Published November 15, 2025

What Special Considerations Are Needed When Shipping Electric Vehicles?

Learn the unique challenges and requirements for shipping EVs, from battery safety protocols to charging station logistics during transport.

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Shipping Your Electric Vehicle: What You Need to Know

Alright, so you've got an electric vehicle. Maybe it's a Tesla. Maybe it's something else. You need to ship it. You're probably wondering if it's the same as shipping a gas-powered car. Short answer: no. There are a few extra steps. As the Logistics Manager here at AMG Transport Co., I'm going to lay it out for you. No sugar-coating. Just facts.

Battery Safety and Regulations are Key

The biggest difference with an EV is the battery. These aren't your typical car batteries. They're powerful. And they come with specific regulations for transport. Your EV's battery needs to be at a certain charge level. Not too high, not too low. Usually, around 20-50% is the sweet spot. This reduces fire risk. It also keeps the battery from fully draining during transit. A dead EV battery can cause real headaches and extra costs. We make sure our vetted, insured carriers understand these rules. They've got the training and equipment. It's part of how we provide reliable car shipping services Texas and nationwide vehicle shipping door to door.

Condition of the Battery is Important

Before shipping, tell your broker about any battery damage. Even minor cosmetic damage can be an issue. A damaged battery might not be shippable. Or it might require special handling. This goes for hybrids too. Any vehicle with a large battery pack falls under these rules. Transparency upfront avoids delays and problems down the road. We can't fix what we don't know.

Charging Concerns and Logistics

Your EV won't be charging during transport. That's why the charge level recommendation matters. Once it arrives, you'll need to charge it. So, plan for that. If you're relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, make sure you know where the nearest charging stations are at your destination. This is less about the carrier and more about your preparation. But it's a consideration we see people overlook.

Weight and Size Differences

EVs, especially longer-range models, tend to be heavier than their gas counterparts. Those battery packs add serious weight. This impacts the open car carrier transport cost. Heavier vehicles can mean slightly higher transport rates. It's not a huge difference usually, but it's a factor. If you're looking for an open carrier car shipping pros & cons, weight is something to consider for all vehicles, especially EVs.

Open vs. Enclosed Transport for EVs

This choice is always there. For EVs, it's pretty much the same decision matrix as other vehicles. Want to protect your new luxury EV from road grime and weather? Enclosed auto transport for luxury cars is the way to go. It offers more protection. It's also more expensive. How much does it cost to ship a car cross country in an enclosed carrier? More than an open one, usually. If you're shipping a brand new Tesla or a high-end electric, an enclosed carrier benefits for exotic cars and high-value EVs are clear. For a standard EV, an open carrier might be perfectly fine. We provide options and honest quotes, so you can decide what's best for your electric car logistics.

What to Expect from a Good Broker

Working with an experienced car shipping services Texas broker like AMG Transport Co. is almost required for EV shipping. Most individual carriers aren't set up to directly deal with the public. They don't want the hassle. They run trucks. We handle the rest.

We Know the Routes

Whether you need to ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles, or require vehicle transport Texas to California expert broker services, we understand the logistics. We can help with relocating to Florida ship car from Texas, or any other route. Our network covers nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. We know what affects car shipping cost per mile. We can even advise on shipping an SUV vs sedan cost difference for your EV if it's a larger model.

Preparing Your EV for Transport

Just like any vehicle, prepare your EV for shipping. Remove personal items. Check tire pressure. Make sure fluids are topped off (yes, EVs still have some fluids, like windshield washer fluid). Do a VIN scan yourself and get photos. We do a VIN scan too at pickup to compare condition. This is standard procedure and helps avoid disputes if your vehicle arrives damaged.

Conclusion: Don't Go It Alone

Shipping an electric vehicle has its nuances. It's not rocket science, but it's not something you want to leave to chance. A lot of people couldn't work with most carriers directly if they wanted to. Why take the risk dealing with a fly-by-night operation? We understand these special considerations. We work with carriers who do too. AMG Transport Co. takes the complexity out of auto transport. We handle the frontend sales, the coordinating, and the backend systems. All of the things carriers don't want to do. We're the experienced car shipping broker you can trust. Let us handle your EV transport with precision and care.

Ready for an honest quote for your EV? Visit us at amgtransportco.com/get-quote.

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

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