Puppy in charge! Dogs prefer ELECTRIC cars to petrol or diesel vehicles – the smoother ride reduces their heart rate by up to 30%
- Researchers took 20 dogs on short trips in electric and diesel vehicles
- They were more restless in the latter, breaking their prone position more often
- Their heart rates were also reduced by up to 30% in the electric car
- Previous studies have linked a high heart rate to feelings of motion sickness
Just call them Elon Mutts – our dogs prefer electric vehicles to petrol or diesel cars.
A new study has revealed how electric cars provide a smoother ride with reduced road noise and vibration that can lower a dog’s heart rate by up to 30%, helping to prevent motion sickness.
Researchers from the University of Lincoln took 20 dogs on a 10-minute drive, first in an electric car and then in a diesel car.
They found that the test subjects were more restless in the gas-powered vehicle, breaking their lying position 50% more on average.
Researchers at the University of Lincoln took ten test dogs on a ten-minute ride, first in an electric car and then in a diesel car. They found the dogs were more agitated in the gas-powered vehicle, breaking their lying position 50% more on average (stock image)
All dogs in the study, commissioned by online automotive marketplace CarGurus, recorded their biometrics during their rides
All of the dogs in the study, commissioned by online automotive marketplace CarGurus, recorded their biometrics during their rides.
They were also filmed using a GoPro camera to identify any behavior indicating discomfort or relaxation.
The dogs were given an hour break between trips to ensure they were relaxed for both.
Only one of the 20 dogs traveled mainly by electric car in everyday life.
Professor Daniel Mills, Professor of Behavioral Veterinary Medicine at the University of Lincoln, said: “Our results clearly show that dogs appear to be more relaxed in EVs, particularly when examining behavioral traits such as restlessness.
“Furthermore, an interesting and somewhat unintended revelation from the study came from the dogs that we identified as showing potential symptoms associated with motion sickness.
“During their journeys in the electric vehicles, biometric recordings of these dogs revealed that their heart rates slowed significantly more than when they were in diesel cars.
“We were particularly interested in this given that an increase in heart rate is usually associated with motion sickness. This is an intriguing result.
While all dogs chose to lie down for about a third of the trips in both types of vehicles, they chose to stand much less in the electric car.
A separate CarGurus study found that 58% of dog owners say their dogs are prone to overexcitement during car rides.
However, 48% suffered from anxiety and 44% showed signs of nausea while traveling.
Backing up the scientific study, owners who drove their pooches in a diesel and electric car said their pets had a preference for the latter.
They found that 39% settled better, 43% were calmer, 42% seemed less anxious and 45% complained less.
Chris Knapman of CarGurus UK said: “We know from previous studies that the sharp increase in dog ownership over the last three years has caused many motorists to rethink which car best suits their needs.”
“To date, our advice here has focused on safety and practicality, and these remain the primary considerations.
“However, for those who consider switching to an electric car a good choice, this study will provide reassurance that it will also be suitable for their dog.”
While all of the dogs in the study chose to lie down for about a third of the rides in both types of vehicles, they chose to stand up much less in the electric car.
