US kids have different tastes in cars than young Brits – as Americans dream about driving gas-powered fixer-uppers

A NEW study has found that children raised in the US are less eco-friendly than those in the UK.

According to the newly published study, American kids are less eco-friendly than their British counterparts – with just 43 % of children wanting an electric car for their first vehicle.

Nissan

Nissan

A poll of 1,000 kids aged 8-16 revealed American youths would prefer to drive an older car which they can modify.

While 41% want a fuel-guzzling car and aren’t too bothered about “saving the planet.”

In contrast, 17% of UK children would rather get around by bike when they’re old enough to drive.

And while 39% of British kids think “everyone” will drive an electric car in the future, only 28 % of Americans feel the same.

The research was commissioned by Nissan Motor Co , which created a video showing a group of children – The Department of Futures – visiting the team’s headquarters to make sure that the team is on track towards its electrification goals.

According to the brand, it is aiming to launch several electric-based cars into several key markets by the early 2030s

“Electric vehicle adoption is happening at different rates around the world,” Trisha Jung, senior director of EV strategy and transformation for the car brand said.

“Part of the issue we’re seeing here may be to do with range anxiety – the US is, after all, a much bigger place to drive around than the UK, hence the differences in approval among children.”

“But as battery and range technology evolves – and it is happening at an incredible pace – we’ll hopefully start to see a balancing out,” she added.

The car brand released the video on YouTube earlier this month.

The study, however, found that British and American kids are equally likely to currently live in a household with an electric car (15%).

But of those who don’t, 48% of UK children would like their parents or guardians to get one, compared to 34% of those in the US.

And if they were Prime Minister – or President – 54% of British kids would like to see a law making everyone drive electric, with just 41% of Americans agreeing.

Despite the seemingly anti-EV agenda, American children are more likely to think young people can help the planet “a lot” (63% of the US, vs 48% of the UK).

Electric vehicles vs gas

Pros and cons of EVs vs gasoline-powered vehicles

EV PROS:

• Convenient (when charging at home)
• Cheaper (depending on state or city)
• Cheaper maintenance, due to lack of mechanical parts
• Great for commuting
• Reduced CO2 emissions
• Federal and state tax incentives
• More performance (speed, handling – depending on the make and model)

EV CONS:

• Higher initial cost
• Higher insurance rates
• More frequent tire and brake replacement intervals
• Higher curb weight (thus causing more rapid wear on crucial parts)
• Low resale value
• High depreciation rates
• Lack of charging infrastructure
• Unreliable public charging (related: slow charging times)
• Poor winter and summer performance
• Lack of clean energy alternatives means more “dirty energy” from coal and nuclear sources
• Range anxiety

GAS PROS:

• Highly developed refueling infrastructure
• Fast refueling
• Cheaper insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
• Established repair industry
• Lower initial cost
• Higher range before refueling, especially with hybrids
• Many manufacturers produce nearly emission-less engines
• Cheaper refueling, depending on the location

GAS CONS:

• Finite resource (related: heavy dependence on petroleum)
• Carbon emissions/greenhouse gases
• Higher repair costs
• Higher insurance rates, depending on make, model, and configuration
• Varying costs at the pump, depending on state, city, and county

Source: Car & Driver , Perch Energy , AutoWeek

However, British children are more likely to recycle, use re-useable carrier bags, switch off plugs that aren’t in use, and avoid single-use plastic than their US counterparts.

However, American youth are more likely to opt for second-hand clothing, check labels in stores to ensure they’re eco-friendly, and encourage others to be greener.

British kids feel more confused about what actually is eco-friendly, than their American cousins (48 % vs 40%), according to the OnePoll.com study.

“The UK and the US have always had a ‘special relationship’, and it’s interesting to compare the next generation’s views on going green,” said Jung.

“The positive is that children from both sides of the pond seem engaged and invested in helping the planet in years to come.”

“And while it seems the UK is pulling ahead in terms of green actions, hopefully in the near future, other countries will join in and work harder to protect our planet together.”