Learning to drive in an EV is being embraced by parents already.

Four-in-10 parents in the UK would prefer their children to jump straight into an EV for lessons.  However, nearly a third believe it will be harder to learn to drive in one and own one.

The new research results come from PEUGEOT UK.  They have since taken a group of 10 -16-year-olds to a closed circuit to showcase how simple EVs are to drive.

Mother like daughter

The results found 40% of parents would like to see their children learn to drive in an EV. A quarter of parents also admit their children regularly pester them about switching to an electric vehicle.

The study highlights the rapidly growing trend for EVs among both parents and future drivers. The results come after a record sales month for electric vehicles in the UK. More than 32,000 fully electric cars were registered in September 2021 alone.

Lower running costs and environmental benefits of electric vehicles have a good understanding. However, 28% of respondents believe learning to drive and owning an electric car would be more difficult compared to a standard petrol or diesel models.

Tomorrow’s drivers

PEUGEOT provided a class of 10 – 16-year-olds with a driving lesson at Bedford Autodrome. Dedicated professional tutorials explained how to live with and own an electric car. Sat behind the wheel of the PEUGEOT e-208, the young drivers were first taught basic manoeuvres. Along with the basics of driving, charging your car and conserving energy were also explained.

Julie David, Managing Director of PEUGEOT UK, says: “It is important that future generations are aware of the benefits that come with owning an EV. Our day with the young drivers has demonstrated how accessible electric vehicles can be for anyone thinking about their next car. ”

Following the young drivers’ lesson, the children went head-to-head against their parent. The EV challenge revealed who could conserve the most miles over a set route. Driving six laps of the course, covering over three miles, the young drivers utilised all the skills they had learnt about electric driving. It paid off and they came out on top, conserving twice as many miles as their parents.

 

You can see PEUGEOT’s young drivers in action here.