Dogs prefer riding in electric cars, says research. Here are 12 EVs you can lease right now…

Dogs prefer riding in electric cars over traditional combustion engine vehicles, according to new research by the Veterinary Behavioural Medicine division at the University of Lincoln.

Dogs have been best friends to humans for a very long time. Research has long suggested that our furry pals have been our constant companions for over 16,000 years, with more recent evidence extending the time frame up to 40,000 years!

In modern times, our relationships with these lovable animals may have evolved, however we’re still relying on them for loyalty, friendship, love, and protection.

Travelling with dogs is a common event for owners, a process that can often lead to our buddies experiencing a lot of discomfort. But what can we do to make them more comfortable on these journeys?

Dogs are more relaxed in EVs says research

Recently, Daniel Mills, a Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine at the University of Lincoln, along with his team at the university’s Animal Behaviour Clinic, conducted a study to see if dogs prefer travelling in electric vehicles (EVs) over cars powered by diesel engines.

To ensure they achieved accurate results, the team included a variety of dog breeds, of all shapes and sizes – all of which were fitted with heart rate monitors. Additionally, luggage compartments of both the electric and diesel-powered cars were fitted with cameras to observe the dogs’ behaviour.

Half of the test subjects were first driven in the car with a diesel engine, whilst the other half began the study in the EV. Each dog was given a rest period of one hour between each ride to ensure it was relaxed at the beginning of both journeys.

The team looked out for any reactions that signified stress for these dogs including salivating, lip licking, whining, body movements, and other relevant reactions. The heart monitor also revealed the animals’ levels of comfort and/or stress.

The results showed that when travelling in EVs, dogs are generally more relaxed than when they travel in diesel powered cars. Thanks to the smoother and quieter nature of the ride, their body movements are more even-tempered, they display less agitated behaviour, and exhibit fewer signs of nausea – a condition that up to 44% percent of all British dog owners attest to.

So, it’s been established that dogs prefer riding in electric cars: Here are 12 you can lease right now for yours and your pooch’s comfort…

12 electric vehicles to lease for you and your pooch

Hippo Leasing can help you find the affordable EV that’s right for your lifestyle. We have a wide range of electric car leasing deals for you to select from on our website. Our specialised team are dedicated to finding the right EV for your personal circumstances.

Here are 12 great electric cars that you can lease with us right now:

Mazda MX-30

The Mazda MX-30 is a stylish electric compact SUV that contains many noteworthy features for both you and your pup.

The quiet nature of the AC synchronous electric motor and 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery combination ensures a smooth and calming ride.

The Freestyle door setup means that both the front and rear doors open at the centre. To 82 and 80 degrees respectively, allowing for easy access. The walk-in mechanism at the front adds to the convenience of entry. Folding the seatback forward, and sliding the front seat towards the dash with a single touch.

The interior of the MX-30 is spacious for a hatchback. It features a tilt sunroof, meaning passengers both human and hound, won’t feel cramped in the space.

Additionally, a wide range of safety and driver assistance features ensures your well-being, as well as that of your canine companion.

DS 3

The DS 3 is a luxury supermini EV that exhibits a contemporary exterior design, and a well-equipped interior.

Thanks to the thickly padded seats, the DS 3 offers a high level of comfort for both you and your pooch. Furthermore, the supple suspension system, with its high level of absorption, provides enough stability to prevent motion sickness.

Another great feature is the car’s effective climate control system that ensures an ideal travelling environment in all weather conditions. 

The DS 3 also provides plenty of rear seat space, ensuring your pet is comfortable in the back.

The quiet electric motor, thicker door panels, thick glass, and a windscreen designed to reduce soundwaves, make the DS 3 a calm ride.

Renault Zoe

The Renault Zoe is a five-door supermini electric car that has proven to be one of the quietest on the roads. Even when travelling at speeds of 70mph on the motorway.

The electric motor is almost soundless, whilst the noises from the exterior environment have been well muted. Thanks to the insulated nature of the cabin. This along with the option to pre-set the climate control temperature, ensures you and your dog will have a tranquil travelling environment.

The seating in both the front and the back is soft and supportive. Providing a comfortable ride, even on longer journeys. The 391-litre capacity of the luggage compartment means there is no shortage of space for transporting goods. And it frees up extra room for your furry best friend.

Škoda Enyaq iV Estate

The all-new Enyaq iV Estate is Škoda’s first electric SUV.

The beautifully designed interior offers great space and comfort. Especially designed to ensure an optimum travelling environment for all occupants – a large boot adding to your dog transporting options.

Škoda have created a car that has the well-being of you and your loved ones in mind. Thanks to an impressive range of industry-leading safety and driver assistance features, you can rest assured that you and your pet are in the very best of hands.

These features include Crew Protect Assist that prepares occupants in the event of an inevitable impact by automatically closing all windows. As well as by activating the pretensioning of safety belts. The Multi-Collision Brake is then activated to reduce uncontrolled vehicle movement after the impact. Thereby reducing the chance of further collisions.

Tesla Model 3 Saloon

The Model 3 Saloon is a compact executive sedan created by EV giants, Tesla.

The inside of the car is unlike any other vehicle. With an all-glass roof extending from the front to the rear. It lets an abundance of natural light in, and creates a sense of openness throughout the vehicle.

