A tiny electric sports car will be tested for the first time at Cribbs Causeway by 'drivers' aged between four to ten years old. Bristol will be one of the first locations in the world to see the brand new EV being tested.
The British-made Firefly Sport car is a scaled down model and has been specifically designed to let youngsters experience the thrill of driving. The opportunity to have driving lessons in the 2.1 metre long car is being offered at the Young Driver’s venue in Cribbs Causeway, starting from May 27 on selected dates.
Young Driver specialises in driving lessons and experiences for those under legal driving age. Sister company, Young Driver Motor Cars (YDMC) is producing the new electric sports car at their workshop in the Midlands. YDMC has been working with a team of experts from Jaguar Land Rover, MG, Aston Martin, Rover and BMW.
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According to a statement from Young Driver, the new car will use only UK-sourced components, making the Firefly Sport "the country’s first all-British EV". They say the vehicle "can also accommodate adult drivers or passengers".
YDMC managing director Ian Mulingani said: “It’s hoped the car will help educate youngsters about road safety and how future motor vehicles can be an environmental force for good. As well as being a lot of fun, it’s designed to be straightforward and unintimidating, but being electric and looking like a supercar, it also aligns with the type of vehicle children hope to drive when they pass their test.
“Having seen how young people respond behind the wheel, we can’t wait to let the youngsters of Bristol to give it a go. It’s all helping in our mission to create a next generation of safe, responsible motorists, as well as putting smiles on faces,” he said.
The new EV’s speeds will be kept below 10mph. It also has a remote cut-off driving facility with a 200 metre range and as well as automatic cut-off, it senses obstacles in its path for safety.
The prototype of the car debuted at the British Motor Show last year and several locations have been chosen for test-driving. Lessons in the vehicle at Cribbs Causeway will cost £20 for 15 minutes while the car itself is a little pricier, at £11,500.
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