Car mats for EVs, dogs and kids

Different lives, different needs

A car that only does the commute is a different story from one that does the school run every morning, takes the dog out at weekends or carries the weekly shop in the boot. Electric and hybrid cars also have their own quirks when it comes to the floor and boot. This guide covers what to keep in mind in each case.

EVs and hybrids: the floor is different

In many electric cars the battery sits under the floor, which often means a flat rear floor without the usual centre tunnel. That's nicer for passengers, but it also means mats for the petrol or diesel version of the same model may not fit. In plug-in hybrids, the battery sometimes takes up part of the boot or raises its floor.

So when you look for mats for an EV or a hybrid, make sure they're made specifically for that version, not just the model name. If your car comes in both combustion and electric versions, double-check you've picked the right one.

The EV boot: cables, cables, cables

An electric car's boot usually holds the charging cables, which are often grubby from car park floors or wet from the rain. Left directly on the boot carpet, they'll leave marks. A waterproof boot mat, like an EVA one, catches that dirt and wipes clean in seconds. Many EVs also have a small front storage compartment (the 'frunk'), which is a good place to keep cables in their bag.

Being lightweight, EVA also adds next to no weight to the car — something many EV drivers like, although the effect on range is negligible either way.

Travelling with a dog: hair, mud and drool

If your dog rides in the boot, the floor gets scratched by claws and covered in hair, muddy paw prints and the occasional accident. On boot carpet, hair gets woven into the fibres and smells linger. A custom-fit EVA boot mat covers the surface and hair doesn't embed in it: a shake or a rinse gets it off.

If your dog rides on the back seat, the rear mats take the mud as it climbs in and out. In that case a full front-and-rear set is the most practical choice.

• Always restrain your dog (harness with seat-belt clip, crate or dog guard) — it's for its safety and yours.
• Keep a towel handy to dry its paws before it jumps in.
• Rinse the boot mat after days in the countryside or at the beach so smells don't build up.

Kids: crumbs, juice and shoes on the seat back

With kids, the back footwell is a war zone: biscuits, spilled juice, mud from the park and kicks on the back of the front seat. Carpet rear mats get stained almost immediately and never look clean again.

With EVA mats, crumbs drop into the cells and come out with a shake, and liquids don't soak in — a cloth or some water deals with them. If you have an MPV or seven-seat SUV and the kids use the third row, the three-row set is worth it to cover that area too.

• Child seats are anchored to the seat, not the floor, so mats don't get in the way. If your seat uses a support leg, check the child seat and car manuals for correct placement.
• A mid-tone colour like grey or brown hides everyday marks better than black or beige.
• A seat-back protector pairs well with mats for the kicking problem.

Which set for your situation

• Everyday EV or hybrid: front and rear set made for your exact version, plus a boot mat if you keep the cables there.
• Dog in the boot: a boot mat is a must; add the interior set if it also gets on the seats.
• Family with kids: front and rear at minimum; three rows if you use the extra seats.
• All of the above: full set plus boot. You'll save hours of vacuuming.

In short

EVs need mats made for their specific version, and dogs and kids call for waterproof, easy-clean materials. Custom-fit EVA mats tick both boxes: they follow the exact shape of the floor, use the original fixings and wash with plain water. Find your car and configure your set in the colours you like.