The interior space of the Model 3 Saloon is enhanced by the electric powertrain’s placement underneath the car’s floor. This means ample additional room for both pets and parcels. 

The boot itself is a good size, complete with a deep floor and an underneath compartment. This combined with the rear split seats means plenty of storage space, even with your fluffy companion in the car.

Additionally, the Model 3 Saloon is a super safe environment for you and your pet. The five-star Euro NCAP safety rating backs this up.

Kia Soul Electric

The Kia Soul Electric is a fuel-efficient, compact electric crossover SUV.

The 171 mile and 280 mile all-electric ranges of the 39kWh and 64kWh models respectively, ensure less time spent at recharging stations, and more time spent with your pooch in the park. 

The interior of the Soul provides an abundance of space for both passengers and cargo. Giving your dog space to breath in the back.

The Soul Electric is a great car to drive. With its four driving modes, you and your pet are assured a smooth and comfortable driving experience in all conditions.

The car’s standard adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance features add to the safety of the vehicle .Meaning your fuzzy passenger is more likely to remain calm throughout any journey.

MINI Electric Hatchback

The MINI Electric Hatchback is a small but zippy, three-door compact car. It’s the only fully electric vehicle produced by MINI – one that promises a comfortable space for your spaniel.

Along with the impressive technology housed in the MINI Electric, there are several features that will help to keep your pup in good spirits. Dual-zone climate control means you can adjust the temperature to create a pleasant environment for your pet, no matter the weather conditions outside. Ambient interior lighting further adds to this relaxing atmosphere.

Even though the MINI Electric hatchback is a compact car, it contains a versatile and intelligently laid out interior. Thanks to the battery being situated under the seats, more room is freed up in both the back and the boot, for both canines and cargo.

Nissan Ariya

The Nissan Ariya is a five-door, electric crossover SUV, with a modernistic exterior design.

Nissan have approached the cabin design of the Ariya with a minimalistic mind set. This means an uncluttered space for you and Spot. Additionally, they have opted for high quality materials that are durable in nature – ideal for transporting pets.

Thanks to the inclusion of heated seats and touch-sensitive climate controls, all occupantsare assured a comfortable ride in both hot and cold weather conditions.

Thanks to the 466-litres of boot space, there is oodles of room for poodles and paraphernalia, with the powered tailgate providing easy access. The 60/40-split fold-down rear seating adds to the cargo packing options.

An extensive suite of safety features ensures that both you and bow-wow are travelling in the safest environment possible.

Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric compact crossover SUV that was named World Car of the Year in 2021.

For starters, the ID.4 is one quiet ride. The electric motor is almost completely silent – helping to create a truly serene travelling environment. Even at higher speeds, the effective insulation of the cabin essentially eliminates wind and tyre noises.

To further ensure a calming environment for your four-pawed pal, you can activate ambient lighting or pre-set “moods.” The lighting can easily be dimmed using a slider bar in the infotainment system.

The seating of the ID.4 is not only comfortable, but heated. This combined with the climate control system allows for all occupants to stay warm or cool, depending on the weather.

To allow your furry friend some fresh air, all electric windows can be controlled with one simple touch of a button. Ths is located on the driver’s door panel.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an award-winning, battery electric compact crossover SUV.

This modern SUV has plenty of space on offer, along with comfortable and supportive, electronically adjustable seating.

The second row of seating can slide forward and fold in a 60/40 split. This adds to the versatile nature of the interior.

The power tailgate opens automatically when the proximity of the smart key is detected for three seconds. A great feature when carrying shopping, children, or your played-out puppy.

The luggage compartment itself provides a generous 527-litres of space. This capacity that can be increased up to 1,600-litres with the rear seating folded flat. A second boot located under the bonnet provides a further 57-litres of cargo room.

Additionally, dedicated rear vents supply a comfortable environment for your barker in the back.

Audi E-Tron Electric

The Audi E-Tron Electric is a classy all-wheel-drive SUV.

Audi have invested a lot of time and effort into creating an aerodynamic vehicle. This achievement ensures both efficiency and refinement. This feature combined with the standard acoustic windscreen and optional acoustic side windows, creates an extremely quiet cabin environment for your pet, even at higher speeds.

The brand’s standard all-wheel-drive system is a lot quieter than most other 4x4s, as it is fully electric. This means the racket from differentials in the transmission is replaced by a gentle hum of the electric motors.

In Comfort mode, the E-Tron’s adaptive air suspension effectively irons out most bumps, ensuring a smooth ride.

Individual climate control settings in the rear means your best buddy is kept warm or cool, depending on the season.

Volvo C40 Recharge

The Volvo C40 Recharge is a pure electric crossover SUV.

The first fluffy friendly feature of the C40 is the light and airy nature of the interior. The standard fixed panoramic sunroof allows for an abundance of natural light. Thanks to its laminated and tinted glass providing effective protection from UV radiation.

When transporting pets at night, the back lit ambient lighting delivers a natural soothing glow in the cabin. It helps to create a relaxing environment for your tail-wagging tyke.

There are plenty of smart storage solutions inside the C40’s cabin. Allowing for easy stowing of water bottles, laptops, dog bowls, leashes, tennis balls, and much more.

A small front-loading storage area, along with a large rear compartment, ensure plenty of room for transporting both beagles and baggage.

A full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating ensure the well-being of you, your loved ones, and your precious pet.