, as Consumer Reports recently revealed, BMWs.
Metcalfe asserts that the diesel powertrain is well-suited for this type of SUV, even though he previously drove a BMW X5 xDrive45e before leasing this Range Rover Sport. He even contemplated upgrading to the current-generation X5 PHEV or the Land Rover Range Rover P510e, but abandoned the idea due to the high insurance cost associated with the high power output. Additionally, the design of the BMW appeared to be overly ambitious.
The man goes on to state that some car manufacturers may have hastened the abandonment of internal combustion engine development in response to new emission standards. Audi, for instance, pledged to become an electric vehicle manufacturer by 2026. Interestingly, that is also when they will join Formula 1. Metcalfe argues that customers may have silently disagreed with such strategies, and this is now evident through depreciation and consumer preferences.
Photo: Harry’s garage on YouTube
The broader perspective
People are flocking to purchase plug-in hybrids, even though the all-electric Model Y was the best-selling vehicle worldwide last year. However, what Tesla realized early on, and others did not, is the importance of efficiency, fast charging, and technology. Volkswagen, one of the most significant automakers globally, is still grappling with infotainment software and cabin design. Tesla simply placed an iPad in the center of the dashboard and continuously updated the system. This minimalistic approach was sufficient to satisfy nearly every buyer.
Take a look at the updated Model 3. It’s the same car with slight improvements, but people are more than happy to get their hands on one.
In addition, Metcalfe also points out quite eloquently that electric vehicles (EVs) are heavier and more powerful than their traditional counterparts. I’ve previously mentioned that nobody really needs a 1,000-hp car for their daily commute or family trips to the ski resort. It’s excessive, no matter how you slice it. This has a negative impact on wear and tear, and it also forces insurance companies to take a different approach. Furthermore, dealerships aren’t particularly fond of EVs either. They prefer selling brand new vehicles, not ones that may end up losing money by just sitting around.
Remember when we informed you about the BMW iX, Audi e-tron GT, and the pre-facelift Porsche Taycan losing value and becoming attractive deals? Well, that trend could extend to other brands and models in no time.
People simply don’t have confidence in the reliability of high-power charging networks or the dependability of these “new-age” cars that could become a headache when something goes wrong. They also don’t seem prepared to deal with all the advancements in the electric vehicle industry.
Let’s take the new Taycan as an example. It charges faster, has a longer range, boasts better technology, and offers more power. The previous generation is set to plummet in value. Why would anyone consider purchasing an expensive EV if they know it will significantly depreciate as soon as the newer model hits the market? Leasing with no upfront payment is a no-brainer, but that’s not possible with these luxurious rides.
Tesla, the leader in this market, has experimented with various battery chemistries. Depending on the trim level, the same vehicle may come with different energy storage units from the factory. Would a Ford F-150 owner or a Dodge Charger buyer be willing to learn about the implications of these changes?
Would they be willing to install a Level 2 charger at home, download multiple apps on their phone, and educate themselves about preconditioning and proper storage conditions when the time comes to purchase a new, zero-emission car? Would they accept the fact that degradation and subsequent range loss over time is a natural occurrence? Would they be okay with losing 30-40% of the range during the winter season? Would they be willing to deal with adapters and long charging times? It’s likely that they would require more incentives than just an EV tax credit to make the switch.
But aside from all that, fast charging is expensive. EV owners who don’t have access to a charging outlet at home or live in densely populated urban areas with limited parking and no street charging options have to rely on Superchargers or Electrify America dispensers. While these charging stations deliver electricity at a quicker rate, they come at a high cost.
Image: Tesla on Twitter
The video below, presented by Metcalfe, highlights various aspects that need to be considered. He also suggests that both the UK and the European Union should prioritize the regulation of efficiency rather than solely focusing on emissions. While this idea seems beneficial, it may not be wise to completely eliminate internal combustion engines before electric vehicles become a reliable alternative. Forcing the rapid removal of traditional fossil fuel-powered cars will not significantly benefit the environment.
However, this does not mean that purchasing an all-electric vehicle should be avoided. There are both disadvantages and advantages to owning an EV.
Options such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, VW ID.4, Fisker Ocean, Ioniq 5/Kia EV6, and even the MINI Cooper SE are all worthy choices. Nevertheless, none of them compare to the exceptional Tesla Model 3. Although the world’s most valuable automaker is not known for speedy delivery of parts and repairs, they have successfully prioritized efficiency, charging capabilities, and onboard technology. Anyone can easily familiarize themselves with how a Tesla operates in a matter of hours. The built-in trip planner is sufficient to determine when it’s time to recharge, eliminating the need to worry about adapters, preconditioning, finding a charger, or wasting time.
In conclusion, there is still much work to be done by automakers and regulators to maximize the reduction of CO2 emissions in road transport. In the meantime, individuals who were interested in electric vehicles but did not want to invest in a brand-new one can now take advantage of the significant discounts available in the secondary market. However, it is important to note that electric vehicles are not yet superior to gas- or diesel-powered cars for the average consumer.
According to the Source autoevolution.com