Over half of children surveyed in Britain want their parents to be more environmentally friendly, including switching to electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles, Peugeot UK research has found.

Peugeot surveyed 1,250 children aged 7-12 and their parents or guardians and revealed that 54.2% have tried to get their parents to be more environmentally friendly, by recycling, reusing and even switching to an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

More than two-thirds of children in the study said they have started caring more for the environment in recent years, with 67.8% of children believing electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are good for the planet.

More than half of parents taking part in the study (55.3%) said their children expressed they would like them to own an electric vehicle (EV) in the future.

David Peel, managing director of Peugeot UK, said: “It’s great to see the next generation of car buyers so interested in full electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and to know that they understand the positive impact these vehicles have on the environment.

“It’s really positive to see through our research how influential children are in the purchase decisions their parents make.”

Peel said the brand is "rapidly embracing an "electric future".

Peugeot has also highlighted potential cost of ownership savings of up to £200-per month in a bid to promote sales of its new range of EVs and plug-in hybrids. 

The research also revealed 72.2% of children say they are consulted or involved in the purchases their parents make, including buying a new car or choosing holiday destinations.

The news comes as Peugeot revealed the new 3008, which features revised styling, enhanced specification and a choice of plug-in hybrid powertrains.