It's Good To Torque - The WhichEV Podcast

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In this episode of It’s Good to Torque, James Morris and co-host Tim Barnes-Clay explore whether self-driving cars are approaching their mainstream moment—and whether people will want to surrender control.

With Transport for London granting Wayve a private-hire licence for autonomous taxis, Tesla’s FSD edging closer to the UK and Chinese manufacturers rapidly advancing their systems, the pair consider how soon driverless technology could become part of motoring.

Drawing on experiences in China, Abu Dhabi and Europe, James and Tim discuss XPENG’s human-like Navigation Guided Pilot, cultural differences in attitudes towards AI, and why Chinese consumers appear more enthusiastic about autonomous vehicles than their Western counterparts.

The conversation also covers:

• How self-driving technology could make long journeys safer and less tiring
• XPENG’s ambitions in robotics, flying cars and AI-powered mobility
• Whether autonomous systems will enhance driving or diminish its appeal
• The luxurious direction of Chinese brands such as XPENG and Zeekr
• How Jaguar, Range Rover and European manufacturers might respond

There are diversions into Chinese driving tests, humanoid robots, flying-car motherships and the employment prospects of motoring journalists.

Will autonomous vehicles take over—or become another overhyped technology like 3D television? Tune in to find out.

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In this episode of WhichEV’s “It’s Good To Torque”, editor James Morris sits down with Tim Woolmer, the founder and CTO of YASA Motors, to explore the cutting-edge electric motor technology powering some of the world’s most exciting performance cars. From the legendary Jaguar C-X75 to modern hybrid hypercars from Ferrari and Lamborghini, Woolmer explains how YASA’s compact axial-flux motors have transformed the performance and packaging of electrified supercars.

The discussion also dives into the future of electric sports cars, wheel motors, regenerative braking, Formula E innovation, and the rapidly evolving EV market in China. Woolmer shares insights into YASA’s acquisition by Mercedes-AMG, upcoming high-performance electric models, and why he believes the battle between combustion and electric performance cars is only just beginning. Along the way, the pair discuss Ferrari hybrids, Lamborghini’s electrified drivetrains, the appeal of analogue supercars, and how future EVs could radically change the driving experience for a new generation of enthusiasts.

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In this episode of It’s Good to Torque, James Morris and co-host Tim Barnes-Clay dive into the latest shifts in the automotive world as EV adoption continues to accelerate.

With UK battery electric vehicles now accounting for over 24% of new car sales and fuel prices climbing, the duo explore whether electric vehicles are finally becoming the practical—and financial—alternative to petrol and diesel. They break down the real barriers still holding drivers back, from upfront cost and charging infrastructure to the ever-persistent “range anxiety.”

The conversation also covers:

•  The resurgence of plug-in hybrids and whether they still have a long-term role 
•  The rise of affordable EVs like the Renault 5 and a wave of new models from China 
•  Advances in battery technology, including the promise of solid-state batteries 
•  The reality of public charging costs versus home charging savings 
•  Whether 500-mile EVs could mark a true tipping point for mass adoption 

Along the way, expect plenty of humour, industry insight, and a few nostalgic detours into motoring past—from fuel gauge roulette to classic hot hatches.

Is the UK on the brink of an electric revolution, or are there still hurdles to overcome? Tune in to find out. 

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Chinese car brand Changan landed in the UK in September 2025, and the automaker means business. In the latest episode of WhichEV's It's Good To Torque podcast, host James Morris sits down with Changan UK Managing Director Nic Thomas to dissect the biggest story in motoring: the Chinese automotive onslaught.

Discover the Deepal SO7, Changan's promising first family EV, re-engineered for the European driver in just three months! How are Chinese companies outpacing legacy brands? We discuss their rapid-fire decision-making, the battle for affordable small EVs, and the urgent need to fix Britain's charging infrastructure.

Tune in to understand why the EV market is "living in exciting, really exciting times", and why Chinese brands are angling for a huge slice of the pie. 

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Will Chinese cars dominate the UK? 🤔 Hosts James and Tim discuss the rapid rise of brands like Chery, MG, and BYD. Forget outdated myths; they're delivering high-quality, tech-rich EVs at aggressive prices that should worry established rivals. This isn't just a trend—it's a revolution happening at lightning speed, mirroring the Japanese auto invasion of the '70s, but faster. Tune in to WhichEV's new "It's Good to Torque" podcast to discover why your next car might be Chinese.

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Do EV batteries need to be bigger, or are they already big enough? In this episode of the WhichEV podcast, James and Stef discuss emerging technologies such as Theion's, which promises to triple the range available for the same size and weight as a battery today. This could end the much-discussed "range anxiety" once and for all. We also talk about exciting new releases including the Lotus Eletre, Kia EV9, Maseratie Grecale Folgore, Audi A6 Avant e-tron and Cupra Born.

Music by Soonripe Collective.  

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Now that there are two electric racing series regularly on broadcast TV screens - Extreme E and Formula E - James and Stef discuss whether either one can really replace the excitement of petrol-powered competitions like Formula 1 in this episode of the WhichEV podcast. Or does electric racing provide something different to traditional motorsport?

Music by Soonripe Collective. 

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Environment Minister George Eustice has claimed that because EVs are heavier, they emit more tyre and brake pollution. But he's clearly wrong, particularly about the brakes. In this episode of the WhichEV podcast, James and Stef explain why Eustice's claims are incorrect, and how EVs really are the best way to make car transportation greener.

Music by Soonripe Collective.

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With petrol pumps empty and queues round the block for those that are open, James and Stef discuss the recent events and how EVs have prevailed during the crisis. Stef explains why he loves his diesel car so much. They also talk about how Toyota's CEO seems to be in a war against battery-electric vehicles, which makes James and Stef sad.

Music by Soonripe Collective.  

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Now Stef has returned from California, he and WhichEV editor James Morris had a chance to go on a date at Fully Charged OUTSIDE. They discuss the best bits, including the first Tesla Model Y in the UK, the Nissan Ariya, and an army of IONIQ 5s. They also talk about the Audi Q4 e-tron, which James has been driving for the last week.

Music by Soonripe Collective. 

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