The best electric cars for dog owners
Today, we’re tackling a common myth: that EVs aren’t suitable for dog owners. To dispel this, the team at The Electric Car Scheme has shared some pictures of their dogs in electric cars, proving they can be perfect for your furry friends. As EVs become more popular, more new drivers are enquiring about boot space and how easy it is to get their labradoodle into the car.
At The Electric Car Scheme, we answer these questions daily, dispelling the myth that EVs aren’t suitable for dog owners. You may not be surprised that the Kia Niro EV tops the UK’s list for small dogs, while the Tesla Model Y comes out on top for larger dogs.
Switching to an electric car is one of the most significant ways you can make a positive change towards net zero. We want to make it cheaper and easier than any other option. Salary sacrifice makes this possible, allowing employees to save 30-60% on any electric car by reducing your salary in exchange for an electric car as a benefit. This makes electric cars an affordable option for everyone.
What are the best EVs for dog owners?
The table below shows the electric cars best suited for larger dogs as well as smaller dogs. In this list, features the Tesla Model Y, Mercedes EQB and the Nissan Leaf.
| EVs perfect for larger dogs | Ideal EVs for smaller dogs | |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | Kia Niro EV | |
| Skoda Enyaq iV | Volkswagen ID.4 | |
| Mercedes EQB | Hyundai Kona | |
| Kia EV9 | Nissan Leaf | |
| Audi Q8 e-Tron | Kia Soul EV |
Electric cars best suited to larger dogs
Let’s have a closer look at the electric cars we believe to be best suited for larger dogs… with some examples!
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y appeals to both electric vehicle enthusiasts and families because it is larger than the Model 3. This Tesla Model has all of the advantages of an electric SUV, including a higher driving position and increased boot space. The range extends up to 331 miles (WTLP), meaning long journey’s are a breeze without the need to stop frequently.
The Tesla Model Y comes with a front boot with a 117-litre capacity, which is quite useful. The main boot can hold 854 litres, including the underfloor storage, and you can fold the rear seats down for even more space if needed. This ample boot space makes the Tesla Model Y one of the most practical SUVs you can buy, easily accommodating dogs of any size. Alfie, the Australian Labradoodle, can be seen sitting upright in the boot of the Tesla Model Y, but he could comfortably lie down in the 854-litre boot as well.
Tesla also has several great features geared towards dogs - like dog mode, which allows you to leave the screen on for your dog while they’re left in the car. They have also created the “pet-liner”, designed to keep your seats clean and your dog comfortable.
What about the Tesla Model 3?
The Tesla Model 3 is available to lease in three different models: the RWD, LR AWD, and Performance AWD. Practicality is not overlooked in the Tesla Model 3, and in the updated Highland version, the rear trunk has been expanded to offer up to 594 litres of storage. Although this is not as large as the Model Y's boot, the Model 3 can still fit luggage, groceries, or a smaller dog. As you can see, Rolly, the Miniature Schnauzer, comfortably sits in the boot of Gaurav’s Tesla Model 3.
Skoda Enyaq iV
The Skoda Enyaq is known for being a comfortable and practical family car, whilst also being nice to look at. It has an estimated range of 247-348 miles and you can choose between two battery sizes: 62kWh or the 82kWh.
Unlike the Model Y, the Enyaq has not made use of the front boot space, but this isn’t a necessity considering how big the actual boot is. It has a capacity of 585 litres, which extends if you pull the back seats down. The Skoda Enyaq will easily fit your holiday luggage or your large dog very comfortably.
Mercedes EQB
The Mercedes EQB is a seven-seater EV based on the GLB, giving it a unique position in the market due to its seating capacity. It has a 66.5kWh battery and offers 253 miles of range on a single charge.
It has a boot space of 495 litres, smaller than than both the Skoda Enyaq and Tesla Model Y. This space does expand to a hefty 1,710 litres when the rear seats are folded down. A larger dog will fit comfortably in the EQB
You can lease the Mercedes EQB from The Electric Car Scheme and save money by sacrificing your salary before tax. You could save £570 on income tax and £29 on national insurance. You will have to pay a small amount in BiK tax, which is £63. Overall, you will save almost £600 every month by salary sacrificing the Mercedes EQB!
