IS THERE ENOUGH JUICE? Chris Harris talks EVs with Graeme Cooper from the National Grid | Top Gear

Tesla Model 3. Honda E. BMW i3. Peugeot e-208. The electric cars keep on coming, and it's fair to say there are many, many questions about the practicalities of all-electric motoring. And in this half hour interview with Graeme Cooper from the National Grid, there are many, many answers.
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[@stubbietubbie]

Easily the best discussion I've heard on the state and future of the EV in this world. Having a guy who doesn't LOVE and doesn't HATE EVs talk to someone who's not there to sell one or the other lands on a level of parity that is both super rare and thoroughly interesting. Excellent video.

[@Neojhun]

I don't know even Chris seems positively biased towards BEVs. He seems to like the cars, but just questions the roll out.

[@piantagrassa-podcast7527]

Chris really had my words in his mouth. The question were so well spot on that I was so happy to listen to this 30 mins talking. Really, we need to give credit to the man.

[@KrikkitWarlord]

Fantastic summary, I was about to type the same myself!

[@KrikkitWarlord]

@@Neojhun I think Chris sits on the fence - his thoughts about electric performance cars are very negative (and similar about heavy ICE vehicles as well tbf), but for everyday stuff he is quite positive. Which is exactly where it should be I think.

[@stubbietubbie]

@5putput Dunno mate, you're telling the story. I'm only going on the feeling I got from the video, if it's untoward, then why am I the one at fault?

[@fc3sguy]

Top Gear. Listen carefully, more of this! I could watch Chris do this type of thing all day everyday.

[@Yvolve]

Yes, it would be a great refresh for the format. I still feel a like they're trying to make the old format work, despite the overhauls. Understandable, but this would be nice change, as nobody else does this as far as I know. Bring in an expert and discuss topics like this.

[@Syrax21]

Just a really great, balanced discussion. I’m not a huge “petrol head” but I loved listening to this debate/interview.

[@rivengle]

Yes, this. Chris Harris is already a great automotive journalist outside of Top Gear. Bring more of his (and his cohosts’) expertise in and you’re looking at a new Top Gear that doesn’t feel like it’s just trying to replace the old trio. This isn’t their show anymore.

[@b8yep959]

I couldn’t agree more. But they generate more views from doing the other stuff, and if you look at the view count on this video, you can understand why they don’t do this, because it doesn’t earn them as much

[@Yvolve]

@@b8yep959 As James Hetfield said: sad but true.

[@guinnessharvey4476]

What’s this?? A mature, detailed, knowledgeable and objective conversation about the future of EV? Well, blow me down:) Bravo!

[@swisstony9344]

@5putput " banning his company's competitors"? Can you just point out who the national grids competitors actually are? Edit - and now 5putput has deleted his original comment where he made a complete moron of himself so most of this thread doesn't make sense. FYI He referred to "competitors of the National Grid"

[@guinnessharvey4476]

@5putput and that’s exactly how I like it. 😘

[@swisstony9344]

@5putput You didnt answer the question.

[@swisstony9344]

@5putput Once again not answering the question. It's quite a simple one. Seems to be too much for you though. Do you want have a third try?

[@swisstony9344]

@5putput Copy pasting the same non answer is still not answering the question. Three tries, three fails. Feel free to try again, your stupidity is getting quite humourous.

[@patrickbryant_]

This guy is an exceptional communicator. Need more of this in the USA.

[@yuhengwang2185]

lol

[@pfufoostuff7483]

Your world must be very limited.

[@fredpinczuk7352]

@5putput You are very brave exposing your level of stupidity on Social Media. Well done. Hope it serves you well. Oh, wait. You look or appear to be posting from a fake account. Interesting.

[@fredpinczuk7352]

@5putput Speak for yourself, it only sucks for people like you.

[@fredpinczuk7352]

@5putput Your aluminum hat is on a little too tight. Or you need counseling. or both

[@Haukurholland]

Man in this political climate where debates have transformed into quasi shouting matches with no information being divulged, it´s unbelievably refreshing to see two individuals having a civilized and enlightening conversation about a hotly discussed topic.

[@cwx8]

We all have a part to play. We don't have to be envious of people who aren't afraid of disagreeing or being offended. We can just be them.

[@raz0ruk]

Well said

[@JJ-zg1hh]

Totally agree.

[@BradPittStains]

Conservatives made climate change a political issue. Its an existential crisis we should all fear and fix

[@JJ-zg1hh]

@5putput absolutely no idea what you're blathering on about. Back to your mother's basement please, there's a good lad.

[@alemass8741]

This is just the sort of Top Gear content that’s been missing. The pratting around is great to a point, but it’s clear from the comments here that the audience is interested in, and deserves more of this.

[@anonlincracing2484]

What a cracking bk n forth this was

[@graemecooper8404]

Thank you Chris for chat and for the kind comments.

[@neilevreality5273]

Graeme, so why was there no mention of the significant engineering works required, the technical challenges (storage) and the risks involved, in making mass use of EV possible. The sort of topics covered in the recent Ofgem publication about: "Proposals to unlock investment and secure the capacity to support up to 11 million electric vehicles", "Ofgem.......proposals to rewire Britain....", "will unlock significant, potentially unlimited, additional funding", ".........co-ordinated upgrades to the transmission and distribution power grids to enable a nation-wide charging network for electric vehicles." www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/ofgem-proposals-turn-your-street-green-transforming-local-electricity-networks There was plenty of time in a half hour programme for an honest overview of the challenges ahead.

