The iconic “Little Tikes” toy car has gone electric – as nearly half of children revealed they want their parents to make the switch to an electric vehicle, to help save the planet.
The classic red-and-yellow Cozy Coupe has been a childhood staple for over 40 years, giving millions of children their first taste of “driving” a car.
But now, the plastic vehicle has gone green – with an all-electric dashboard, and its usual petrol filling cap replaced with an electric socket and charger, to encourage families to make the switch in real life.
LV= and Electrix collaborated with the famous toy brand to create the one-off vehicle, after a survey of 800 kids, aged six- to 12-years-old, unveiled what they would to do help the planet if it was up to them – revealing that over half (51%) are worried about climate change.
It found one in four would like to see an increase in electric vehicles to reduce reliance on petrol and diesel.
And 44% are keen for their own family make the jump from petrol or diesel to an all-electric model.
Banning homework to save paper, and replacing cars with kangaroos, were other imaginative ways kids would like to protect the planet.
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, and Cozy Coupe Black Cab.
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.
The iconic red and yellow livery and accommodating dimensions have remained a constant, but small features have been updated – such as significantly altering the look from the original slimmer roof poles in 1999, and giving the car a face lift in 2009 with cartoon eyes and a friendly smile.
A spokesman for LV= and Electrix, which commissioned the study, 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.”
The study found kids also want to save earth by encouraging people to eat more carrots to improve night vision, thereby reducing use of lights.
Others would be happy to do their civic duty and reduce water use – by stopping brushing their teeth.
And there were even suggestions about sending astronauts to the sun to bring back light to save on energy costs.
Researchers also explored children’s feelings about climate change in general, finding that two-thirds (67%) have tried convincing their parents to be more eco-friendly.
More than half (52%) have told off mum or dad, or another guardian, for doing something that wasn’t helpful to the planet.
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%).
And the same amount expressed concern about mum or dad driving a petrol car instead of something more environmentally friendly.
More than half of the children polled (54%) said they will drive an electric car when they’re older.
And nearly seven in ten kids (69%), who are aware of climate change, learned about it at school.
Another 43% have been informed by family members, while 36% have seen information on TV.
And more than half of kids (58%) believe grown-ups should be doing more to help the planet, according to the OnePoll.com data.
The spokesman added: “Switching from a petrol or diesel car to electric is something families can do to do their bit for the environment.
“We understand that making the change to an EV can be daunting, so we’re here to help with every step of the process.”
Alaina Cornish, for Little Tikes UK, 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.
“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.”
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THE TOP 15 WAYS KIDS WANT TO HELP SAVE THE PLANET...
- Replace all petrol cars with electric vehicles
- Fix things instead of replacing them with something new
- Turn off the tap while brushing my teeth
- Create recycling whirlpools in the sea to get rid of plastic pollution
- Use items for crafts and activities e.g. turn a yoghurt pot into a plant pot
- Ban homework because it uses too much paper
- Eat more carrots so we can see in the dark and don't have to use lights
- Turn all the plastic cups into a big play area
- Car powered by alternative fuels such as custard
- Send astronauts to the sun to bring back light to save on energy costs
- Trampolines to bounce your way around
- Stop brushing teeth because it uses too much water
- Cook meals for the sea creatures
- Stop eating fish and meat
- Ride kangaroos around instead of cars
