Shipping an electric vehicle (EV) is very similar to shipping a gas-powered car — but there are a few important differences that every EV owner should know ahead of time. With the right preparation and a clear understanding of the process, shipping your EV can be smooth, predictable, and stress-free.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your vehicle and know exactly what to expect from pickup through delivery.
Step 1: Preparing Your EV for Transport
🔋 Set the Battery to the Right Level
Most carriers ask that EVs be shipped with the battery charged between 20% and 50%.
This range is ideal because:
- It reduces risk during transport
- It allows the vehicle to be driven on and off the trailer
- It provides a safe buffer in case minor battery drain occurs during transit, while helping maintain battery health.
Avoid shipping with a fully charged or nearly empty battery unless your transporter advises otherwise.
🚗 Turn Off Battery-Draining Features
Before pickup, disable features that may activate while the car is in transit, such as:
- Sentry or security modes
- Scheduled charging
- Climate control or “pre-conditioning”
- Remote-access apps (if possible)
These features can slowly drain the battery or trigger alerts while the vehicle is on the truck.
🔌 Secure Charging Equipment
If you’re including a charging cable:
- Place it neatly in the trunk or frunk
- Make sure it’s secured so it doesn’t move around
Loose accessories can shift during transport and cause damage.
📸 Document the Vehicle’s Condition
Just like with any vehicle shipment:
- Take clear, time-stamped photos from all angles
- Photograph existing scratches, dents, or marks
- Capture the dashboard showing the battery level
This provides peace of mind and documentation should you need it later.
Step 2: What Happens on Pickup Day
On pickup day, the carrier will:
- Inspect the vehicle and note its condition on the Bill of Lading (BOL)
- Confirm the vehicle is operable
- Load it securely using approved tie-down points
EVs are handled carefully due to their weight and battery placement. The driver will not charge or access the vehicle’s systems, unless prior authorization has been given.
Once loaded, you’ll receive a copy of the Bill of Lading — this is an important document, so keep it handy.
Step 3: During Transit — What to Expect
While your EV is in transit:
- The vehicle is not driven except for loading and unloading
- The battery is not charged or jump-started
- Remote alerts or app notifications may be limited or unavailable
Transit times for EVs are typically the same as gas vehicles, though some routes or carriers may require extra coordination due to EV-specific policies.
Your broker or carrier will keep you informed of progress and estimated delivery timing.
Step 4: Delivery Day
At delivery:
- The driver will unload the vehicle
- You’ll inspect it before signing the final Bill of Lading
- Confirm the vehicle’s condition matches pickup documentation
Payment to the carrier (if applicable) is usually made at delivery using the agreed-upon method.
Once delivered, you can safely recharge the vehicle and resume normal use.
Additional EV Shipping Considerations
While most electric vehicle shipments follow the same process as standard vehicles, there are a few additional factors EV owners should be aware of:
Vehicle Weight & Equipment
Electric vehicles are typically heavier than comparable gas-powered cars due to their battery systems. In some cases, this may require specific trailers or affect load planning, which can occasionally influence scheduling or carrier assignment.
Limited Vehicle Interaction During Transport
For safety and liability reasons, carriers are not authorized to troubleshoot alerts, update software, charge the vehicle, or interact with onboard systems during transit. If any alerts appear, they are documented and communicated rather than addressed by the driver.
Ocean Shipping
If your EV is being shipped through a port, additional documentation or EV-specific approvals may be required. Your shipping advisor will review any extra requirements with you in advance to ensure compliance and avoid delays.
Helpful Tips for a Smooth EV Shipment
- Tell your transporter upfront that the vehicle is electric — this avoids surprises
- Avoid tight timelines if possible; flexibility helps with routing and scheduling
- Choose experienced professionals familiar with EV transport
- Ask questions early — there’s no such thing as a bad one
The Bottom Line
Shipping an electric vehicle isn’t complicated — it just requires a little extra awareness. By preparing your EV properly and knowing what to expect at each stage, you can feel confident that your vehicle will arrive safely and in great condition.
As EV ownership continues to grow, the shipping process continues to improve right along with it — making transport easier, safer, and more reliable than ever. Get your personal Yellowfin Shipping Advisor assigned to your EV shipment today.
