Tributes have been paid to Quentin Willson, who has died aged 68 after a short illness.

The former Top Gear presenter, automotive journalist and EV campaigner died “peacefully surrounded by his family”, a statement said.

Born in Leicester, Willson made his name as a TV presenter and co-hosted the original version of Top Gear with Jeremy Clarkson before going on to present Channel 5’s rival motoring programme, Fifth Gear.

He also created and presented Britain’s Worst Drivers and The Cars the Star, and performed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 where his eight-point total for one routine remains the lowest score given by judges on the show.

Willson was also a prominent and highly regarded consumer champion; initially on the relative cost and fairness of car prices compared to other European companies, and then on fuel duties as the face of the FairFuel group. He left the anti-fuel duty group in 2021 over its “lack of environmental sensibilities” and went on to spearhead the FairCharge campaign, pushing critical issues of EV charging cost and infrastructure, battery range and wider EV access.

Willson campaigned tirelessly for an end to the current “illogical” VAT policy where EV owners without home charging pay four times more for their electricity from public on-street networks. He also sought to put the record straight on EVs, challenging widespread myths and misunderstandings.

A family statement read: “A true national treasure, Quentin brought the joy of motoring, from combustion to electric, into our living rooms.

“Much-loved husband to Michaela, devoted father to Mercedes, Max and Mini, and cherished grandfather to Saskia, Xander & Roxana. Quentin will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him personally and professionally.

“The void he has left can never be filled. His knowledge was not just learned but lived; a library of experience now beyond our reach.

Jermey Clarkson paid tribute with a post on X, which read: “I’m far away so I’ve only just heard that Quentin Willson has died. We had some laughs over the years. Properly funny man.”

Ginny Buckley, founder and CEO of Electrifying.com, also paid tribute, saying: “Quentin was a true national treasure. I was lucky to get to know him in recent years through his excellent work with FairCharge, where his passion for making electric vehicles accessible to all really shone through.

“He was warm, generous with his knowledge and unfailingly kind. He brought the joy of motoring – from petrol to plug – into our homes and hearts, and will be greatly missed.”

Ben Kilbey, an energy transition communications specialist who was close friends with Willson, said: “Quentin’s legacy isn’t advocacy — it’s optimism backed by evidence, told by a human.

“A belief that Britain could lead.

“A belief that drivers would choose better if we told the truth better.

“A belief that cleaner, quieter, cheaper mobility wasn’t a dream, it was already happening in plain sight.

“The job now is simple: carry that clarity forward. For Q. For all of us.”