Writing & media
Cars, the cost of driving and the wider UK motor industry.
I'm Ben Freakley, a Brighton-based motoring writer with a background in automotive retail, vehicle leasing and fleet management. I write about the cars I drive, the cost of owning and running them, and the decisions changing the UK car market. My work ranges from hands-on reviews and electric-car journeys to industry analysis and practical advice for motorists.
I'm also Group Marketing Manager at Rivervale, where I work on automotive marketing and contribute to video and written content. This website is my personal publication. I identify professional and commercial connections where they matter to a story, and you can read how I approach reviews and sourcing.
Selected writing
These pieces show the different parts of my work. The external Company Car & Van article is credited to me through Rivervale, so I've labelled it accordingly.
Will your next company car be Chinese?
A piece in Company Car & Van's October 2026 edition looking at the growing presence of Chinese manufacturers in UK fleets. Written and credited in my role at Rivervale, not an independently commissioned personal review.
Read the piece Driven reviewPolestar 4 Coupé: what it's like to live with
A detailed review based on several days with the rear-wheel-drive car, including a long journey, comfort, handling and the bits of technology I struggled to get along with.
Read the piece Real-world EV journeyI drove 580 miles in a BYD Dolphin Surf
From Brighton through London, Norwich and the Cotswolds, including charging delays, motorway compromises and the actual public charging bill.
Read the piece UK market analysisAre there too many cars to choose from?
A personal look at how new manufacturers, powertrains and jargon can make choosing a car difficult for an ordinary buyer.
Read the piece Cost and policyWhat the 2026 Autumn Budget means for motorists
An explanation of vehicle taxation and running-cost announcements with the consequences for drivers, rather than political headlines.
Read the pieceAvailable for comment and contributions
I can contribute practical comment on electric cars, vehicle affordability, leasing, fleet decisions and the UK automotive market. If you're preparing an article, podcast or event and think my experience might be useful, send me a short brief and a deadline. I'll be clear about what I know first-hand and where another source would be better placed.
Send an enquiry through my contact form