Electric Car Shipping Guide: What EV Owners Should Know

How shipping an EV differs from shipping a gasoline car

Most electric vehicles travel on the same open or enclosed auto carriers used for gasoline cars. An EV usually does not need an EV-only trailer, but the carrier should know how to handle low ground clearance, underbody battery components, and the vehicle’s specified tie-down or loading points EV loading and handling requirements.

Battery weight can also affect the shipment. EVs may weigh more than comparable gasoline vehicles, which can limit how many cars a carrier can legally load and may increase the price. The effect depends on the vehicle and the carrier’s applicable weight limits EV weight and trailer capacity.

The main preparation issues are:

• Setting the battery to the carrier’s required state of charge (SoC).
• Enabling the correct Transport, Tow, Service, or Jack mode.
• Explaining low ground clearance, air suspension, unusual tie-down points, or non-running conditions.
• Choosing between open and enclosed transport.
• Confirming how the vehicle’s weight and loading requirements affect the quote.

Set the battery to the agreed charge level

Do not assume that a fully charged battery is best for shipping. Domestic ground carriers commonly request a partial charge. Published carrier guidance varies, including ranges of approximately 20%–50%, 20%–60%, and 45%–65% partial battery charge ranges. The correct range depends on the carrier and vehicle manufacturer, so the written instruction from your assigned carrier should control.

A battery that is too depleted may not provide enough power to drive onto or off the trailer or operate vehicle electronics during loading. A fully charged battery stores the maximum amount of energy, so carriers use charge limits for both operational and safety reasons reasons for charge limits. Arriving outside the agreed range can delay loading or require the charge to be adjusted before pickup.

Before pickup, ask the carrier to confirm in writing:

• The required SoC range.
• Whether the 12-volt battery should remain connected.
• Whether the vehicle must have a key, key card, or other access device available.
• Any manufacturer-specific charging or transport instructions.

Follow the vehicle owner’s manual and the carrier’s instructions rather than applying a generic percentage by default.

Prepare the vehicle for loading

Many EVs have a Transport, Tow, Service, or Jack mode that affects how the vehicle can be moved or secured. Enable the mode required by your vehicle and tell the driver about it before loading. The correct setting varies by manufacturer and model vehicle transport modes.

Also disclose anything that could change the loading process, including:

• Low ground clearance.
• Air suspension or suspension lockout requirements.
• Unusual jack points or tie-down locations.
• A parking brake or neutral-mode procedure.
• A vehicle that cannot be driven onto the trailer.

A non-running EV may still be transportable, but it can require a winch or other specialized loading equipment. Confirm that requirement before accepting a quote or setting a pickup appointment non-running EV loading equipment.

Choose open or enclosed transport

Both open and enclosed carriers are commonly used for EVs. The choice is primarily a trade-off between price and protection:

Enclosed transport generally costs more; one cited estimate places it about 30%–40% above open transport, although actual pricing varies by shipment enclosed transport price difference. Enclosed service may also be worth considering when loading protection matters, such as for an EV with particularly low ground clearance.

Open transport is not automatically unsuitable for an EV. It is a standard option for many vehicles, provided the carrier uses appropriate loading and tie-down procedures and understands the vehicle’s underbody components.

Evaluate the carrier before booking

For a U.S. interstate move, identify whether you are hiring a broker or a carrier. A broker arranges transportation, while a carrier operates the transportation service. Both interstate brokers and carriers are required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Carriers receive a USDOT number, and both carriers and brokers receive an MC Docket number registration numbers to verify.

You can verify registration through the FMCSA carrier search carrier registration search. Before booking, ask the company to clarify:

• Whether it is acting as a broker, carrier, or both.
• Which registered entity will handle your shipment.
• Whether the assigned carrier has experience with EV loading and low-clearance vehicles.
• How the quote accounts for vehicle weight, loading equipment, route, timing, and transport type.
• What insurance and inspection documentation applies to the shipment.

A low price does not answer those questions. Compare shipment-specific quotes only after providing the vehicle model, running condition, pickup and delivery details, transport preference, and any special loading requirements.

Understand what affects cost and timing

There is no single universal EV surcharge or delivery time supported by the available evidence. Pricing and scheduling depend on factors such as distance, route, timing, service level, vehicle weight, and loading requirements cost and timing factors. Enclosed service, specialized equipment, and a heavier EV may add to the cost or reduce carrier availability.

To reduce avoidable delays, provide complete information before pickup. In particular, disclose whether the vehicle is non-running, whether it has low clearance or air suspension, and whether it must be loaded with a winch. Confirm the required SoC and vehicle mode before the scheduled pickup date.

International transport requires additional planning. Ocean and air shipments may impose stricter charge caps, inspections, original-equipment-manufacturer documentation, and additional forms. Requirements are set by the logistics provider and the applicable shipping procedures, so do not assume that domestic ground instructions apply internationally international EV shipping requirements.

EV shipping checklist

Use this checklist before booking and again before pickup:

• Identify whether the provider is a broker or carrier.
• Verify the applicable U.S. interstate registration information when relevant.
• Get the required SoC range in writing.
• Confirm 12-volt battery, key, and key-card instructions.
• Ask which Transport, Tow, Service, or Jack mode to use.
• Report low clearance, air suspension, unusual tie-down points, or non-running status.
• Choose open or enclosed transport based on protection needs and budget.
• Confirm how weight, equipment, route, timing, and insurance affect the quote.
• For ocean or air shipments, request the provider’s charge, inspection, documentation, and form requirements.

With those details confirmed, shipping an EV is generally a familiar auto-transport process with a few important battery, weight, and loading considerations.