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9, much like the Mercedes EQ, has capacity to seat seven. All EV9 models have the save 99.8kWh, delivering a range of up to 349 miles, and there are three trim levels.
Depending on the trim level you choose, your boot will fluctuate slightly in size. The EV9 has 333 litres of space with all three rows of seats in place, which is larger than the Volvo EX90. If you fold the seats down, you get 828 litres of space which is more than the Model Y. The parcel shelf can be kept under the boot when you have all seven seats in place - but it is important to note there isn’t anywhere in the back to store the charging cables. You would need to store them in the front luggage area under the bonnet if you don't want them in the boot. This is 90 litres in Air models and 50 litres in GT-Line versions. You will be able to comfortably fit your larger dog in the boot of the Kia EV9 - especially with the back seats down.
Audi Q8 e-Tron
The Audi Q8 competes with alternatives like the BMW iX and Mercedes EQS SUV. There are several different specifications of the Q8 that you can get, ranging from the Sport to the Vorsprung. In the black edition you get HD Matrix LED lights at the front, while inside there is quad-zone climate control, heated and electrically adjustable front seats with memory function. The Vorsprung is at the top of the range and therefore has desirable extras, like 22-inch wheels and Nappa leather upholstery inside. You also get heated rear seats and a Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Moving to the boot, the Audi Q8 e-tron has a generous 569-litre boot space expands to a flat 1,637-litre area when the back seats are folded down. This is more than the Mercedes EQB and Kia EV9 but less than the Skoda Enyaq and Tesla Model Y. This is a good mid-range boot where you will be able to fit your large dog comfortably, but if you’re looking for that extra space you would choose the Model Y.
The best EVs for small dogs
If you have a smaller dog and therefore are looking for a smaller boot, we also have you covered. From the Volkswagen ID.4 to the Nissan Leaf.
Kia Niro EV
The Kia Niro EV’s electric motor produces 204 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque and has a single battery size of 64.8kWh which allows a range of 285 miles. There are three models available: 2, 3 and 4. Alternatives in terms of size and price, to the Kia Niro EV include the Mazda MX-30, Peugeot e-2008 and the Volkswagen ID.3.
The boot space in the Niro is impressive, offering 475 litres. This is an improvement over the Hybrid's 451 litres and the PHEV's 358 litres. The shape of the boot is excellent, allowing you to fit plenty of items inside. Additionally, it features tie-down points and a 12-volt socket. With this capacity, the Niro's boot is suitable for larger dogs, yet small dogs will also be very comfortable. You can see Biggie Smalls, the Miniature Dachshund, enjoying plenty of room in the Niro's boot.
Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 has a range of engine and battery options, power outputs range from 146hp to 295hp, and the overall range spans from 213 miles to 328 miles. The standard configuration features rear-wheel drive, while top specifications include all-wheel drive.
The boot space in the Volkswagen ID.4 totals an impressive 543 litres, surpassing competitors like the BMW iX3 with 510 litres and the Kia EV6 with 466 litres. This boot would be perfect for any sized dog. Practical features include hooks and straps to secure luggage, a 12-volt socket, and a small compartment under the boot floor for charging cables. Certain trims offer an adjustable boot floor, expanding the load space to 1,655 litres with the rear seats folded down. You will be able to put your dog in the boot, whether large or small, and know they will be able to travel comfortably with enough room.
Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona Electric combines the traditional advantages of an SUV, such as a practical interior and elevated driving position, with the added benefits of battery-powered propulsion. Two versions of the Kona Electric are available: a 39kWh model with 136hp and a range of 189 miles, and a 64kWh model with 204hp and a range of up to 300 miles - ideal for longer journeys.
Similar to other Hyundai electric models, the Kona Electric features a relatively small boot with a capacity of 332 litres. While sufficient for groceries or luggage, it may struggle to accommodate larger family needs. However, the boot boasts a wide opening and a low-loading lip, ensuring ease of use. Additionally, the rear seats can be lowered to provide extra space when needed. Although this is one of the smaller boots mentioned in this post, it can still comfortably fit a medium to small dog. As you can see, Rolly, a Miniature Schnauzer, can sit in the boot with it open and will be able to lie down once it is closed.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf, commonly stylized as "LEAF," is a compact battery-electric car manufactured by Nissan since 2010. It is known as an entry point into EV owenership and has two battery options offer distinct differences. The standard 148bhp model provides a range of 168 miles between charges, while the higher-specification 214bhp Leaf e+ offers a more convenient range of 239 miles.
