The all-electric Firefly Sport, a scaled-down EV model from Young Drive Motor Cars, makes its debut at the British Motor Show this week. The EV model teaches young drivers the importance of road safety and EVs for a sustainable future.
When you hear that a new electric vehicle is coming to market in the UK this week, you’d assume it’s from a big automaker like Jaguar or MG, but no – Young Motor Cars is launching the Firefly Sport, a small two-seater electric vehicle.
Although the Firefly Sport is built and drives like a real electric vehicle, it is designed for 4-10 year olds. The aim is to prepare young drivers to drive on real roads and to teach them why electric vehicles are so important.
The Firefly Sport is a 2.1 meter long (just under 7 feet) electric vehicle sourced entirely from British parts. In fact, it’s dubbed “Britain’s first EV model” because all parts, including the motor and batteries, are British.
Not your average toy car, the Firefly Sport has a top speed of 40km/h which parents can set lower to control the top speed.
In addition, parents don’t have to worry about children driving the vehicles around the city or having an accident. The model is equipped with a range limit of 200 meters. Or if there is an obstacle in the way, the Firefly Sport will stop automatically.
The EV model is the work of former Aston Martin and Jaguar engineer Steve Rawson, while Dr. Ian Pogson, a former MG engineer who built the powertrain. The Firefly Sport features two recyclable 12-volt batteries that power two 24-volt motors.
For those of you who are into the electric Firefly Sport, don’t worry – the company plans to release an adult version soon.
The all-electric Firefly Sport
How the electric Firefly Sport wants to help young drivers
Like regular vehicles, the electric Firefly Sport features an aluminum chassis with full suspension and power steering. The purpose of the EV model is for young drivers to get used to how a real car feels and drives.
YDMC Managing Director Ian Mulingani spoke about why they designed the model for children.
Firefly Sport is a full scale downsized automobile. From its launch this month, it will give 4 to 10-year-olds the opportunity to get behind the wheel and live an authentic driving experience, thanks to this model’s sophisticated design and components that essentially reflect the behavior of a road car, but at a fully manageable speed.
He added:
Because it’s electric and looks like a junior supercar, it also fits the type of vehicle kids see driving when they pass their test.
As I mentioned, all parts are UK sourced. The Firefly Sport has bodywork by Huddersfield and chassis by Coventry. The motor and batteries are now sourced from Bournemouth and Bromsgrove.
Young drivers wishing to test drive the electric Firefly Sport can visit Young Drivers facilities in the UK, or purchase one. Prices for the electric model will be revealed at the British Motor Show tomorrow, August 18.
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