Some folks think the amiable ex-Tonight Show host and all-round car guy is the epitome of a “gas-in-the-veins” auto enthusiast. He does love to go fast and enjoys the sound of multiple cylinders pounding out a rhythm. But he also has a keen sense of where the auto industry is heading–and that’s toward electric drive.
In a recent interview on CNBC (see below) centered on the new season of “Jay Leno’s Garage,” Leno laid it out quite clearly. “Electric is the future.” He’s a fan of Elon Musk and noted he had more than one Tesla, including one he’s had for three years and has “done almost nothing to.”
Recounting the history of powertrains as steam until about 1910, followed by the internal combustion engine, Leno said we’re now entering the electric age. “A child born today will likely have as much chance of driving a gas car as someone today has the chance of driving a stick (manual) shift car.” They may still be around, but they’ll be hard to find.
Leno still has garages full of steam, gas, diesel and electric cars and motorcycles, along with a few even more exotic powertrains.
