American kids are less eco-friendly than their British counterparts – with just 43 per cent of children wanting an electric car for their first vehicle.

A poll, of 1,000 kids aged 8-16, found American youths would prefer to drive an older car which they can modify.

And 41 per cent want a fuel-guzzling car and aren’t too bothered about saving the planet.

In contrast, 17 per cent of UK children would rather get around by bike when they’re old enough to drive.

And while 39 per cent of British kids think ‘everyone’ will drive an electric car in the future, only 28 per cent of Americans feel the same.

The research was commissioned by Nissan Motor Co, which created a video showing a group of children — The Department of Futures – visiting the team’s headquarters to make sure that the team is on track towards its electrification goals.

Trisha Jung, senior director of EV strategy and transformation for the car brand, said: “Electric vehicle adoption is happening at different rates around the world. 

“Part of the issue we’re seeing here may be to do with range anxiety — the US is, after all, a much bigger place to drive around than the UK, hence the differences in approval among children.

“But as battery and range technology evolves — and it is happening at an incredible pace — we’ll hopefully start to see a balancing out.”

The study, however, found British and American kids are equally likely to currently live in a household with an electric car (15 percent).

But of those who don’t, 48 per cent of UK children would like their parents or guardians to get one, compared to only 34 per cent of those in the US.

And if they were Prime Minister — or President — 54 percent of British kids would like to see a law brought in making everyone drive electric, with just 41 per cent of Americans agreeing.

Despite the seemingly anti-EV agenda, American children are more likely to think young people can help the planet ‘a lot’ (63 percent of US, vs 48 per cent of UK).

However, British children are more likely to recycle, use re-useable carrier bags, switch off plugs that aren’t in use and avoid single-use plastic than their US counterparts.

But American youth are more likely to opt for second hand clothing, check labels in stores to ensure they’re eco-friendly, and encourage others to be greener.

And British kids feel more confused about what actually is eco-friendly, than their American cousins (48 percent vs 40 percent), according to the OnePoll.com study.

Trisha Jung, for Nissan Motor Co, added: “The UK and the US have always had a ‘special relationship’, and it’s interesting to compare the next generation’s views on going green.

“The positive is that children from both sides of the pond seem engaged and invested in helping the planet in years to come.

“And while it seems the UK is pulling ahead in terms of green actions, hopefully in the near future, other countries will join in and work harder to protect our planet together.”