[@jameseverson9437]

@@neilevreality5273 I suspect because they were limited to 30 minutes. I expect that to cover everything about the vehicles, the infrastructure the politics and the human factors it would require a couple of hours minimum.

[@jakespeed6515]

Grid could handle the draw, Can the Distribution network? (Not your Grid!)

[@millskidd8099]

Excellent interview , it was brilliantly presented. However two big assumptions were made.... 1. You can charge on your drive ( most people don't have a drive) i appreciate you answered this partly in the interview. 2. You can charge at work. Vast majority of people can not park at work. This is quite a big problem. Best electric car discussion I have heard yet.

[@tjpj1919]

@@millskidd8099 go to the cinemas every second day what's wrong with that

[@Danielevans2]

I really appreciate Chris Harris having this conversation and not completely writing it off like Jeremy used to

[@DollyRanch]

writing*

[@Ovenman940]

Even Jeremy has basically come around, he just doesn't enjoy driving them

[@Danielevans2]

About as much as anyone enjoys reading your spammy comments. No need to be horrible and call someone a moron. If you want to argue it then make a solid argument instead of throwing childish comments.

[@ArunNarasimhan_arun1997107]

@@Ovenman940 He runs a farm where he sells vegan products, its crazy

[@Danielevans2]

@5putput i have no problem with it being multinational. According to edie.net they've announced plans to cut emissions by 80% by 2030, rising to 90% by 2040. That's enough for me and personally, i'm not bothered about being net zero as i think it's near impossible. Where are you getting this info about wanting more tax payer money cause I've gone looking for it and can't find it. If they're asking for more for having to completely overhaul their entire structure to be cleaner then so be it. I'm happy for them to charge more on the taxpayer within reason to make up for the changes. Also the BBC has a very strict and transparent advertising policy. I don't see how you could see this as an advert which i don't believe it is as it's almost a debate in a way more then it is a talk show host promotion. Even if it was a promotion of the national grid. Like who cares.... speaking to journalists is what PR people are supposed to do to help people understand their business and build a relationship with the public and their customers. If the national grid launched an advertising campaign on ITV or youtube ads trying to debunk greta and say that fossil fuels is the only option then ya. I would consider that propaganda but that's not what this video is. This video is outlining that if people want changes it's going to take time and a lot of money not because they're greedy but because extra work requires extra resources. That's capitalism. Again there's no need to be hostile. if you want to change minds just post stats and resources and be informative instead of being hostile.

[@theonlyguyman]

This was one of the best and most interesting conversations I’ve heard around EV and the future I’ve heard! Inspirational 👍

[@edkramer5592]

Hall e lu jah?

[@jonbrotherhood2660]

this is the best top gear video in years. Chris, stop hanging onto an old entertainment format and do what you do best. A very informed / educated analysis of important issues of the day and of vehicles. The consumer has become smarter with the internet education capability and this type of content is so much more relevant informative, right on time and useful for the modern consumer making choices in this market. I would stop trying to repeat old school formats and concentrate massively on this type of content. Love this interview.

[@AdamJayPe]

I kind of agree (was a big fan of Chris Harris KZbin channel before he joined TG), but is there not room for both? My 10yo loves TG, me, not so much these days. But if TG also produces & promotes this kind of alternative format online, then we're both happy!

[@paul10018]

An online video that fills one with hope and admiration for the human race, as opposed to the so many that do the opposite. Bravo!

[@appkazoo8802]

Keep TopGear but have TopGear+ for this type of content

[@papasmith7648]

Old entertainment format/ fun format you mean.

[@hondansx1000]

Dear TG...more of this kind of chats with Chris please

[@cannygrowabeard]

Fantastic interview. Very informative. Considering most cars are used only 5% of the time, wireless charging in roads seems unnecessary.

[@TheSJDRising]

Let's not forget that with wireless charging, roughly 50% of energy is lost. Plug in charging is >90% efficient. It's a no brainer.

[@danspratt2]

@@TheSJDRising thats exactly what i was going to comment. Wireless charging a 10 watthour phone or 3 watthour watch, the efficiency isn't that important on the grand scheme, but charging a 100 KILOWATThour battery with 50% losses would be madness.

[@fat_biker]

@@TheSJDRising My thought was, the killer app for wireless induction charging would be taxi ranks, for charging electric taxis while they waited to pick up... also, yes, at home if you have too much money or a wind turbine on your roof...

[@cannygrowabeard]

Yeah, exactly why Apple’s wirelessly-charged dreams of a port-less iPhone goes against all the crap they go on about being better for the environment. Just because you can move your electricity generation towards net zero, doesn’t mean we should get complacent and wasteful.

[@fat_biker]

@@danspratt2 Madness if you've paid for the electricity to be delivered by the grid, arguably just a lazy choice if you generate your own electricity...

