Peter Lyon
March 10, 2025
We’ve heard it before, but the truth is that—dogs really do feel more relaxed and less boisterous when traveling in electric vehicles (EVs). A new study by Veterinary Surgeon, Dog Expert and This Morning’s popular vet, Dr Scott Miller, found that dogs are ‘more relaxed’ when traveling in an EV.
The research involved monitoring a dog’s heart rate when traveling in three cars with different propulsion types – electric, diesel and petrol. One year-old Cocker Spaniel Mango was driven around a private track in three different Škoda models. Reaching speeds of up to 70 mph, Mango’s behaviour was monitored during each drive and his pulse rate checked after each journey, with significant results.
Remarkably, Mango’s resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute (BPM) only rose to 100 BPM in the new Škoda Elroq. In contrast, his heart rate spiked to 120 BPM and 125 BPM in the petrol and diesel cars, respectively, indicating higher stress levels.
What’s more, Mango appeared to be more relaxed in the Elroq, lying down and almost falling asleep during the drive. In the fuel-powered cars he appeared more distracted and less settled. And yes, a lot of the distraction comes from the engine’s sound and vibration.
The results are further supported by a survey of 1,500 dog-owning drivers, revealing that nearly a third (32%) worry about their dog’s anxiety during car journeys. It’s not just raised stress levels that have dog owners’ tails in a twist, concerns about their pet’s safety (38%), lack of space (7%), and difficulty securing their dog safely (7%) were also highlighted.
The survey from Škoda found that 53% of dog owners hit the road with their pets at least once a week however, more than half (54%) have avoided driving with their dog altogether, and 51% would steer clear of specific journeys if their pup had to come along.
For those who do brave the open road, the biggest doggie deal-breaker drives include long motorway or A-road trips (50%), journeys over 30 miles (46%), and navigating busy built-up areas (40%).
Our four-legged friends hold such a special place in our lives that nearly half (41%) of dog owners would even factor their hound’s comfort into choosing their next car. And, with almost a third (31%) believing EVs offer a quieter, comfier ride, it’s clear that dog-friendly driving is a growing priority when choosing a new family car.
Following her previous work with Škoda on the Happy Hounds playlist, to soothe dogs’ travel anxiety in the car, Dog Behaviorist and Expert Anna Webb, added: “Mango’s body language clearly showed his preference for traveling in an EV where he’s lying down on the back seat, relaxed, with soft semi-closed brown eyes. Whereas in the traditional fuel powered cars, he’s sitting bolt upright and tense. Turning his head dramatically with rapid wide eye movement, showing the whites of his eyes all clear physical signs of stress.
“Confirming Mango’s adrenalin and stress levels were physiologically higher in the traditional vehicles, his resting pulse rate at 80 beats per minute (BPM) elevated to 100 BPM when traveling in the EV. In contrast, it increased to 120 BPM in the petrol model and 125 BPM in the diesel vehicle.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
All this makes sense. As dogs’ hearing is four times more acute than ours, they pick up on sound frequencies of the traditional engine noises that are inaudible to people and it affects them more. Similarly, the vibrations of the petrol and diesel cars can cause ‘motion sickness,’ raising Mango’s heart rate by feeling nauseous.
