John Evans

Title: Special correspondent

John is a freelance journalist and a former staff member of Autocar (1994-98). Other staff positions he has held include deputy editor of Autocar’s sister title What Car?, and editor of Practical Caravan magazine.

As a former car salesman turned consumer editor he has written extensively about the new and used car market and consumer issues. In recent years, he has contributed news and feature stories on these topics, as well as more general features on everything from how to build an ice cream van to exploring abandoned cars in front gardens. He also contributes to Autocar Business.

John is a former Guild of Motoring Writers Journalist of the Year and is the motoring editor of the RAC Club members magazine, Pell-Mell & Woodcote.

John is an expert in:

Used cars
Used car buying
Classic cars
Automotive industry

Muck Rack

Motorists are offered up to £2000 towards the cost of a ULEZ-compliant car

News

Frustration as ULEZ scrappage scheme struggles to meet demand

TfL and vehicle breakers inundated as thousands of Londoners apply for ULEZ grant

John Evans2 November 2023

Frustration as ULEZ scrappage scheme struggles to meet demand

Jaguar Land Rover accused of using second-hand parts

Around 10,000 JLR customer cars across the UK are reportedly awaiting replacement parts

News

JLR turns to second-hand parts to clear repairs backlog

As 10,000 Jaguar Land Rover cars await repairs, second-hand parts are being used to keep owners mobile

John Evans1 November 2023

JLR turns to second-hand parts to clear repairs backlog

Car review

Used Vauxhall Zafira Tourer 2012-2018 review

A stylish MPV with all the practicality you could ever need. But will it throw any second-hand curveballs?

John Evans30 October 2023

Used Vauxhall Zafira Tourer 2012-2018 review

News

Could salary sacrifice revive appetite for electric cars?

Scheme whereby lease comes out of pre-tax salary can save employees thousands

John Evans23 October 2023

Could salary sacrifice revive appetite for electric cars?

Bedeo is targeting 20,000 conversions per year, refurbishing every van it gets

News

UK firm launches retrofit range-extender for ageing diesel vans

Tech is independent of drivetrain and prolongs service life of vans for around £25k

John Evans19 October 2023

UK firm launches retrofit range-extender for ageing diesel vans

Damage can cause lithium ion batteries to catch fire

News

How much of a fire risk are electric vehicles?

A lithium ion battery blaze is almost impossible to put out. We look at why that is, how fire services are handling it and what can be done to minimise risks

John Evans12 October 2023

How much of a fire risk are electric vehicles?

Damage can cause lithium ion batteries to catch fire

News

How much of a fire risk are electric vehicles?

A lithium ion battery blaze is almost impossible to put out. We look at why that is, how fire services are handling it and what can be done to minimise risks

John Evans11 October 2023

How much of a fire risk are electric vehicles?

Euro NCAP is planning to improve its real-world evaluation of ADAS

News

Experts probe role of ‘annoying’ ADAS technology

Safety bodies focus on human behaviour as motorists reject the proliferation of driver assistance systems

John Evans3 October 2023

Experts probe role of ‘annoying’ ADAS technology

Car review

Used Volkswagen Scirocco 2008-2017 review

Golf-based coupe was a fitting revival for the classic nameplate, and an even better used buy

John Evans2 October 2023

Used Volkswagen Scirocco 2008-2017 review

Most 30mph roads in Wales are now 20mph

News

Lower speed limits unlikely to improve air quality

Leading scientist warns against £32 million move as research finds cars become less efficient at low speed

John Evans2 October 2023

Lower speed limits unlikely to improve air quality

News

Meet 'Risky' Phil, the UK's leading anti-ULEZ campaigner

We head to Lincolnshire to interview the founder of a campaign group that aims to “stand up against unjust, undemocratic and unnecessary political interference".

John Evans30 September 2023

Meet 'Risky' Phil, the UK's leading anti-ULEZ campaigner