[@chrisduran3007]

Fantastic and we definitely need to hear more from Graeme Cooper. This is the stuff that TG Online needs to be using Chris Harris for, rather than frustrating him with Jack Rix’s constant interruption and often superficial views.

[@Renzsu]

Yeah this could be a more regular feature.. discussions on new innovations like battery tech, power generation, home charging, etc.

[@caseyjones166]

I too would have liked to hear more from Graeme Cooper. Unfortunately, the idiot interviewer wouldn't shut up long enough.

[@Bittertokken]

I think both can and should exist! Because I'm assuming I'm not the only one who enjoys hearing Chris share his views (good or bad) on cars. As well is informative discussions such as this.

[@chrisduran3007]

@@caseyjones166 Harsh. I thought it was quite an enjoyable and informal back and forth but maybe I’m just too much of a Chris Harris fanboy

[@chrisduran3007]

@5putput usually when someone agrees or disagrees with something, they listen to what the opposition has to say, rather than calling all those around them morons and idiots. Maybe some people will buy into this “propaganda” which they are entitled to do and maybe others, myself included, want to hear what course we are currently on as a society so that maybe we can understand the situation and where we are headed and in turn in our own small way have a discourse locally through democratically elected representatives as well as other bodies that support or oppose the state’s position on this issue. To do otherwise and effectively cut oneself off from the discussion altogether seems idiotic and moronic to me frankly.

[@jeh2572]

Interesting. Thanks TG and Chris Harris - great interview

[@someguy6141]

@5putput I see you have extremely negative feelings about this interview, considering the volume of angry comments you have posted in this video... So just to get some facts straight: I think we all realize that this was paid promotion, and it's really NOT the end of the world; it's happening every day, in all forms of broadcasted content. Having said that, I did not hear anything in this video regarding technology, infrastructure, and future viability of EV motoring, that you would call "factually incorrect". Did Graeme Cooper try to promote the activities of National Grid? Probably yes (no surprises there). Did he bring a load of BS on the table to do so? No - at least I could not spot any of it, but please correct me if I'm mistaken. I really don't get why you are so frustrated about this whole thing.

[@gbr8463]

@5putput You still have your free will to switch this video off... Think about it :)

[@techpassion4126]

@@someguy6141 I've been seeing this guy being replied to all the time on this video but his comments are all deleted. Out of curiosity, what kind of stuff was he saying?

[@someguy6141]

@@techpassion4126 If I remember correctly (it's been a while since my comment here), he was bashing Top Gear for giving a chance to National Grid to promote their business, claiming that this interview was basically a load of lies and he was trying to present electric cars as something nearly impossible to work in the real world. Rest assured he deserved every bit of the heated replies, the guy was full of shit.

[@MrRyanTrott]

Graeme comes across really well, very knowledgable and interesting chap.

[@edrcozonoking]

5putput dude...give it up. Stop trolling.

[@FrozenDung]

@@edrcozonoking hahahha he is fishing but no one is biting

[@graemecooper8404]

Thank you. Very kind.

[@dukedub]

@5putput conning people with propaganda is what you been doing with every single one of your comments in this thread. What are you like 5 years old or just pretend to be 5 years old online?

[@jameseverson9437]

@5putput why would anyone trust anything you have to say. Almost every post you have made has huge holes in the factual content which shows that you have no idea what you are talking about.

[@Participant616]

Fantastic interview. Having met Graeme Cooper in person, he's a charismatic and highly intelligent man, if it wasn't obvious from this interview, and perfectly placed to help lead the infrastructure changes coming to the UK.

[@graemecooper8404]

Thank you for your kind comment.

[@Participant616]

@Spud Chuffington jones Not as far as I'm aware, but stranger things have happened.

[@larryjimbob]

An intelligent man with such a passion for cars. Always great watching Chris 👍😊

[@edkramer5592]

He's rubbish, kinda

[@SmellsonElson]

This is the best content Top Gear has put out in years in my opinion. So glad that a channel with such a large subscriber base and influence is having an intelligent and well thought out conversation about the future, laying out the facts and acknowledging the shortcomings of the road ahead. Well done folks.

[@Kamalchagla]

All those people who threw so much shade on Chris because he wasn’t true Old trio ... this is Chris harris and as a person who I’ve followed from his drive days ... I’m very very happy that he is making content .. there are days when I enjoy a bit of a laugh like with the other three and then there’s most of the time when I I genuinely find the accuracy of content important . Chris .. is definitely one of the greats .. Our nostalgia isn’t allowing his growth . Also BBC ... make Top gear more easily accessible to the world 😂😂😂.

[@AbzAden]

Thank you I agree this exactly why I always loved how he approached these subjects the trio were never very informative let’s be honest tell me more than 0-60 numbers

[@Kamalchagla]

I don’t want to say that the old trio are in anyways lesser ... see as a kid they brought me into the car world .. and as an aspiring car designer I would say that their entertainment made me love cars ... I’m just saying that Chris needs a more receptive audience . To put into perspective ... If the trio were a crazy amazing Marvel/action movie you watched with your girlfriend . You also to watch with your dad ,a nice story based movie you watch with your dad .

[@nathanevans6739]

That was the best discussion I’ve seen regarding EV’s and as well as answering so many of my own questions on the topic it made me think differently to how I have been. Fantastic lads, thank you!

