Canine-Approved: Best Electric Cars For Your Dog
Meet the dogs of The Electric Car Scheme! All of these furry companions love their EVs.
Today, we’re tackling a common myth: that EVs aren’t suitable for dog owners. 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. We have compiled the best EVs for both small and large dogs and The Electric Car Scheme team has shared some pictures of their dogs in electric cars, proving they can be perfect for your furry friends!
The Best EVs For Dog Owners
The table below highlights the electric cars best suited for both larger and smaller dogs, including the Tesla Model Y, Mercedes EQB, and 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
Now, let's look at the EVs that offer ample space for our canine companions. We'll explore some specific examples of EVs that are particularly well-suited for larger dog breeds, ensuring both comfort and safety during your journeys.
Tesla Model Y
Alfie, the Australian Labradoodle, loves the 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 journeys 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 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 iV 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 82kWh.
Unlike the Model Y, the Enyaq does not have a front boot, but this doesn’t end up being a necessity due to how big the boot actually is - with 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 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
| Mercedes-Benz EQB 250+ 140kW Sport Executive 70.5kWh | Cost Breakdown Monthly |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Salary Sacrifice (inc VAT) | £816 |
| Employee Income Tax Savings | - £327 |
| Employee National Insurance Savings | - £16 |
| Average Benefit-In-Kind Tax Over Term | + £67 |
| Net Cost/You Pay | £541 |
You can lease the Mercedes EQB from The Electric Car Scheme and save money by sacrificing your salary before tax. You could save £327 on income tax and £16 on national insurance. You will have to pay a small amount in BiK tax, which is £67 per month. Overall, you will save almost £343 every month by salary sacrificing the Mercedes EQB!
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 much like the Mercedes EQ, can 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 that 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
Need a smaller boot for your smaller dog? We've got you covered. Explore options like the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Nissan Leaf - perfect for compact canine companions.
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.
You can see Biggie Smalls, the Miniature Dachshund, loves the Kia Niro's boot.
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 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.
| VW ID.4 123kW Match Pure 52kWh | Cost Breakdown Monthly |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Salary Sacrifice (inc VAT) | £675 |
| Employee Income Tax Savings | - £270 |
| Employee National Insurance Savings | - £14 |
| Average Benefit-In-Kind Tax Over Term | + £50 |
| Net Cost/You Pay | £442 |
The table shows how much you could save through EV salary sacrifice schemes, like The Electric Car Scheme. Without a scheme in place, you could be paying £675 per month to lease the Volkswagen ID.4, but with a scheme, you’d only be paying £442. This is a considerable saving, especially when you consider this over a three-year lease!
Hyundai Kona
Rolly, a Miniature Schnauzer, happily sitting in the boot of a 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 the Kona has 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, comfortably once it is closed.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is a compact battery-electric car manufactured by Nissan since 2010. It is known as an entry point into EV ownership and has two battery options that 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 now lease a new or used Nissan Leaf. Used EVs offer quicker delivery and can be more budget-friendly through salary sacrifice. The table shows how much it would cost to lease a new Nissan Leaf from The Electric Car Scheme as a 40% taxpayer who wants to travel 10,000 miles per annum and wants to spread the cost equally over the lease.
| Nissan Leaf 110kW N-Connecta 39kWh | Cost Breakdown Monthly |
|---|---|
| Average Monthly Salary Sacrifice (inc VAT) | £440 |
| Employee Income Tax Savings | - £176 |
| Employee National Insurance Settings | - £9 |
| Average Benefit-In-Kind Over Term | + £39 |
| Net Cost/You Pay | £294 |
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
Bailey, a Mastiff Cross, enjoying the sun in the boot of Jodi’s 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 best 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 very easily!
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 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 at 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, straightforward reporting, and 5* customer service.
Last updated: 09/01/25
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
