The EV ownership company The Electric Car Scheme has shared the best new and used zero-emission models for dog lovers.

As more people make the switch from a petrol or diesel car to a fully-electric alternative, some motorists fear that their large batteries make them less practical.

However, Thom Groot, CEO and co-founder of The Electric Car Scheme, stated that these vehicles are often a lot more capable than most drivers imagine.

He explained: “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!”

According to The Electric Car Scheme, the best EV for owners of larger dogs is the Tesla Model Y, the most popular car in the brand’s range.

First launched in January 2020, the electric crossover features an impressive 971-litre boot with all of the seats in place, and 2,158 litres with the rear row folded flat.

The Elon Musk-owned company is set to introduce a new facelifted version to the market later in 2024, featuring a much sleeker front end and extra technology.

Another model suggested by The Electric Car Scheme for large families who also have a dog is the Kia EV9.

The latest and longest model in the South Korean company’s range, the EV9 only has 333 litres of space when all of its seven seats are upright.

However, more than 800 litres of luggage room is available with the rear row folded, making it easy for almost all kinds of dog to sit comfortably.

However, the company also found that dog owners do not need to spend a fortune to find a practical electric model, recommending the Nissan Leaf.

One of the longest-running names in electric vehicles, the Leaf is capable of accommodating smaller dogs in it’s typical 435-litre boot, which can be increased to a vast 1,176 litres with the seats folded.

However, the Nissan Leaf is also an incredibly affordable way to get behind the wheel of an EV, with new examples priced from £28,495 and well-kept used examples of the latest version retailing from £6,000.