[@morgman43]

If you put this on BBC One at 8pm, I might actually start watching Top Gear again. What a great interview.

[@JamDaDan]

Best thing Top Gear has done for years👏

[@xtianosickboy]

@5putput thank goodness we mindless sheep have you to educate us and open up our naive little minds. Thanks again

[@jameseverson9437]

@5putput if you object to what has been said in this video, feel free to make a youtube video that explains what is happening in reality, with equal or better knowledge of the EV revolution, past, present and future and without the bias you claim there is in this one

[@jameseverson9437]

@5putput I am the boss.

[@jameseverson9437]

@5putput you caught me, it’s my mother.

[@jameseverson9437]

@5putput ok, it wasn’t a paid advertisement video.

[@karlhurn]

One of the best Top Gear videos. A great debate, thoroughly enjoyed that. More of this type of stuff and less silly icecream vans please!

[@bentullett6068]

In all fairness the TG icecream van was possibly a joint project with Ed China's world record electric icecream van. The TG one was for fun but had items that were incorporated into the one Ed China had built like the icecream machine being powered by pure electricity rather than the diesel engine. It was a bit of a promotional exercise to highlight that icecream van's and other similar catering vehicles can be powered by pure electricity rather than being parked up with a diesel or petrol engine running all day emitting fumes.

[@Renzsu]

Very good interview, you can tell Graeme is passionate about this subject and rightly so. It's going to transform the way we get around.

[@laurentiuprisacariu9905]

thank you for this. this should be shown in school. not because of solutions discussed, but because of how they discussed, how they built arguments, etc..

[@jonmayhew4468]

These chats about cars are better than the actual episodes.

[@pratyushojha]

This is an extremely smart and much needed conversation. Kudos to the top gear team.

[@dominicrusho]

The obvious solution is to run everything on AA batteries

[@atomicsmith]

nah, 9v are way better.

[@LuminalSpoon]

Get some Varta ones.

[@jamesgaskin7757]

I am going to mount wind turbines on the roof so it charges while I'm driving

[@drdoomgoat38]

@@jamesgaskin7757 Genius😂

[@Neojhun]

Nah Lithium Polymers that like go BOOM!

[@ArchivePete]

Great video. It is nice to see an expert asked questions and then allowed to actually answer them, without the interviewer jumping over him with an agenda. I drive an electric car (not a Tesla), but also love ICE cars, why wouldn't I, I have driven them for 30 years. I would say though, that 99% of the time the car is just charged overnight on my drive. We do need rapid charging for long trips, obviously, but people think of charging like getting petrol. We HAVE to go to a petrol station every time we need to fill up. The mindset change is having a full tank (battery) every morning, like magic, without going anywhere to fill it. Yes, you will have to if you don't have a driveway, but that will not need the number of filling stations we currently need as a large percentage of cars will be charged at home or at work. The future is both interesting and exciting.

[@CardizoneSemblance]

Well done Top Gear. Well done Chris Harris and thank you Graeme Cooper for sharing your knowledge. This was a great listening experience.

[@raymondsmith9936]

Honest, high brow conversation on Top Gear, more please

[@raymondsmith9936]

@5putput Sticks and stones. Your tribal ICE comments are lost in a sea of favourable feedback for Graeme.

[@raymondsmith9936]

@5putput you are quite the conspiracy theorist....

[@LCTRgames]

Most level-headed and interesting conversation about electric cars I've ever seen - bravo TG :)

[@datro864]

Honest, informed, un-biased and educational discussion on a very important subject. This Is what the BBC should be doing! Proper job lads, well done!

[@lanmastersassistant659]

I've watched this interview 3 times now, I love every minute of it, it's so interesting, and when Graeme gets started on the future he really brings some solid insight into the path

[@raymondsmith9936]

I've read a few comments that suggest bio-fuels are the answer and not electric, be it battery or hydrogen. Although, I agree that bio-fuels will have a place I think it is niche for the following reason: - One acre of corn produces 400 gallons of bio-fuel per year. - The US alone uses 134 billions gallons of gasoline per year. - This would mean you would have to divert 350 millions acres of food producing farm land to produce bio-fuel. - The US has approximately 250 million cars, which is roughly 1/6 of the world fleet, thus we would need 2.1 billion acres. - To put that into perspective the US is 2.4 billion acres. So although the idea is sound, the reality doesn't add up

[@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj]

I really enjoy Chris Harris's thoughtful discussions.

[@hoopsnbulls2207]

I'm not going complicate my comment. simply, that is one of the best car related videos on KZbin ive seen this year...

[@zeferreira3316]

Chris Harris really “saved” top gear. Well done mate

[@nicowarr]

CH is without doubt one of the most important journalists in action currently and here he’s interviewing an inspiringly open minded, intelligent and communicative leader of the electric movement. This is a Top Gear of the future - its in good hands

[@ShogunsDojo]

When he spoke about people getting tribal you can literally apply that statement to the entire internet. Really enjoyed this long form discussion about a relevant issue that affects us all, enthusiast or not. Hopefully we’ll get more content like this.

