With temperatures starting to climb, electric car drivers are being reminded to think twice about how they travel with their dogs – especially when stopping to charge.
InstaVolt, which operates one of the UK’s largest rapid charging networks, has teamed up with Dogs Trust to highlight the risks pets face in warm weather, even on what might feel like mild spring days.
The message is simple: there’s no safe amount of time to leave a dog alone in a car. That includes the short stops many EV drivers make while topping up their batteries. With ultra-rapid charging sessions typically lasting 15 to 20 minutes, drivers are being urged to plan ahead and use that time properly.
Charlie Matthias, senior veterinary surgeon at Dogs Trust, says: “For many of us, the arrival of warmer weather is a welcome change, but it’s important to remember that it can bring real dangers for our dogs.
“Even spring sunshine can cause serious issues – especially for flat-faced breeds or dogs with underlying health conditions. All drivers should take note that there is no safe amount of time to leave a dog alone in a car – even a few minutes could prove to be fatal.
“Drivers of electric vehicles need to be mindful that this also applies when they’re charging their car. Why not treat the charge time as an opportunity to get your dog out of the car for a drink of water and a toilet break?”
It’s a timely reminder as more drivers make the switch to electric, and as longer journeys increasingly include planned charging stops. Rather than seeing those stops as a reason to leave pets in the car, Instavolt says they should be treated as a chance to get out, stretch legs and cool down.
Among the advice to never leave dogs unattended in a vehicle, it’s also recommended to choose charging sites where pets can get fresh air and exercise, to carry water, and to plan journeys with regular breaks.
Dog owners can also choose pet-friendly features in their cars. Some electric cars – like Teslas and some Kia, Jaecoo and Chery models – come with a pet mode where the car will keep an eye on a dog left in the car and keep the air conditioning running at an appropriate temperature.
The focus on better planning when travelling with your dog is also reflected in how charging sites are evolving. InstaVolt’s flagship Superhub near Winchester has been designed with both drivers and their four-legged passengers in mind. Located just off the A34, the site includes 44 ultra-rapid chargers alongside a dog walking area, waste bins and an on-site cafe.
It’s part of a wider shift towards so-called destination charging, where stops are designed to be more than just a quick plug-in. Feedback from drivers has played a big part in shaping these sites, with access to green space and decent facilities regularly cited as priorities.
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, says: “We believe that charging your car should be a positive experience for the whole family, including our four-legged passengers.
Our growing network of ultra-rapid charging hubs is designed to enhance the journey, not just support it — with convenient locations, great amenities and reliable charging drivers can trust.”
InstaVolt now operates more than 3,000 chargers across the UK, all powered by renewable energy, with further expansion planned across the UK and Europe.
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