Why Do Electric Vehicles (EVs) Cost More to Ship Than Gas Cars?
EVs are heavy. They need special care. That drives up shipping costs. Simple as that. Gas cars are lighter. Easier to haul. Cheaper overall.
At AMG Transport Co., we broker nationwide vehicle shipping door to door. We see it daily. EVs like Teslas or Rivians tip the scales. Expect 10-30% higher quotes. Why? Let's break it down.
Why Do EVs Cost More to Ship Than Gas Cars?
Carriers charge based on distance, vehicle type, and load factors. EVs hit harder on all fronts.
How Does Extra EV Weight Affect Car Shipping Prices?
Batteries pack pounds. A Chevy Bolt weighs 3,600 lbs. A similar gas Bolt? Under 3,000 lbs. Tesla Model Y? Over 4,400 lbs. Ford F-150 Lightning? Nearly 7,000 lbs.
Carriers burn more fuel hauling heavies. Tires wear faster. Brakes too. They pass costs to brokers like us.
Pricing math: Most quotes run $0.60-$1.50 per mile for open transport. Add 500 lbs? Bump it 10-20%. Cross-country from Texas to California? Gas sedan might cost $1,200. EV? $1,500+.
We use vetted, insured carriers. They know EV weights. No surprises.
| Vehicle Type | Avg Weight (lbs) | Est. Open Transport Cost (1,000 miles) |
|--------------|------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Gas Sedan | 3,000 | $800-$1,200 |
| EV Sedan | 4,000 | $1,000-$1,500 |
| Gas SUV | 4,200 | $1,000-$1,400 |
| EV SUV | 5,000+ | $1,300-$1,800 |
Data from our quotes. Real numbers. Weights from manufacturer specs.
Do EVs Require Enclosed Transport for Battery Protection?
Not always. But often smarter. Lithium batteries hate extremes. Heat over 110°F. Cold under 20°F. Open trailers expose them.
Enclosed auto transport blocks weather. Dust too. Costs double. Open? Fine for most. But luxury EVs? Enclosed protects paint, too.
Carriers we vet handle both. No forcing enclosed unless needed. Saves you cash.
What Preparation Steps Are Needed for EV Shipping?
Prep right. Avoid fees. Keep costs down.
1. Clean the vehicle. Note damage.
2. Empty it. No loose items.
3. Check tires. Inflate properly.
4. VIN scan ready. We do it.
EVs have quirks.
Should You Charge the Battery Before Pickup?
Yes. 20-50% charge. Enough to roll on/off trailer. Carriers need it movable.
72-hour pickup window? Charge then. We confirm.
Full charge? Risky. Batteries drain. Heat builds.
How to Avoid Non-Running EV Fees?
Non-runners cost extra. $200-$500. Winch fees. Labor.
Keep it running. Charged. Brakes good.
Stripe deposits lock your spot. Honest quotes upfront. No bait-and-switch.
Can You Save Money on EV Auto Transport?
Yes. Smart moves matter.
Open over enclosed. Flexible dates. Brokers negotiate.
We buffer carriers. They hate frontend hassles. We handle sales, coordination. They drive.
Does Route Popularity Matter More for Heavy EVs?
Big time. Popular routes like Texas to Florida or Houston to LA fill trailers fast. Heavies pair better.
Obscure spots? Tougher. Costs rise.
Multi-car loads save families. Single EV? Still competitive via us.
Tips:
- Book off-peak. Avoid summer heat.
- Open carrier pros: cheaper, cons: exposure.
- Compare quotes. We give transparent ones.
Cross-country? 7-14 days. We track it.
Why Choose AMG Transport Co. for Your EV Ship?
Industry's fraud-filled. Rates wild. We guide you.
Texas-based auto transport broker. Nationwide reach. Vetted carriers only. Full insurance.
VIN scans verify. Stripe for secure deposits. 72-hour pickups. No hidden fees.
Carriers trust us. We invest in relationships. Your EV gets priority care.
Don't risk direct carrier deals. They skip people problems. We solve them.
Get your honest EV shipping quote now. No regrets.
Written by Mike Matthews, Logistics Manager at AMG Transport Co.