Published December 1, 2025 Category: Mike Matthews

How Much More Does Shipping an Electric Vehicle (EV) Cost and What Risks Come With It?

Uncover EV-specific auto transport costs, battery risks, charging needs, and precautions vs. gas cars. Plan your EV shipment without surprises. (128 chars)

"auto transport" "car shipping" "EV transport costs" "electric vehicle shipping risks" "enclosed vs open transport"

How Much More Does Shipping an Electric Vehicle (EV) Cost and What Risks Come With It?

Shipping an EV isn't like hauling a gas guzzler. Costs run 10-30% higher. Risks pile up too. Batteries demand care. Carriers need prep. As a logistics manager at AMG Transport Co., an auto transport broker Texas drivers trust for nationwide vehicle shipping door to door, I've seen it all. Let's break it down. No fluff.

Why Do EVs Cost More to Ship Than Gas Cars?

EVs weigh more. Batteries add 500-1,500 pounds. Heavier loads mean more fuel for carriers. Insurance jumps too. EV-specific risks hike premiums.

Fewer carriers handle them right. Most trucks lack charging setups. Demand outstrips supply. Especially for long hauls like ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles.

Expect $200-$800 extra on a cross-country trip. How much does it cost to ship a car cross country? Standard sedan: $1,200-$1,800. EV: $1,400-$2,400. Depends on route and season.

What Factors Drive Up EV Shipping Prices?

Open car carrier transport cost saves money. But for EVs, risks might not be worth it.

What Battery Risks Should You Know for EV Transport?

Lithium-ion batteries pack power. They also pack danger. Thermal runaway can spark fires. Impacts or punctures trigger it. Roads aren't smooth.

Salt, debris, weather exposure worsen it. Open carriers leave batteries vulnerable.

Stats: EV fires are rare but intense. FMCSA reports note higher response times. Carriers hate delays. That's why we at AMG vet insured carriers only.

How Do Temperature Extremes Affect EV Batteries During Shipping?

Heat above 95°F speeds degradation. Capacity drops 2-3% per year extra. Cold below 32°F cuts range 40%. Braking generates heat too.

No climate control on open trailers. Enclosed helps. But even then, monitor.

Do EVs Require Special Carriers or Enclosed Transport?

Not always required. But smart. Standard carriers work if prepped right. We pair you with EV-experienced ones.

Open vs. Enclosed: What's Safer for EV Shipping?

| Feature | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |

|---------|-------------|------------------|

| Cost | Cheaper ($0.40-$0.70/mile) | Higher ($1.00-$1.50/mile) |

| Protection | Exposed to elements | Shielded from weather/debris |

| Battery Safety | Risky for punctures | Safer, climate buffer |

| Best For | Budget moves | Luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open |

Open works for most. Enclosed for high-end EVs or classics. Like classic car transport enclosed carrier.

How Long Does EV Auto Transport Take Compared to Regular Cars?

Same timelines. 1-14 days cross-country. How long does car shipping take cross country? Depends on route, weather, load.

EVs don't slow trucks. But prep adds a day.

Can EVs Be Charged En Route, and Does It Delay Pickup?

Carriers rarely charge. No time, no plugs on most rigs. Hooked batteries risk surges.

72-hour pickup windows standard at AMG. We coordinate. No surprises.

What Preparation Steps Minimize EV Shipping Damage?

Prep right. Or pay later.

1. Clean the vehicle. Document condition with photos.

2. VIN scans mandatory. We do them.

3. Tires at 40 PSI. Fluids checked.

4. Disconnect 12V battery if needed.

5. Remove accessories.

6. Keys to driver only.

Stripe deposits secure spots. Honest quotes upfront.

Should You Drain the Battery Before Shipping an EV?

Yes. 20-30% charge ideal. Full batteries risk leaks or fires if damaged. Empty ones won't run away.

Tesla says 20%. Others similar. Test systems first.

Why Choose AMG Transport Co. for Your EV Ship?

Brokers like us handle what carriers skip. Sales, coordination, headaches. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs carriers too. We know both sides.

Vetted insured carriers. EV pros only. Door-to-door car shipping how it works: We quote, deposit via Stripe, scan VIN, pickup in 72 hours, deliver safe.

Best auto transport company for out-of-state moves? Texas based auto transport broker nationwide. No hidden fees. Trusted car shipping broker reviews prove it.

Ready? Get your quote now. Don't risk your EV with amateurs.

Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.

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