Ep 4. Series 3, Episode 4
- TV-PG
- November 16, 2003
- 58 min
-
7.8 (236)
In Series 3, Episode 4 of Top Gear, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May take on their toughest challenge yet: building their own electric cars and testing them on a road trip across Britain. The episode begins with the trio presenting their designs to a panel of experts, who critique their choices of power sources and materials.
After the presentation, the hosts get to work building their cars. Clarkson chooses a classic sports car as his base, while Hammond opts for a small city car and May goes for a full-size sedan. Each presenter faces unique challenges as they retrofit their vehicles with electric motors and batteries, and they exchange barbs and banter as they work.
Once the cars are completed, the hosts set off on a trip from London to Edinburgh, Scotland, stopping at various points along the way to test their vehicles' range and performance. Along the route, they encounter challenges such as steep hills, heavy rain, and unexpected roadblocks.
Despite these obstacles, the presenters are mostly impressed with their electric creations. Clarkson's car, which he dubs the "Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust," performs well on highways but struggles on inclines. Hammond's car, named the "Milk Float," has a surprisingly powerful electric motor but suffers from a lack of range. And May's car, the "G-Wiz," is the most economical but also the slowest and least comfortable.
Throughout the episode, the hosts also discuss the challenges and benefits of electric cars, touching on topics such as battery disposal and the environmental impact of alternative power sources. They also compare their electric vehicles to traditional petrol-powered cars, measuring speed, acceleration, and handling.
In the end, the presenters reach Edinburgh and complete their road trip in their electric cars, despite a few mishaps and some good-natured competition. While their vehicles may not have been perfect, the episode provides a glimpse into the world of electric cars and the potential they hold for the future of transportation.
