Toddler sleeping in a car


A survey conducted by Citroën UK has found that parents with young children find it easier to send their toddlers to sleep in an electric vehicle compared with a petrol or diesel equivalent.

The study, conducted across 2,000 parents of young children in the UK – each of whom has made the swap to EV propulsion from ICE – found that 56.4 per cent claimed their child found it easier to fall asleep in an electric vehicle, compared with just 11.9 per cent who claimed it was tougher (just 15.8 per cent were unsure either way). Those involved with the survey, conducted between March and April this year, were parents with children below five years old.

Citroën ë-C4

Citroën ë-C4

Unsurprisingly, more than a third of those polled stated that a smooth ride was the key to their children falling asleep on either long and short journeys (over 96 per cent claimed that their child would be asleep within the first 30 minutes of a car journey). Breaking that down further, 46 per cent claim that the gentle rocking of the vehicle on the road was the most significant contributing factor, while 41 per cent and 40 per cent put it down to a comfortable in-car temperature and a comfortable car seat respectively.

It should be stated that the basis of this study, primarily, was a test of Citroën’s Advanced Comfort Programme, which uses ‘hydraulic cushions,’ plus an additional 15mm top layer of textured foam, to absorb bumps from the road. This mirrors a recent survey from sister brand DS, the latter effectively a pretext to promote the “stress-free driving experience’ that comes with EV ownership. Case-in-point, though it is hinted at in the official release, Citroën does not reveal how many of the 2,000 parents thought an EV’s muted motor noise was a contributing factor.

Having said that, Citroen’s UK survey does at least suggest how ‘impactful’ a smooth ride across a brand’s increasing range of electric vehicles can be to first-time EV owners.

“For new parents, getting their baby off to sleep is often a challenge,” Citroën UK managing director Eurig Druce explains. “Taking a child for a short drive in a car is a tried and tested method for many parents, and our research shows it can help younger children fall asleep quicker than at home.”

Testing was conducted in the Citroën ë-C4 crossover, one of three fully-electric models on the French brand’s fleet alongside the ë-Berlingo van and the ë-SpaceTourer minibus. Further electric and hybrid options, alongside the nine already on its line-up, are set to be introduced by Citroën before 2025.

“The smooth and silent drive from electric vehicles creates an even more calming environment for children and parents alike,” Druce continues. “Citroën is committed to offering an electrified variant of every vehicle in the range by 2025. So, everyone can rest assured, our models will continue to provide a calm and relaxing experience for the whole family for many years to come.”

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