Tom Jervis

Hello there, I’m Tom Jervis and I have the pleasure of being the Content Editor here at DrivingElectric. Before joining the team in 2023, I spent my time reviewing cars and offering car buying tips and advice on DrivingElectric’s sister site, Carbuyer. I also continue to occasionally contribute to the AutoExpress magazine – another of DrivingElectric’s partner brands. In a past life, I worked for the BBC as a journalist and broadcast assistant for regional services in the east of England – constantly trying to find stories that related to cars!

Although I joined the DrivingElectric brand only recently, I’ve always been a big advocate for the environment and while electric cars aren’t perfect yet, they have the potential to significantly slow climate change. I believe DrivingElectric’s mantra of making electric car buying simple is an important one, as to make the transition to electric power as cleanly (pun not intended) and swiftly as possible – educating people on the benefits and occasional pitfalls of EV ownership – is paramount.

Tom Jervis’ expertise and interests

• Electric cars and hybrid cars
• In-car infotainment and technology
• Social media

Tom Jervis electric car Q&A

What’s the best thing about electric cars?

“I think the best thing about electric cars in general is how their introduction has allowed lesser-known carmakers and even small startups to compete with industry titans. Ask someone five years ago what a Rivian, BYD or Ora was and you would probably have been met with blank stares. But all of these brands now make some of the most interesting and compelling EVs on the market today. 

More manufacturers means more competition, which means better products and ultimately more great choices for consumers. It also leads to brands trying to differentiate themselves with things like rotating touchscreens, built-in whoopee cushions and names such as ‘Funky Cat’... Love it or hate it, the industry is moving at a pace!”

What was your first electric car experience?

“My first EV experience was quite a recent one, but an eye-opener nonetheless. I was due to drive the new Fiat 500e, and with its unassuming 116bhp output, I expected it to feel relatively pedestrian… Boy, was I wrong. Even in a small, relatively low-powered EV such as this, those who have not yet experienced an electric car cannot quite prepare themselves for the instant power delivery as soon as you floor the throttle. It really is intoxicating.”

What one piece of advice would you give to electric car buyers?

“If you’re looking to charge your electric car at home, make sure to get a quote for an EV-specific energy tariff. These give you access to lower rates at off-peak times (such as overnight) and could save you a lot of money in the long run. Those without at-home charging facilities should instead look at signing up for membership to one or more public charge point operators, as, for a small monthly fee, they’ll once again give you access to lower charging rates.”

Tom on social media and e-mail

• e-mail: thomas_jervis@autovia.co.uk
• Instagram: @thomas.jervis
• LinkedIn: Tom Jervis