[@gummostump4217]

@5putput What do you mean to imply? That the same plutocrats supplying our old fashioned energy requirements are aiming to control our future energy supply? Or that this conversation deserves to be shouted down by luddites chanting "V8! V8!"? I'd welcome a good conversation refuting the necessity or viability of these technologies and infrastructures as readily as I watch these folk discussing them, but I rarely see much more than regurgitated rhetoric.

[@ShogunsDojo]

@5putput okay mate just chill on the conspiracy talk for a moment. I’m aware that Graeme works for national grid but it’s not like they have a hidden agenda. They supply electricity. Consumption is increasing and will surely increase more as electric cars become more popular. They want to communicate that the infrastructure can support any increase in demand for EVs and that even after batteries are done in the cars there is still a good use case for them. What’s the issue? All of this stuff is still up in the air anyway there was a lot of use of hypothetical scenarios anyway. You’re mind is running away with itself, which is why people think you watch the Joe Rogan podcast 🤣

[@ShogunsDojo]

@5putput it’s a great podcast but you’re one of those overly enthusiastic chaps. Next you’ll tell me the earth is flat, lizard people run the world and 5G will be the end of us all 😂

[@gummostump4217]

@5putput So it's the first one. I get it, it's frustrating that the rich will continue their stranglehold on big industry, infrastructure, and business, but that's seperate from the services they provide. Internet service providers, pharmaceutical companies, nearly all industries has it's profiteers. It happens in every progressive venture, and every conservative venture. That's how the world works, and how it will continue to work until systems are put in place to prevent the profiteering. Seperate from all that is the valuable services and technologies provided. These things have their own merit and deserve praise for what they can provide to our lives. If we shunned technologies to forsake it's profiteers, we mightn't even have stone tools. Regardless of all of that, electricity is an inherently accessible power medium. With gas and oil, you have no choice but to rely on huge companies to prospect, drill, refine, transport, and dispense fuels, and then you still need a device in which to burn it. Conversely, you can generate electricity in a multitude of ways. Hell, I can scrap together an alternator and a scrap bicycle and generate some power without leaving my property. With batteries powering more and more devices, it isnt hard to store that power now, either. Those batteries can power either their own devices for others, or feed back into your household for either convenience or emergency, or can even be sold to the power grid. This can't be done with internal combustion without chaining yourself at the hip to some of the biggest companies in the world.

[@gummostump4217]

@5putput Biofuels can indeed be produced in smaller scale operations, but they still require vastly bigger facilities (and companies) to produce them vs electricity. If your gripe is with profiteering, why would you defend the systems with the higher barriers to entry that only the already rich can afford? Edit: Even so, biofuels face a lot of pushback. Biodiesel isn't "regulated" enough for widespread adoption and distribution, ethanol is bashed for it's energy density and emissions, and biomethane has even worse energy density than ethanol, and has a reputation as dangerous for burning invisibly in daylight. I love the idea of alternative fuels, but even those are hard to prop up against the monstrous machine that is the oil industry.

[@TerjeMathisen]

Here in Norway we're about 3-4 years further down the line but these guys are pretty much spot on: Charging mostly (80-95%) happens at home, PV panels sprout on roofs, non-Tesla EVs are more and more being sold with some form of charging network access to allow those longer trips, and the government is stepping in with subsidizes for putting in fast DC chargers in remote/rural areas which would never have enough local usage to pay for them. We have at least 2 or 3 companies selling intelligent charging solutions, where they bundle 5-10K of them into a virtual power grid buffer: Even without Vehicle-to-Grid just having the ability to turn up or down a big bunch of charging loads will act as a very nice modulator on top of irregular loads, so that by selling this capability to the national grid and the power generating companies, they can give the EV owners access to significantly cheaper power, effectively only using the grid during off-peak periods, but with response times measured in seconds.

[@oscarlainz]

This video should be streamed at schools

[@oscarlainz]

@5putput you must be fun at parties

[@oscarlainz]

@5putput the thing is that the BBC and Top gear in particular, is 100% tax funded, so what marketing are you talking about? I only see information mixed with entertainment.

[@edkramer5592]

Kids are programmed enough, geezer.

[@jameseverson9437]

@@edkramer5592 so which is preferable, provide them with some information or no information?

[@broken12367]

Why? They can’t drive.

[@richardwaller7721]

Simply the most balanced and informative video I’ve watched to date on EVs and the mobility transition that’s just getting underway. What I loved most was that it’s ultimately a great conversation between two people who are both passionate and knowledgeable about the subject and who are willing to listen to other viewpoints. Great work.

[@paulleggett9735]

Congrats on a grown up discussion on EV's. it's a rare beast. im glad the govenment have 500m set aside for this.....like they haven't dipped into that in the last 6 months.

[@stubones]

£500m toward EV isn’t even a down payment. EV is going to cost over £100 billion in investment to make viable.

[@guusguusguus]

@@stubones where the hell did you make up that number?

[@skinlo01]

@@stubones Source?

[@ImmoSci]

@5putput Again, there's claims in your comment that are totally unsubstantiated. The CEO of National Grid announced yesterday that they have committed to Net Zero by 2050. Before that announcement, they'd plans to be 80% of the way to net zero by 2050.

[@whatsappmeandrewcartwright457]

there is a gaining key on how to invest into crypto and earn huge....Are you interested?

