How to Ship an Electric Vehicle (EV): What’s Different

Shipping an electric vehicle works almost exactly like shipping any other car — the same trucks, the same door-to-door process, the same insurance in transit. But there are a few EV-specific details worth knowing so your move goes smoothly and you don’t overpay. Here’s what’s actually different.

Yes, you can ship an EV

Teslas, Rivians, Mustang Mach-Es, Ioniqs — EVs ship every day on standard open and enclosed carriers. You don’t need a special “EV truck.” What you do need is a carrier who knows how to handle one, and a couple of small prep steps on your end.

What’s genuinely different about an EV

• Weight. EVs are heavier than comparable gas cars — the battery pack alone can add hundreds of pounds. Carriers factor total trailer weight into what they can load, which is the main reason EVs sometimes price a little higher than a similar-size gas model.
• The battery. You’ll want it charged to a sensible level (more on that below), and you’ll disable any “sentry” or always-on modes so it doesn’t drain while parked on the trailer.
• Ground clearance and drivability. Many EVs are low and need their specific procedure to roll, shift to neutral, or release the parking brake. A good driver will ask; have the steps handy.

Charge it to about 50%

You don’t want it full and you don’t want it empty. Around a 50% state of charge is the sweet spot: enough to load, reposition, and unload at delivery without stress, but not so high that it matters if it sits. Turn off scheduled climate, sentry, and any app features that wake the car, so the battery holds steady in transit.

Open vs. enclosed for an EV

Open transport is the standard, most affordable choice and perfectly fine for the vast majority of EVs. If yours is a high-value or low-production model — or you simply want it shielded from weather and road debris — enclosed transport is the premium option. Either way, your car is covered by the carrier’s insurance in transit; see our car shipping insurance guide for how that protection works.

How EV shipping is priced

The same factors drive price as any car — distance first, then vehicle size and weight, transport type, and season. Because EVs are heavier, expect them to land at the higher end of the range for their size class. The honest way to know your number is to run a real quote rather than trust a flat “EV surcharge.”

Prepping your EV for pickup

• Charge to roughly 50% and disable sentry/always-on modes.
• Write down (or screenshot) the steps to put it in transport/neutral and release the brake.
• Remove the mobile charger and any loose accessories from the cabin.
• Wash it so you and the driver can record its true condition on the Bill of Lading, and take date-stamped photos.

That’s really it — the rest is the same simple flow in our step-by-step shipping guide.

Frequently asked questions

What charge level should my EV be at for shipping?

About 50%. Enough to maneuver on and off the trailer, low enough that sitting won’t hurt.

Is it more expensive to ship an electric car?

Often slightly, because EVs are heavier. Distance is still the biggest factor — get a real quote for your exact lane.

Should I ship my EV enclosed?

Open is fine for most. Choose enclosed for high-value, rare, or low-clearance EVs, or if you just want extra protection.

Get a real price for your EV

Honest, all-in pricing in about a minute — $0 upfront, vetted carriers, no spam. Get your instant quote, or call (713) 766-6633.