The Safest Way to Ship Electric and Hybrid Cars

Electric and hybrid vehicles are built differently, so it’s no wonder they require a different approach when it comes to transportation safety. Knowing how to ship an electric car and what you need to take care of ahead of time can make all the difference. Focus on proper battery care ahead of the shipment and choose the right carrier that understands the specificity of handling and shipping electric cars. Today, we break it all down in an easily digestible form, so if you need a comprehensive resource that discusses best practices when shipping hybrid cars or EVs, start here.

Choose a Transport Company That Specializes in EVs

Not all car shipping brokers are created equal, and that matters a whole lot more when you’re dealing with a battery-powered vehicle. A transporter or broker who’s unfamiliar with electric car shipping might not be aware of what the right precautions to take are regarding things like:

• Weight distribution
• Regenerative braking systems
• Battery safety protocols

That’s why your first step should be finding a company with specific experience in shipping electric cars. Ask about their process, equipment, and previous EV transports. Choosing the right partner plays a huge role and can make or break the overall experience.

Opt for Enclosed Car Shipping

When you want to maximize the safety of car shipping, regardless of whether it runs on gas, electricity, or if it’s a hybrid, opt for enclosed car shipping over open carriers.

Why? The reason is simple, actually. Doing so means you protect the car against unnecessary exposure to road debris, poor weather conditions, and UV rays. Given the higher sensitivity of the undercarriage components in an EV, increased protection is definitely welcome here.

Yes, it’s possible that even with open car shipping, nothing could ever happen to your car. Shipping your car like this is completely safe, and millions of people do it every year. But when it comes to ticking all your boxes and providing the maximum level of assurance, enclosed shipping is the gold standard.

Be Mindful of Battery Charge Levels

One of the most overlooked aspects of shipping electric cars is battery management. As part of the protocol of preparing your car for shipping, most car transport companies recommend that EVs be shipped with a state of charge (SOC) of between 20% and 50%. A battery that’s too full may increase the risk of thermal issues during long hauls, especially in hot climates.

If you’re prepping to ship your hybrid or electric vehicle, it’s also imperative that you check your owner’s manual for any guidelines that may be pertinent to the safety of the shipping process. However, generally speaking, partial charge can be considered the safest way to go.

Secure All Charging Equipment and Loose Items

Your EV or hybrid car likely comes with a set of portable charging cables, wall connectors, adapters – stuff like that. Make sure all these accessories are either removed or securely stowed before loading the vehicle. These items can shift in transit and cause internal damage.

One common mistake when organizing an electric car ship is forgetting to check the trunk and frunk (front trunk). So, the main takeaway here is to take a few minutes to tidy up the interior and be as thorough as you can. It could save you a costly repair.

Understand Insurance Coverage for EVs and Hybrids

Not all transport insurance covers high-value EVs or battery-related issues that may pop up. To that end, to make sure that everything is above board and covered the way it needs to be, check the level of insurance provided by your chosen company and ask whether it includes specific protections. Ask about liability for such elements as:

• Battery Damage: EV batteries are one of the most expensive components in the vehicle. A drop, jolt, or prolonged exposure to extreme heat during transit can significantly shorten battery lifespan or even lead to safety risks. Confirm whether battery-related damage is explicitly covered by the transporter’s insurance.
• Undercarriage Impact: Because EVs often have lower ground clearance, as we mentioned, they’re more susceptible to scrapes and damage during loading, unloading, or when navigating poorly maintained roads. Ask if the policy accounts for any damage to the vehicle’s underside.
• Electronic Systems: EVs and hybrids are packed with sophisticated tech that can be sensitive to things like shock, moisture, or even improper handling. Make sure these are also protected by insurance.

The Takeaway

Safety is absolutely paramount during vehicle transport, but that goes more than double for electric and hybrid vehicle shipping. Preparing ahead of time and knowing the right procedure is extremely important, and the best way to do so is working with a specialized transporter and knowing how to prepare your EV correctly.

Read more: What Types of Services Do Car Shipping Companies Offer?

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