[@ThatGuyJW]

This video is criminally under viewed. As a devout petrolhead this answers all my questions regarding mainstream EV-ing.

[@timedwards5856]

This was a great interview and a really sensible discussion, will definitely be sharing. I really hope petrol cars do follow the horse model and become toys but alot less of them. Considering the number of 'interesting' ice cars people will want to keep vs the commuters, run arounds, delivery vans, HGVs etc I hope it's barely a blip on the radar

[@hoonaticbloggs5402]

95% of cars on the road are appliances owned by people who don’t care about cars. They will all go in the bin anyway

[@tom_thumb]

@@hoonaticbloggs5402 what worries is me is that the 5% of interesting cars are made possible by the 95% of runarounds. Without the golf we wouldn't have the gti, without the four door 205 shopping car we wouldn't have had the 1.6 gti, no M cars without business saloons etc.. When/if the industry behind all the ICE daily drivers goes, the cost of enjoying interesting cars will go through the roof and make classic motoring impossible to everyone but the very wealthy

[@raymondsmith9936]

Supermarkets are the key to urban charging, however, they have yet to understand this and utilised their parking to sell electricity as they are firmly in pole position as they have the spaces and regular customers, so it is a captive audience.

[@petercrawford5085]

This, and the Jenson Button interview in the same week? I'm feeling spoiled by one of my favourite, and I think, one of the most versatile, car journalists. Cheers Chris!

[@alemass8741]

Don’t forget his interview with Jonny Smith on The Late Brake Show

[@kristisrb]

Also, check out Remove Before Race interview with CH

[@paullangford6360]

Wasn't Graeme Cooper a complete star on that interview. Probably the best discussion I've seen on TG KZbin.

[@graemecooper8404]

Thank you Paul.

[@deelanaS]

This was probably one the best debate’s regarding this topic and uk what, thanks TG!

[@jonathansmith5850]

I’ve been a car buff since my teens (over 30 years) and am also being pulled towards electric. I’ve driven a couple of different Tesla Model 3’s (Standard range plus and the long distance model) and am love the way electric cars drive. Totally different to ICE. This discussion is brilliant and sensible. Too many people passionately fall either side of the Electric vs ICE. Really enjoyed this.

[@lolzlarkin3059]

This was so much more intresting than expected

[@tez1978]

Dear BBC. Please notice how great Chris Harris is at doing his job AND how many people love this car ‘stuff’. MORE Chris Harris and Many more episodes per year. 5 episodes of Top Gear per series is not enough.

[@davidhunternyc1]

Everyone must listen to this conversation. Graeme and Chris are brilliant and they have a sober, realistic conversation about the future of E-Cars.

[@jonfollows7553]

“Confidence is continuity and consistency” is a great quote. Really interesting interview great job Graeme, and Chris.

[@graemecooper8404]

Thank you.

[@trundle_bliss]

Brilliant - more of this please! Fascinating discussion - I could listen to this all day.

[@sambutler3143]

Give this Graeme Cooper guy a job at Top Gear. A likeable person with a brilliant knack of explaining how this rapidly advancing technology is set to change all of our lives. This long-form exploration of a subject was really appreciated, thanks CH and TG!

[@graemecooper8404]

Thanks Sam - I appreciate your kind words. It was good to have a grown up debate and could have chatted for hours as this is a HUGE subject. Hoping that TG will do more :o)

[@guyrussell69]

One of the best videos top gear have done, good work.

[@quicknickdriver8510]

What an insightful informative interview. Brilliant Chris, that fella was just the type to explain the way it’s most likely to go... and it all made a lot of sense.

[@blackrocket2000]

Thank you to Chris Harris for tackling these issues, and being a proper motojorno . A welcome return: Top Gear going back to motoring, rather than “3 lads just having fun” Although JC has done good by shining the spotlight on Farming.

[@alexhogben]

The best interview in top gear history 👌

[@bobburgess1945]

I consider myself a petrol head and I'm also fascinated by EV's. Great conversation guys, thank you. Listening to you chat, I likened what is happening now with road vehicles to what I have seen with railways, although the change has been much slower and progressive. I grew up close to a railway. As a child, I could tell what train was coming just by the sound of the engine. 40 years down the line, the railway has been electrified and I can only hear the wheels on the tracks. I get really excited now, when I hear a dirty diesel thumping along. I'm thinking it's going to be like this on our roads before too long. Excited to hear a dirty ICE. I guess it'll be an enthusiast thing in the manner of train enthusiasts going and watching some trains get fired up and move, we will rarely see or hear a cool car with a fruity engine note and will have to go somewhere to watch and hear them. I'm not against EV's at all and get why this is happening, but as a dyed in the wool car/ICE enthusiast, I am saddened. All too soon, the aural pleasure of hearing a rorty flat four or thumping V8 will be a thing of the past. Long live KZbin.

[@Rickladdy]

Could you imagine Freddy or Paddy conducting this interview... 🤔

[@briangreen6602]

no ( national grid ) lighty no likey

[@Renzsu]

that's why they have Chris, for the smarter stuff ;)

[@Rickladdy]

@@briangreen6602 Pahh!

