CHILDREN ACROSS BRITAIN VIEW ELECTRIC VEHICLES AS A ROUTE TO PROTECTING THE ENVIROMENT

• A study by Citroën and The Big Issue Group highlights the importance children in Britain place on environmental issues when thinking about their future, with a vast proportion identifying electric vehicles as one of the main ways they could make a difference to the environment.
• Kids in London most likely to say that the environment matters to them, with larger proportion taking value in their future car being electric compared to children outside of London.
• 17% of British children surveyed say they have persuaded adults to buy an electric car; this number rises to 28% in London*.
• Citroën leads the way in accessible urban mobility with award winning Ami 100% ëlectric, New ë-C3 and ë-Berlingo Van, as well as New ë-C3 Aircross, New ë-C4 and New ë-C4 X.

Research by Citroën and The Big Issue Group has highlighted the importance children, aged 6 to 15 across Britain, place on environmental issues when thinking about their future, with 92% of children saying that protecting the environment mattered to them.

Children identified that a move to electric vehicles (EV) was a way they could make a difference to the environment, as more than half (52%) of children said that they felt that it was important for their future car to be electric.

This data correlated with the fact that over a quarter (28%) of children surveyed said that their dream car would be electric, and a further 42% highlighting that electric vehicles can give drivers benefits combustion powered vehicles can’t.

The data also revealed that certain areas of Britain were keener on the future of electric mobility than others. Whilst children across Britain agreed that it was important for their future car to be electric, the sentiment was particularly strong in London, with the South and East of England coming in second, and Northern England and Scotland third.

Although the Midlands and Wales were the regions with the lowest percentage deeming it important for their future cars to be electric, the data reflected positively that 43% of children in these areas wanted electric vehicles in the future.

Assessing the impact of 'pester power', the new research showed that 52% of children said they had talked their parents into recycling to help protect the environment, whilst kids in London appeared to be  particularly effective in persuading their parents to opt for alternative means of travel; 29% of children had won their parents round to using green transport in London, whilst 28% had persuaded parents to buy an electric car. Further, 17% of children across Britain told Citroën that they persuaded their parents to buy an electric car.

The data was not just confined to children, and revealed that the importance of environmental issues was widespread with 89% of adults saying protecting the environment was important, with a further 67% agreeIng with the idea that they could help the environment through their transport choices**.

Russell Blackman, Managing Director Big Issue, said: “This research highlights the passion and commitment of the next generation when it comes to protecting our planet. It's inspiring to see so many young people championing the transition to electric vehicles and influencing the choices of the adults around them. At The Big Issue Group, we believe in creating opportunities for a greener and fairer future, and our partnership with Citroën is a key part of that journey. Together, we’re working to make sustainable transport accessible to all, while continuing our mission to support communities across the UK.”

Greg Taylor, Managing Director Citroën UK, said: “This study goes to show how drivers of the future are committed to the electric transition; at Citroën, we are as committed as they are. We have been working hard to ensure our electric range is as accessible as possible, as demonstrated by our groundbreaking New ë-C3, an EV that provides for the needs and expectations of a wide variety of people at an accessible price.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with such an esteemed organisation as The Big Issue Group. While we continue to develop our EV offering, this partnership fits neatly with our wider goal of ensuring all drivers across the country feel that going electric is a practical and accessible option for them. We look forward to our continued association with The Big Issue Group, working together to help change lives across Britain.”

The new research comes as Citroën launches New ë-C3 and New ë-C3 Aircross, its most accessible electric cars to date. New ë-C3 and New ë-C3 Aircross offer an affordable switch to electric without compromising on comfort, features, or quality; features that the research found were valuable for drivers today and for those in the future.

Comfort was the most important aspect of any dream car for British children, prioritised by 54% of respondents, ahead of gadgets and tech (45%), speed (44%) and ability to fly (40%). For the first time, New C3 and New ë-C3 feature Citroën’s Advanced Comfort® technology, Advanced Comfort® suspension and Advanced Comfort® seats, providing maximum comfort and serenity on board for all occupants.  

New Citroën ë-C3 features a 44kWh battery that provides up to 199 miles (WLTP combined cycle) of range, and 100kW DC rapid charging can boost the battery from 20-80% in just 26 minutes. Available in two trim levels, pricing starts from £21,990 OTR MRRP for the PLUS and £23,690 OTR MRRP for the MAX.

Alongside New ë-C3, Citroën offers a range of vehicles to offer drivers with practical urban mobility options. Ami 100% ëlectric provides a 46-mile range and a 28mph top speed, available as a two-seater or with the versatile Ami Cargo Kit Solution. Ami 100% ëlectric is available from £7,695 OTR MRRP.

Over the past few years, The Big Issue Group has benefited from models across Citroën’s electric van range, including ë-Berlingo Van. Citroën ë-Berlingo Van is available from £25,455 (Basic Price excl. VAT after Plug-in Van Grant) and benefits from an up to 213-mile range. Citroën ë-Berlingo Van can charge from 20-80% in just 26 minutes on a 100kW DC rapid charger, providing greater versatility and practicality for businesses operating in busy city environments.

Citroën first announced its partnership with The Big Issue Group in 2022, and has since worked closely with the organisation to support its fleet and frontline outreach services, providing practical vehicles to distribute magazines nationwide and provide day-to-day support for vendors at their pitches.

The Big Issue Group is a social enterprise that aims to benefit the individuals, communities and organisations it works with. The group consists of several different entities, including The Big Issue Media, which publishes The Big Issue magazine, an award-winning weekly entertainment and current affairs magazine that supports homeless and vulnerably housed people across the UK. Vendors buy the magazines for £2 per copy and sell them to the public for £4, keeping the difference. In this way, the magazine provides individuals with the means to earn an income and gain valuable and transferable skills.

ENDS

*Study conducted in September 2024 by YouGov

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 1035 children aged 6 to 15. Fieldwork was undertaken between 6th - 13th September 2024.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of All GB children aged 6-15.

**Study conducted in September 2024 by YouGov

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2100 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd - 4th September 2024.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

Citroën

Since 1919, Citroën has been creating automobiles, technologies, and mobility solutions to respond to changes in society. A brand of boldness and innovation, Citroën places peace of mind and well-being at the heart of its customer experience, and offers a wide range of models, from the distinctive Ami, an electric mobility object designed for the city, to saloons, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, most of which are available in electric or rechargeable hybrid versions. A pioneer brand in the services and attention paid to its private and professional customers, Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world. Citroën UK media website: www.media.stellantis.com/uk-en/citroen