With temperatures beginning to rise, electric vehicle (EV) drivers are being reminded to reconsider how they travel with their dogs, particularly when stopping to charge. InstaVolt, one of the UK's largest rapid charging networks, has partnered with Dogs Trust to highlight the dangers pets face in warm weather, even on seemingly mild spring days. The core message is clear: there is no safe amount of time to leave a dog alone in a car, including the brief stops EV drivers make while topping up their batteries. Given that ultra-rapid charging sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes, drivers are urged to plan ahead and utilize that time wisely.
Veterinary Warning
Charlie Matthias, senior veterinary surgeon at Dogs Trust, explains: "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?"
Planning and Pet-Friendly Features
As more drivers switch to electric and longer journeys include planned charging stops, InstaVolt advises using these stops as a chance to exit the vehicle, stretch legs, and cool down. Recommendations include never leaving dogs unattended in a vehicle, choosing charging sites where pets can get fresh air and exercise, carrying water, and planning journeys with regular breaks. Some electric cars, such as Teslas and certain Kia, Jaecoo, and Chery models, offer a pet mode that monitors dogs left in the car and maintains air conditioning at an appropriate temperature.
Evolving Charging Sites
The focus on better planning when traveling with dogs is reflected in how charging sites are evolving. InstaVolt's flagship Superhub near Winchester, located just off the A34, features 44 ultra-rapid chargers alongside a dog walking area, waste bins, and an on-site cafe. This is part of a wider shift towards destination charging, where stops are designed to be more than just a quick plug-in. Driver feedback has shaped these sites, with access to green space and decent facilities frequently cited as priorities.
Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, states: "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.
