Electric vehicles have unique characteristics that affect how they are transported. Whether you are shipping a Tesla Model 3, a Rivian R1T, a Ford Mustang Mach-E, or any other EV, this guide covers the specific considerations for electric vehicle transport.
Can You Ship an Electric Vehicle?
Absolutely. EVs are shipped on the same open and enclosed carriers as gas-powered vehicles. The process is fundamentally the same, with a few EV-specific considerations that we cover below.
Battery Charge Level
This is the most important EV-specific preparation step:
- • Charge to 40-60% before the carrier arrives
- • The driver needs enough charge to drive the vehicle on and off the trailer (a few hundred feet)
- • Do not charge to 100% because lithium-ion batteries are safest and most stable at a partial charge during transport
- • Do not leave it below 20% because the vehicle needs to be drivable at both ends
Weight Considerations
EVs are significantly heavier than comparable gas-powered vehicles due to their battery packs:
- • Tesla Model 3: ~3,800 lbs (vs ~3,200 for a comparable sedan)
- • Tesla Model Y: ~4,400 lbs
- • Rivian R1T: ~7,100 lbs
- • Ford F-150 Lightning: ~6,500 lbs
- • Hummer EV: ~9,000 lbs
Heavier vehicles can affect carrier load planning and may cost slightly more ($50-$150) due to weight restrictions on multi-car carriers. The Hummer EV and other extremely heavy EVs may require special carrier arrangements.
EV-Specific Preparation Checklist
In addition to our standard [vehicle preparation guide](/blog/how-to-prepare-your-vehicle-for-transport):
1. Charge to 40-60% as detailed above 2. Disable Sentry Mode (Tesla) or equivalent security camera systems so they do not drain the battery during transit 3. Turn off scheduled charging so the vehicle does not attempt to charge while on the trailer 4. Deactivate summon/auto-park features to prevent unintended movement 5. Set the vehicle to "Transport Mode" if available (Tesla has this in Service settings) 6. Provide charging cable instructions only if needed for any reason; typically not required 7. Note any range anxiety concerns for the carrier if the vehicle has limited charge or range
Tesla-Specific Tips
Tesla is the most commonly shipped EV brand, so here are model-specific notes:
- • Transport Mode: Go to Controls > Service > Transport Mode. This disables the parking brake auto-apply and air suspension adjustments
- • Disable Sentry Mode: Controls > Safety > Sentry Mode OFF
- • Disable scheduled charging and departure
- • Provide a key card to the driver (not just the phone key, as Bluetooth connectivity may not work reliably for the carrier)
- • Air suspension: If your Tesla has adaptive air suspension, set it to "Standard" height before pickup
Shipping Costs for EVs
EV shipping costs are comparable to gas-powered vehicles of similar size:
- • Sedans (Model 3, Polestar 2): Standard sedan pricing
- • SUVs (Model X, Rivian R1S): Standard SUV pricing (+$50-$150 over sedan)
- • Trucks (F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, Cybertruck): Standard truck pricing (+$100-$200 over sedan)
- • Heavy EVs (Hummer EV): May incur additional weight surcharge of $100-$250
For detailed pricing on your specific EV, check our [car shipping cost page](/car-shipping-cost) or call for a quote.
Open vs Enclosed for EVs
The same guidelines apply as any other vehicle:
- • Open transport: Fine for daily-driver EVs (most Teslas, Bolts, Leafs, Mach-Es)
- • Enclosed transport: Recommended for high-value EVs (Porsche Taycan Turbo S, Lucid Air Grand Touring, Rivian with expensive packages, any EV over $75,000)
Learn more on our [open vs enclosed page](/open-vs-enclosed).
Common EV Shipping Questions
Q: Will the battery drain during shipping? Some drain is normal (1-3% per day) due to onboard systems. With a 40-60% starting charge and typical 5-10 day transit, you will have plenty of charge at delivery. Disabling Sentry Mode minimizes drain.
Q: Is there any fire risk with shipping EV batteries? Modern EV batteries are extremely safe during normal transport. Carriers handle EVs daily without incident. If your EV has a damaged battery pack (from an accident), disclose this immediately as special handling may be required.
Q: Can I ship a hybrid vehicle? Yes. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and standard hybrids ship just like gas-powered vehicles. Keep fuel at 1/4 tank and charge the battery to 40-60% for plug-in models.
Q: What about the Cybertruck? The Tesla Cybertruck's size and weight (approximately 6,600 lbs) means it ships like a large truck. Open transport is fine for most owners. The stainless steel exterior is durable but scratches are visible, so some owners prefer enclosed.
Get Your EV Shipped
Ready to ship your electric vehicle? Call State Wide Auto Transport at (855) 469-8090 or [get a free quote online](/quote). Our team is experienced with every major EV brand and will ensure your vehicle arrives safely.