[@conorf8091]

@5putput get out

[@conorf8091]

@5putput 😂😂😂

[@TheKitneys]

That was an amazing, candid, interview.

[@RomainSandt]

This guy is an amazing speaker. This feels like a great TED talk.

[@turnerjoe]

@26:45 vehicle subscription is here. Pivotal by JLR, Care by Volvo, Onto. The first two offer PHEV and BEV from their respective product offer. Onto is all BEV. Fantastic interview 👏

[@SuperNevile]

Yes, the era of cheap personal car ownership seems to be coming to an end, what with bundles (PCP), and high upfront costs.........

[@johnycrellin-davies4460]

Such great content. Having watched Chris on Late Brake Show, I just want to say, that you and the top gear team are doing my favourite content in top gear history

[@dean5699]

Excellent interview, really good! As an "EV sceptic", this interview has put some of my fears and misconceptions to bed. Who would have expected a guy who works for the National Grid to be so knowledgeable and "cool" with the subject of cars!

[@dean5699]

@5putput Growing up in the United Kingdom, I had always thought (incorrectly it now appears), that the National Grid was simply the national electrical infrastructure for electricity but, as you have said, they are multinational publicly traded company. That sucks out a lot of my new-found optimism about Britain being able to cope with the influx of EVs. I still like Chris Harris though... 😀👍

[@dean5699]

@5putput I can see your replies. Thanks for taking the time to relpy, as it's always nice to discover new and interesting information.

[@typhoonb1]

👏 This felt more like the car version of News Night!Pleasantly surprised to see this kind of content from TopGear. It doesnt all have to be Freddie crashing into a goat. Serious, informative journalism.

[@alemass8741]

Spot on

[@alemass8741]

@5putput Back that up then, else you are the fake news.

[@andrewhowe4266]

Fantastic oasis of proper EV discussion. As an EV owner, but lifelong petrolhead, I wish I heard more of this kind of balanced, more nuanced position.

[@lsh3rd]

I could have watched 4 hours of this is one sitting!

[@johnti1653]

Thanks Chris, and Graham, this is excellent. Finally a traditional motoring journalist tackling the issues head on, not resorting to unsubstantiated tribalism! More of this stuff please.

[@graemecooper8404]

Thank you

[@veedubgeezer]

PSA touched on the "bundle" with their 'Just add fuel' promotion a while back.

[@ihnobino]

Must be the best talk on the hole EV-topic I heard so far

[@MrGm182]

Best review of EV ever, really eye opening stuff

[@alexknightwrc]

What a great, in-depth, informative interview. More of this please. Chapeau to Mr Harris. What an engaging character he has.

[@raymondsmith9936]

Since the peak usage in 2006, energy usage has decline 33% in the UK according the the UK government figures www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/historical-electricity-data, thus there is more than enough capacity to cope with electric car requirements as we adjust the manner in which energy is created. The infrastructure already exists and is being underutilised thus it is able to cope with 33% more usage without any investment.

[@iareid8255]

Raymond, reliable power stations are being steadily shut down; perhaps you missed the news that in the last few weeks the national grid has had to seek extra capacity to come online due to a lack of power. Another point is that averages do not give the full picture, as the grid works on instantaneous demand and supply. Another worrying facet is the call for greater demand side response (AKA rationing) and even the talk of rolling power cuts. Does this sound like there is enough capacity? However, power generation and transmission aside the real problem that will come is our distribution network is undersized for the projected load of ev charging, not to mention the push to install heat pumps.

[@raymondsmith9936]

@@iareid8255 Power stations are coming to the natural end of their designed life and being replaced with alternative power generation some of with are renewable. Peaker power generation is in place as the demand changes throughout the day, however, the problem with these plants is they are slower to react, where energy storage when there is over production is the key and is instantaneous to react to demand. Also, generating more power via solar when the demand increases during daytime is a benefit to the grid. As Graeme stated, the planned increase in wind generation is more that enough just to cover electric car ramp, so I have no concerns over the availability of energy. Energy produce is consider for decades in advance. As demand has decreased, the load on the network has to, thus there is more than enough capacity in a well maintained grid, therefore, I think your concerns are unfounded. Investment is required to build out the charging network, however, whether it be a charge station or a petrol station, investment is required nonetheless.

[@iareid8255]

Raymond, it is a myth or wishful thinking to think that renewables and storage can take the place of conventional power plants. Bear in mind that I am familiar with U.K. power and not so well versed with other countries' but you can't change the physical and engineering constraints. That is his opinon but the national Grid is in a difficult place as they have to follow what the government dictates and publicly support them, even if ultimately it will all come crashing down. Wind and solar are unsuited for large scale grid supply, this has been documented by engineering institutes for decades and it is getting worse as more is added. (Solar is bad because most is uncontrolled by the grid) The envisaged increase in electrical demand is going to outstrip the consruction of new plant, particularly as with wind you have to instal about 2.5 times capacity to get 1 actual unit of power, as you say older plants are being shut down (Some prematurely) which makes it worse.

[@GaryB007]

This guy is an excellent communicator. He needs to get on more mainstream programmes.

[@danielkerryann]

Graeme is a very interesting man... a very good interview 👍🏻

[@roystonstarling]

For those YT videos when you really want to give more than a 'thumbs up' - this is brilliant! As many others have said, please @Top Gear, can we have some more of this type of content?