The Leaf offers a generous 435 litres of boot space with the rear seats upright, surpassing competitors like the Hyundai Kona with 335 litres, mentioned above, and the Peugeot e-208 with 311 litres. Tether points ensure secure storage, though a high-load lip may pose difficulty when loading heavier items. Folding the rear seats expands cargo capacity to an impressive 1,176 litres, surpassing the Peugeot e-208's 1,106 litres. Again, a great sized boot for fitting medium to small dogs comfortably.
At The Electric Car Scheme, you can lease both new and used Nissan Leafs. Used electric car salary sacrifice makes EVs more affordable with quicker lead times, so if you’re in a rush to get into an electric car or if salary sacrificing a new EV seems too expensive, this may be the best option for you. You can learn more about our used car offering here.
Leasing a used electric car allows you save more because the starting prices are less than if you were to lease a new EV. However, the difference between a new and used Nissan Leaf N-Connecta is marginal. By leasing a used Nissan Leaf you would pay £213 per month, you will save £124 per month on employee income tax and £6 on national insurance savings. Whereas, with a new Nissan Leaf you can save £134 on income tax and £7 on national insurance tax savings. Visit our quote tool, input your salary and lease terms and see how much you can save through salary sacrifice.
Kia Soul EV
The Kia Soul is available in two models: Urban and Explore. The Explore model has a bigger battery and, therefore, a longer range of 280 miles. The Explore has a higher trim level, whereas the Urban model misses some of the top-end equipment (which is to be expected for the lower price point).
Compared to other cars in this blog, the Soul has a smaller amount of boot space at 315 litres. There is extra storage space under the floor where you can store charging cables… luckily. The boot is square, making packing easier. The back seats also fold down in case you need to transport bulkier items, and there is a clip to keep the seatbelts in order which is useful. The square boot is very helpful in terms of maximising the space, and will mean there is enough room for your dog to enjoy the 315 litres available. This boot is best suited to smaller dogs, which is important to note.
BMW i4
The BMW i4 has two engine options to choose from. Opting for the e-Drive35 Sport model provides a 70 kWh battery, facilitating a home charging time of approximately 7 hours. Alternatively, the e-Drive40 Sport model boasts an 83.9 kWh battery, requiring a slightly extended home charging time of 8 and a half hours. However, the payoff is a rapid 0 to 62 mph acceleration in just 5.6 seconds. In 2024, the i4 was one of the most popular EVs to salary sacrifice at The Electric Car Scheme.
In the boot, there is 470 litres of room. If you fold the seats down, that space increases to 1,290 litres. This is a decent amount of room, which would allow for a small to medium dog to be comfortable in the back. You can see Bailey, a Mastiff Cross, in the boot of Jodi’s BMW i4 who could lay in the boot.
The Electric Car Scheme CEO and Co-Founder Thom Groot commented:
“As a nation of dog lovers, it’s no surprise that choosing an EV is as much about the comfort of our canine companions as any other specification. One of the most common questions we receive on a daily basis from customers is whether or not a certain model is suitable for dogs. As a dog and electric car owner myself, I can assure drivers that they can be just as practical as a traditional car and, in some cases, more so!
“As the price of EVs comes down, with cheaper options from traditional manufacturers, new Chinese alternatives and the used EV market, more people will be thinking about these practical concerns. For the past few years, cost has been by far the biggest consideration, our research shows that for 68% cost is the single biggest barrier to getting an EV, but these sort of questions show that this could be on the cusp of changing.”
Every company in the UK can help their employees on their personal journey to net zero by offering The Electric Car Scheme as an employee benefit. For every business to offer electric car salary sacrifice, it has to be a 'no-brainer'. That’s why The Electric Car Scheme is no cost to the employer to set up and run. As an employer, you are protected if the car needs to be returned early. And importantly, you run the scheme with no hassle, simple set up, straight forward reporting, and 5* customer service.
