Steve Fowler
Steve Fowler concentrates on how electric cars drive, live and sell in the real world, using long experience to deliver clear verdicts for everyday motorists. He is EV editor at The Independent and a widely recognised automotive journalist with more than three decades on the car beat. His coverage centres on electric vehicles across segments, with a mix of first-drive reviews, in-depth road tests and market analysis.
Electric vehicle road tests across segments
Fowler’s core output is hands-on testing of new electric models, built around straightforward, verdict-led reviews.
Recent articles include in-depth drives of mainstream superminis such as the Volkswagen ID. Polo and the reborn Nissan Micra as full EVs, where he reports on range, cabin design and driving character. He applies the same approach to compact and family SUVs like the Volvo EX30, Skoda Epiq and Mercedes-Benz GLB, assessing them over mixed routes and commenting on comfort, practicality and technology.
His reviews of value-focused models such as the MG4 Urban and plug-in hybrids like the BYD Atto 2 DM-i highlight how battery size, powertrain and price interact, and how they stack up against rival budget EVs. The Renault Megane E-Tech update piece fits this pattern, concentrating on styling, faster charging and how mid-life changes affect day-to-day appeal. Across these road tests, he writes in a consistent “I’ve driven it – here’s my honest review” format, anchoring each article in his own time behind the wheel and ending with a clear, consumer-focused verdict.
Focus on value, usability and family needs
Fowler’s reviews are distinguished by repeated attention to value, space and ease of use rather than performance alone. In his Volkswagen ID. Polo coverage he highlights headline range figures, cabin quality, physical controls, a large boot and “grown-up technology”, framing the car as a practical supermini rather than just an EV tech showcase.
The MG4 Urban review weighs its low price and generous interior space against increasingly strong competition, making the point that affordability is no longer enough on its own in a crowded electric hatchback market. His Skoda Epiq piece sets out detailed pricing tiers from entry models to First Edition variants and links them to ride quality improvements and everyday usability, showing how spec levels translate into tangible benefits.
In the Mercedes-Benz GLB article he foregrounds seven-seat capacity and family-friendly versatility, judging the car as a tool for larger households as much as a new electric SUV. Throughout this work, he returns to themes of charging speed, real-world range, cabin layout, boot space and control usability, reflecting a focus on how different drivers will live with the cars day to day.
EV market coverage and industry perspective
Alongside individual road tests, Fowler writes about the wider electric car market, using industry data to explain which models and powertrains are gaining ground. In his piece on record UK EV sales, he reports that almost 100,000 new electric cars were registered in a single month, with EVs taking more than a quarter of the new car market.
He breaks down the sales chart, noting the Chinese-built Jaecoo 7 at the top, Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y both in the top five, and strong showings from Ford’s Puma and Kia’s Sportage, illustrating how electric and combustion models compete in the same space. The article also tracks the impact of rising diesel prices and the expanding choice of smaller EVs, mentioning that the number of fully electric models on sale has more than doubled since 2023. This market-facing work complements his review portfolio: he tests cars like the Tesla Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive and then situates Tesla’s performance within broader registration trends, joining product evaluation with sales reality.
Across these pieces he positions electric vehicles within the mainstream car market, rather than treating them as a niche or purely technological story.
Long experience, judging roles and cross-outlet work
Fowler’s perspective is shaped by long-term involvement in automotive journalism, including senior editorial roles and awards judging.
He has edited three of the UK’s biggest car titles – Auto Express, Autocar and What Car? – giving him experience across news, features and reviews for different audiences and formats. He has interviewed leading industry figures such as Elon Musk and Jim Farley, reflecting access at the top level of the global car business.
He serves as a World Car of the Year juror and as a judge for Germany’s and India’s Car of the Year awards, which keeps him closely involved with new model assessment on an international scale. Professional bios note that he presents documentaries for Radio Four, appears regularly on major broadcasters, and contributes written pieces to other outlets including national newspapers, broadening his presence beyond specialist motoring titles.
Taken together, this background underpins his current work at The Independent, where his EV coverage combines road-test detail, consumer value judgments and an awareness of how electric cars fit into the wider global industry.
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