DORSET insurer LV= says it is aiming to get more families thinking about electric cars after joining toy company Little Tikes to give a green makeover to its classic Cozy Coupe.

A one-off version of the foot-powered car has a pretend electric socket and charger in place of its traditional toy petrol cap.

County Gates-based LV= and its electric vehicle business ElectriX launched the Go Green Cozy Coupe Dino as part of an initiative to get families thinking more sustainably.

The model has been created for the campaign and will not be on general sale.

Gill Nowell, head of EV communications at ElectriX, said: “It’s great to see the next generation thinking about innovative ways to save the future of our planet and coming together to show their passion for a greener future.

“Switching from a petrol or diesel car to electric is something families can do to do their bit for the environment. At ElectriX we understand that making the change to an EV can be daunting, so we’re here to help with every step of the process.”

A survey of 800 children aged six to 12 suggested 44 per cent wanted their family to make the leap from a petrol or diesel vehicle to an electric vehicle (EV), while 54 per cent said they would buy an electric vehicle when they are older.

ElectriX is an offshoot of LV= General Insurance which offers a one-stop shop offering drivers help with electric cars, including leasing a vehicle, buying a home charger and getting electric car insurance.

Alaina Cornish, senior brand manager at Little Tikes UK, said: “The Cozy Coupe has been an integral part of so many of our lives since its launch in 1979, so we’re delighted to announce our collaborative project with LV=, with the concept of the first-ever one-off electric makeover for the Cozy Coupe.

"It’s the same iconic outdoor toy, brought forward with an electric charging point, socket and an all-electric dashboard. We’re hopeful the one-off iteration will spark conversations about the importance of electric vehicles for the future.”