[@thomashymas]

Really interesting, understandable stuff. Thanks!

[@Arpin_Lusene]

Whenever there's a discussion around ICE cars, EV, and other form of alternative fuel, the discussion tend to get heated pretty quickly. But this one is a very healthy and informative discussion. Best discussion on this topic that I've seen in a while. Huge props to both guys.

[@graemecooper8404]

Thank you.

[@stevebroderick9117]

In the UK National Grid own and operate about 2% of the UK grid - the system which transmits power from generators to regions (not to your house). The delivery system to you is remaining 98%, owned and operated by distribution companies (aka "DNOs" like UKPN, WPD etc.). Guess what? Most (80%-ish) are built for c. 1-2 kW continuous supply per house... but EVs charge for hours at 7 kW. Who talks about this? Why are people talking to NatGrid when much of the distribution network cannot deliver the power to your house for charging? PS this is my job.

[@bentullett6068]

I also know someone who owns one of the backup generator companies and he has to start up the diesel generators when there is a high usage of power. I wonder if this is why Rolls Royce aviation have been asked to develop mini nuclear power stations in the UK?

[@jameswilliamson4508]

Fantastic discussion. Great work. I'm much like Graeme, I look forward immensely to an electric future for daily driver cars, partly for the environment, but partly because the more daily drivers are electric, the more room there is in the 'pollution budget' for a shrieking V12 classic car someone (me if I win the lottery!) to run on an occasional weekend. Bring it on.

[@businessexplained9578]

I don’t know? Go check your fridge... duh. All jokes, your friends at Business Explained!!

[@chargeheadsuk]

Wow! So glad someone recommended this video to me !

[@stephenclay6852]

A really good and informative interview with at last someone that knows the electric infrastructure . If I had a pound for every time someone said to me the grid wouldn’t cope if we all had Ev’s I could buy myself a Tesla. And the speed at which they are installing chargers around my area has really accelerated this year and most will let you use a debt card.

[@RandomVideosFirst]

Im hear after "The remove before race " interview ,very insightful

[@deanh6979]

I think we just saw Chris make a new friend.

[@DC9622]

Best discussion and explanation I have seen and heard on the motor vehicle future. Excellent.

[@raymondsmith9936]

#topgear the people have spoken, more content: 1. Battery life cycle 2. Hydrogen electric 3. Future transport taxation 4. Alternative fuels 5. Environmental considerations 6. Charging (connectors, stations, payments, infrastructure, future charging, locations, etc.) 7. Transition from ICE to EV 8. Charging solutions for the public without a driveway 9. Dare I say a conversation with Grant Snapps (Transport Secretary) 10. Ownership in the future (Zac from Now You Know KZbin Autonomous Driving Future raises great topics) 11. Autonomy (benefits and side effects) 12. All transport going electric (bar rockets of course) where we are now and where we are going to be

[@rightonthemoney8680]

Definitely, all of the above please 🙏 🙂 🙌

[@stuartburns8657]

3. Pay per mile i suspect. With gprs / tracking you'll get a monthly or annual bill. Given the UK generates 40 billion from VED, the current liberties enjoyed by EV owners will be undermined somewhat.

[@beneast]

Easily the most informative and down to earth interview from two people without agendas!

[@ZesPak]

Well, the National Grid guy does have an agenda. But he clearly knows his stuff and isn't saying anything that is incorrect. It's all very feasible and ripe with possibilities for the taking (democratizing energy, V2G, ...)

[@mitchfromtheinternet297]

21:47 - You know you’re a racer when you mean to say Alton Towers and the words Oulton Park come out of your mouth!

[@OwainF]

Good spot, I missed this watching first time around

[@1972juankarlos]

Great chat, one of the best i've heard in the last 2 years about electric cars

[@raymondsmith9936]

Would happily have listened to Graeme for another hour, can we have another him on again!

[@AcidGubba]

I love loading my M3P, I do it mostly at work. I only use the Supercharger for longer distances.

[@TURBOBEATZZZ]

The sound guy is officially deaf after this guy's literally body slammed his mic senseless.

[@barrymurton8988]

Just watched this after being pointed here from EVM, great chat but even after two years there still aren’t enough change points. I’ve not had my e2008 a year yet, great for 150m journeys but still not enough charge points. Even though gridserv have a couple at most service areas, there is often a queue! Interesting that Mackey Ds at Warwick has four in its car park, how many are there at grid h.q. for staff and visitors? I have even started looking at my next model and the MG seems to have got the price down particularly for leasing! Well done guys. PS I am a retired NG pensioner so it great to see a colleague speaking so clearly on this subject!

[@shuashua958]

The horse DID become a social pariah! Historians will tell you that "the car saved the horse" because of that very thing. So the answer to your question is that the car, just like the horse, will become a rare hobby for the eccentric wealthy.

[@CockatooDude]

Exactly, I was super surprised Chris didn't think the horse would be vilified when the streets were filled with horse dung.

[@kylesoler4139]

I wouldn't consider Horses only for the wealthy, My mum has owned horses for as long as I can remember and I wouldn't consider her wealthy.