A new UK-designed and built electric car is set to teach the next generation of drivers about road safety and the advantages of electric motoring. The programme has been created by Young Driver – the world’s largest under-17s driving school – and is aimed at 4-10 year olds with a passion for four wheels.

The new project will be run by Young Driver Motor Cars, and will use a fleet of Firefly Sport models, which have been designed specifically for teaching driving skills to youngsters. The 2.1 metre-long car, which can accommodate children aged 4- to 10-years-old (and even adult drivers) will use only UK-sourced components for series-build cars – including their batteries and electric motors – making the Firefly Sport the country’s first all-British EV.

Pooling expertise from around the UK’s motor industry (the design team features former Aston Martin and JLR engineers), the Firefly Sport is built on an aluminium chassis and features all-round independent suspension and rack and pinion steering. This, according to Young Driver Motor Cars, offers young drivers an authentic taste of how a road car looks, handles and performs.

The Firefly Sport features two recyclable 12-volt batteries from a Bromsgrove-based supplier, which power twin 24-volt electric motors which are manufactured in Bournemouth. Maximum speeds will vary depending on the gearbox specified, but will range from 25mph, down to 7mph for the youngest drivers. Firefly Sport also has a remote cut-off facility with a 200-metre range, as well as an automatic cut-off if it senses obstacles in its path, making it ultra-safe for first-time drivers.

Inside the open-topped two seater (a roof is optional for all-weather use) drivers have access to a digital instrument panel that can be personalised on start-up with the user’s name and photograph. There are three instruments – a speedometer, clock and range indicator – as well as a reversing camera and pilot lights for indicators, headlights and tail lights

The new Firefly Sport will be available for 4- to 10-year-old drivers at 45 of Young Driver’s training centres across the UK and costs £20 for a 15-minute test drive. It can also be purchased outright by families who have sufficient space for children to drive the car on private land. Pricing will be announced at the British Motor Show on 18 August.

Firefly Sport is built on an aluminium chassis and features all-round independent suspension and rack and pinion steering