What Special Requirements Come with Shipping Electric Vehicles (EVs)?
Shipping an EV isn't like hauling a gas car. Batteries add weight. They pose fire risks. Charging complicates pickup. Standard carriers often balk. As a Texas-based auto transport broker, we've seen it all at AMG Transport Co. nationwide vehicle shipping door to door is our game. Plan ahead or face delays.
Why Is Shipping an EV Different from a Gas Car?
EVs pack lithium-ion batteries. These are heavy. They demand special care. Gas cars? Simple. EVs? Not so much.
Weight jumps 500-1,000 pounds over sedans. That hikes fuel costs for carriers. Range drops under load. Fire risk looms if damaged. Regs tighten. Most carriers won't touch untrained hauls.
How Does EV Battery Safety Affect Carrier Choices?
Lithium-ion batteries can thermal runaway. Heat builds. Fires start. Hard to extinguish.
Carriers need EV certification. Training on spill response. Fire suppression gear. FMCSA pushes this.
Pick vetted carriers. We do at AMG. Insured. Experienced. No fly-by-nights. Brokers buffer you from fraud-filled risks.
What Extra Costs Arise from EV Weight and Size?
Heavier EVs cost more. Open car carrier transport cost rises 20-50%. Depends on distance.
How much does it cost to ship a car cross country? Add $200-500 for EVs. Axes fees. Fuel surcharges.
SUV EVs like Tesla Model X? Even pricier. Brokers negotiate rates. Carriers hate direct deals with folks. Non-payment scares them. We keep it reasonable.
Do EVs Need Enclosed Transport for Protection?
Not always. But often smarter. Open exposes to weather. Debris. Batteries hate moisture.
Enclosed auto transport for luxury cars protects. EVs count as premium now.
Can Open Carriers Safely Handle EV Batteries?
Yes, if carrier knows EVs. Tarps help. But rain? Road salt? Risks climb.
Open carrier car shipping pros & cons: Cheaper. Faster. But less safe for batteries.
Most EVs ship open fine. Insist on EV-trained haulers.
When Is Enclosed Transport Essential for EVs?
High-value Teslas. Modified EVs. Cross-country hauls in bad weather.
Luxury vehicle transport enclosed vs open: Enclosed wins for peace of mind.
Ship a car from Houston to Los Angeles? Enclosed if battery's exposed or pristine finish matters.
| Feature | Open Carrier | Enclosed Carrier |
|---------|--------------|------------------|
| Cost | Lower ($0.80-$1.20/mile) | Higher ($1.50-$2.50/mile) |
| Protection | Basic (tarps) | Full (weather-proof) |
| EV Battery Risk | Moderate | Low |
| Best For | Standard EVs | Luxury/High-Value |
How Do Charging and Non-Running Status Impact Pickup?
EVs must drive onto trailers. Dead battery? Problem.
Carriers expect charge. Plan 72-hour pickup windows like we offer. Brokers coordinate.
Shipping a non-running vehicle what to know: EVs common. Winch fees add $100-300.
What If My EV Runs Out of Charge During Loading?
Carrier tows it. Or jumps with EV gear. Rare, but happens.
How long does car shipping take cross country? Delays kill timelines. Charge it. Or tell us upfront.
Should I Remove the EV Charger Before Shipping?
Yes. Pack separately. Chargers snag. Damage easy.
Level 2 units? Heavy. Stow safe. We guide on prep.
What Insurance Gaps Exist for EV Damage Claims?
Standard policies skim battery fires. Thermal damage.
Need $100K+ cargo coverage. EV-specific riders.
Brokers vet insured carriers. We scan VINs. Stripe deposits secure. Honest quotes. No hidden fees.
Direct carriers? Risky. They dodge people. Brokers invest in relationships. Clients win.
Most folks can't book carriers direct. Capacity full. Brokers required.
Why AMG Transport Co. Handles Your EV Haul
EVs complicate auto transport. Batteries. Weights. Charges. Insurance.
Skip headaches. Use AMG Transport Co., experienced car shipping broker you can trust. Texas based auto transport broker nationwide.
We vet carriers. Our parent, AMG Endeavors, runs rigs. We know both sides.
Door-to-door car shipping how it works: VIN scans. 72-hour pickups. Vetted insured carriers. Multi-car discounts for families.
Best auto transport company for out-of-state moves? Us. Trusted car shipping broker reviews prove it.
Get your free EV quote today. Don't risk it.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.