Millions of children have their first taste of ‘driving’ a car in the classic red-and-yellow Cozy Coupe. As part of an initiative to get families thinking more sustainably, starting by switching to an electric car, LV= General Insurance and ElectriX have joined forces with toy car manufacturer Little Tikes to give the iconic children’s toy car a one-off electric makeover.
The makeover sees the petrol cap of a modified version of the Go Green Cozy Coupe Dino replaced with an electric socket and charger. This comes as new research highlights that 51% of children are worried about climate change, with one in four (25%) stating they’d like to see an increase in electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce reliance on petrol and diesel.
If Kids Ruled the World
According to the survey of 800 kids aged 6-12 years old, when asked how they would like to protect the planet 44% said they would like to see their own family make the jump from petrol or diesel to an all-electric model. More than half (54%) of those surveyed said they will buy an EV when they’re older.
The study found that kids also want to save the planet by encouraging people to eat more carrots to improve night vision and reduce the use of lights. Others said they would be happy to do their civic duty and reduce water use – by stopping brushing their teeth.
There were even suggestions about sending astronauts to the sun to bring back light to save on energy costs, banning homework to save paper, replacing cars with kangaroos and even having cars powered by alternative fuels such as custard.
Researchers also explored children’s feelings about climate change and found that 67% have tried convincing their parents to be more eco-friendly. More than half (58%) of kids believe grown-ups should be doing more to help the planet.
The research also found that 52% of those surveyed have told off mum, dad or a guardian, for doing something that wasn’t helpful to the planet. It found that 32% expressed concern about mum or dad driving a petrol or diesel car instead of something more environmentally friendly. The top reason parents got a telling-off from the kids was for buying new clothes when they’ve got a wardrobe full already (32%).
Around 69% of the children polled who are aware of climate change, learned about it at school, followed by family members (43%) and saw information on the TV (36%).
Getting Up to Speed
The original Cozy Coupe was released in 1979 and has become the UK’s best-selling ride-in toy car, with 180% more cars sold in 2022 so far. During this time, many new styles of the Cozy Coupe have been released including the Cozy Coupe Dino, Princess Cozy Coupe, Cozy Coupe Black Cab and many more.
In 2016, Little Tikes launched the Go Green Cozy Coupe Dino which is constructed from recycled plastic and packaged in recycled materials to help minimise environmental impact.
Over the years the iconic red and yellow livery and accommodating dimensions of the classic Cozy Coupe have remained a constant but small features have been updated. This includes significantly altering the look from the original slimmer roof poles in 1999 and given a facelift in 2009 with cartoon eyes and a friendly smile.
According to new data, LV= and ElectriX have seen a 30% increase in electric vehicle insurance since September 2021, as more and more drivers are making the switch.
To continue inspiring families to make the leap, LV= has launched ElectriX, a one-stop shop offering drivers everything they need to get on the road with an electric car – from leasing a vehicle, to buying a home charger and getting electric car insurance. LV= is also one of the largest insurers of electric cars in the UK, having launched a bespoke product in 2019.
Gill Nowell, Head of EV Communications at ElectriX, part of LV= General Insurance, said: “It’s great to see the next generation thinking about innovative ways to save the future of our planet and coming together to show their passion for a greener future.
“It’s clear that climate change is important to children, and we wanted to show them the benefits of using an electric car through play. However, we’re not sure some of their suggestions are ones we’ll be able to bring in long-term – certainly the kangaroos might have something to say about it.
“Switching from a petrol or diesel car to electric is something families can do to do their bit for the environment. At ElectriX we understand that making the change to an EV can be daunting, so we’re here to help with every step of the process.”
It’s promising to read these research results and that the next generation want to make big changes to help create greener cleaner planet.
Alaina Cornish, Little Tikes UK Senior Brand Manager, said: “The Cozy Coupe has been an integral part of so many of our lives since its launch in 1979, so we’re delighted to announce our collaborative project with LV=, with the concept of the first-ever one-off electric makeover for the Cozy Coupe.
“It’s the same iconic outdoor toy, brought forward with an electric charging point, socket and an all-electric dashboard. We’re hopeful the one-off iteration will spark conversations about the importance of electric vehicles for the future.”
THE TOP WAYS KIDS SUGGEST COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE:
1. Replace all petrol cars with electric cars
2. Fix things instead of replacing them with something new
3. Turn off the tap while brushing my teeth
4. Create recycling whirlpools in the sea to get rid of plastic pollution
5. Use items for crafts and activities e.g., turn a yoghurt pot into a plant pot
6. Ban homework because it uses too much paper
7. Eat more carrots so we can see in the dark and don’t have to use lights
8. Turn all the plastic cups into a big play area
9. Car powered by alternative fuels such as custard
10. Send astronauts to the sun to bring back light to save on energy costs
11. Trampolines to bounce your way around
12. Stop brushing teeth because it uses too much water
13. Cook meals for the sea creatures
14. Stop eating fish and meat
15. Ride kangaroos around instead of cars
Earlier in the year, Global research, which was released today on World EV Day by ABB E-Mobility, showed children are in the driving seat of our electric vehicle future. The survey revealed that children not only educate their parents on environmental issues and admonish them for un-eco-friendly behaviour but also contribute to discussions around major purchases such as electric vehicles.
