Electric Vehicle Shipping

Ensure your EV has a charge between 30% - 50%. This is sufficient for loading, unloading, and any short-distance repositioning. A full battery can be sensitive to extreme temperatures during shipping, so it’s best to avoid overcharging. Overcharging can lead to unnecessary thermal stress on the battery pack, especially if the vehicle is exposed to fluctuating climate conditions in an open carrier. Additionally, many EV manufacturers recommend keeping the charge below 80% when the vehicle is stationary for extended periods, which aligns with best practices during transport.

While it’s generally a good idea to remove portable charging cables, adapters, and accessories and pack them separately to prevent damage or loss, there are exceptions for electric vehicles. Sometimes the carrier may need to access a charging cable - for example, if the EV’s battery runs low or the vehicle arrives with little to no charge and needs to be powered for unloading. In these situations, leaving one portable charger with the vehicle (securely stowed and labeled) can be helpful. If you choose to do so, let your Ship A Car, Inc. account manager know in advance so the driver is informed and prepared. This added step can ensure a smooth delivery process and minimize delays.

To prevent false triggers during transport, disable any alarm or anti-theft systems. This ensures a smooth loading and unloading process and avoids unnecessary delays. Alarms can be accidentally triggered by vibrations or movement on multi-vehicle carriers, which may cause unnecessary disruptions or battery drain during long hauls. Some EVs also feature motion-sensitive security systems or GPS immobilizers, so it’s important to fully disable these settings to prevent interference with the transport process.

Take clear, high-resolution photos of your EV from all angles before pickup and note any existing scratches, dings, or cosmetic issues. The driver conducts inspections at pickup and delivery, and your own records back up the bill of lading. Include close-up shots of wheels, bumpers, mirrors, and undercarriage if accessible, as these areas are most prone to incidental damage during loading. Time-stamp your images and save them in a secure folder - this documentation is invaluable in the rare event a claim needs to be filed.

Once your electric vehicle is loaded onto the carrier you may lock it, but keep in mind the driver may need access during the journey. Car transporters carry multiple vehicles, and depending on the order of drop-offs the driver may need to reposition or temporarily unload your vehicle to access others. Leave a spare key (or key card) with the driver and make sure the vehicle stays accessible. Every carrier we dispatch is vetted and insured before they handle a customer vehicle.

Properly inflated tires and working brakes help with secure loading and unloading. Make sure your EV is roadworthy to avoid delays or extra handling fees. Improper tire pressure can make it difficult for the driver to safely drive the vehicle onto or off of the transport ramp, especially for low-clearance EVs. Additionally, fully functional brakes are essential - not just for loading - but for stabilizing the vehicle once it’s secured on the carrier, ensuring it remains safely in place during transit.

If your vehicle has custom features like an air suspension system or digital access only, let your Ship A Car account manager know. This allows the driver to take proper precautions and bring necessary equipment. For example, some electric vehicles require app-based access or remote key activation, which may not function in areas with limited cellular service - our team can plan for this in advance. Additionally, vehicles with adaptive ride height or regenerative braking may require special loading techniques, so communicating these details helps us assign the most qualified carrier for your shipment.