Because of environmental concerns, technological advances, and government incentives, more consumers are purchasing electric vehicles (EVs). Almost one million EVs were registered in the US for the first time, and more are expected in the coming years. The rise in popularity of EVs brings the consideration of how to ship them.
Whether you bought your EV from one of the best online used car sites, are containing for college and utilizing Student Auto Transport, or simply moving to the other side of the country, there are things you need to know related to the transportation of EVs, since the transportation of EVs differs from gasoline vehicles in the saftey of the batteries, weight distribution, and charging management.
This blog will cover how to properly audience EV shipping and help you improve your EV shipping experience, which includes your EV preparation and delivery.
Understanding how EV Shipping Differs from Regular Car Transport
EV shipping differs from car shipping in the components used to make the vehicle. Other than that, the principles of car transport remain the same. EVs are powered with high…
Car shipping companies that focus on shipping electric cars have the right tools and knowledge to transport these cars safely. They have trained employees and take other safety precautions to guarantee your electric car gets to its destination safely and efficiently.
Whether you are shipping your electric car to campus using Student Auto Transport or purchasing your car through the best online used car sites, make sure to choose a reliable transporter who has experience with electric cars.
Getting Your Electric Vehicle Ready to Ship
When it comes to electric car transport, preparing to ship is the most important step. Here are a few steps you should take before handing over your car:
Charge the Battery:
EV batteries should be charged to 40-60% before transport. If a battery is charged too much or drained, it may cause complications during shipping. Batteries naturally lose some power during transport, so it is best to prevent loss of power.
Power Down the Vehicle:
Turn off the electric car fully and disable any alarms and other automatic functions that will be added.
Remove Accessories and Personal Items:
Take off all detachable accessories, and clear out your personal items, toll tags, and other items. This will prevent loss or theft and help you follow the shipping regulations.
Photos for Documentation:
Before the transporter takes your car, you should take photos of the car from different angles. These photos can help in the future for insurance reasons if there are any problems during transport.
By preparing properly, you make it easier for the car shipping companies in the uploading, handling, and delivery of your car.
Choosing the Right Method of Transport
For shipping electric vehicles, there are mainly two types of transport, open transport and enclosed transport.
Open Transport
This is the most common and cost-efficient method. It is where vehicles are shipped on open trailers. This works for most standard electric vehicles (EVs) and is the best option for long-distance shipping.
Enclosed Transport
Enclosed transport is for high-end electric vehicles like Teslas, Rivians, and Lucids. This method is best when you want protection from the weather and other roadside objects. This method is best when you want peace of mind.
Shipping Safely.
It is important to take the right steps when shipping electric vehicles due to the lithium batteries in the vehicles. The USDOT and FMCSA put regulations for shipping to eliminate risk during transport.
- Info on shipping electric vehicles.
- Make sure the EV is powered off.
- Check for leaking batteries, etc, before loading.
- Follow the instructions for handling and securing EVs.
- Wear protective clothing and use special gear to prevent electric discharge.
Most people have no issues with these rules.
Cost to Ship EV
The distance to be shipped is the biggest. The bigger, heavier the EV is, the more expensive it is to ship. Using an enclosed carrier is 30-50% more expensive than open transport. If someone lives in the country or far off, it is more expensive to ship to them. When it is the off-season, the cost is usually less. Most shipping places let you quote a price to them, which you can use to price shop them.
Protection and insurance
Auto transporters include insurance with the price. Before paying, ask for the insurance and see what it covers. You can add more for a price.
Protection on most insurance covers you covers the most common problems.
- Damage when loading and unloading.
- During transport, it is called an accident or mishandling.
- Weather or debris-related incidents (for open transport).
EVs are cool, but things can still go wrong, and it’s best to have insurance to protect your peace of mind throughout the whole trip.
Tracking and Communication During Transit
Now, car shipping companies let you track your car with GPS and let you track your EV crossing state lines. They send you alerts when it is time for pickups, during the trip, and when it is time for drop-off.
This is very true if you are using Student Auto Transport or buying a car from one of the best online used car sites. They are very dependable and offer a lot of reassurance.
Also, the best companies will let you contact them if you have any questions.
Delivery and Inspection
Once the electric vehicle reaches the destination, take a moment to go over the vehicle and check for possible damage. After the check, you can sign for delivery.
Here’s what to check:
- Confirm the battery charge is the same level as when it was shipped.
- Look for signs of scratches, dents, or misaligned panels.
- Check all the electronics and systems are performing perfectly, including navigation, sensors, and charging ports.
If you notice any problems, document them right away and communicate them to the transport company. Most transporters will respond as quickly as possible to justified claims when they receive the claims with all the right documentation.
Ways to Make Shipping Your EV Easy
Book Your Shipment Early:
Shipping electric vehicles needs specialized transporters, so you should plan and book your transport 2–3 weeks in advance at a minimum.
Work With Companies With A Solid Reputation:
Not all transporters will have the experience to ship electric vehicles. Stick to those car shipping companies that are known for EV shipping.
Stay Updated:
Know and understand the shipping regulations and the requirements for handling batteries in your state.
Plan For Vehicle Delivery:
Have the person who is going to receive the car on the delivery day available to check and confirm the vehicle’s state when it gets there.
Future of shipping electric vehicles in the transport industry
There is a growing rate of electric vehicles on the road, which means that a larger portion of car shipping services have to undertake industry-standard practices to accommodate electric vehicle owners. Advanced tracking, shipping, and charging methods like climate-controlled shipping trailers, portable charging units, and climate-controlled trailers are now regular practices.
There is also a growing trend for the best online used car sites, which is incstreasing the demand for dependable out-of-state EV shipping. This means that buyers have access to purchasing electric vehicles from anywhere across the country. There is also a growing tendency for college students to use Student Auto Transport to bring their EVs with them instead of buying a new one locally.
Conclusion
It’s easy to ship Electric Vehicles across the states. But it does take some planning and having the correct partner. Having an EV prepared for transit and knowing the specialized carriers will always allow for a safe and smooth process.
Having your trust in companies that ship cars and in services that are used for Student Auto Transport, you can be confident that your EV will arrive at its destination. If you found your EV on one of the best used car websites, shipping will be smooth, so your new car will arrive at your home safe and fully charged.