Electric vehicles have long been identified as one of the solutions to the rise of mobility energy consumption. They are one of the key technologies that will help reduce future emissions.
Are you a proud owner of an electric car or plan to become one? If you need to ship your newly bought or existing EV and not sure how to go about it, you are not alone.
When it comes to transporting EVs, there are a few differences from shipping regular cars. In this post, we will go over all these differences to help you figure out how EV auto transport works.
The birth and re-birth of EVs
The first electric vehicles came to life in the mid-19th century. The first fully electric car was developed in the 1830s. Back then electricity was the driving force of a motor vehicle. Compared to cars that used gasoline at the time, electric vehicles provided a higher level of comfort.
In the 21st century, the demand for EVs has surged anew. Thanks to technological advancements, electric cars experienced a rebirth. Especially since the focus on renewable energy has also been increasing. The interest in EVs has been growing ever since.
Electric cars are also a suitable instrument when it comes to building a sustainable future in the mobility sector. According to a report by CBInsights from 2019, “Electric vehicles are expected to increase from 2% of the global share in 2016 to 22% in 2030.” CB Insights analyzed emerging auto and mobility trends using their NExTT framework. In 2025, according to various sources EV sales are projected to exceed 20 million units this year, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. This surge positions EVs to account for over 25% of global car sales.
Popular EV Models
We have already talked about Tesla and BMW i Series. But what are some other popular electric car models? Let’s have a look!
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Ford F-150 Lightning
- Kia EV9
- Honda Prologue
- Volvo EX90
- Chevrolet Equinox EV
- Hyundai Ioniq
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
Electric cars are not only the most environmentally friendly option, but they are also practical and easy to drive. It is true that they take longer to charge, but EVs are inexpensive to run. Therefore, they can cost you way less in the long run.
How Shipping an EV Works
Shipping an electric vehicle follows the same core process as shipping a gas-powered car—with a few key differences. Here’s how it works, step by step:
Get a Quote
Provide your car’s make, model, pickup/drop-off locations, and preferred shipping dates. Mention it’s an electric vehicle.Choose Your Transport Type
Decide between open or enclosed transport. Enclosed is recommended for luxury EVs or long-distance moves.Prepare Your EV for Transport
- Fully charge the battery;
- Clean the vehicle and document its condition;
- Remove personal items and deactivate alarms;
- Check your EV’s insurance and toll tags;
Pickup and Loading
The carrier arrives and inspects your vehicle. You or a designated person signs off on the Bill of Lading, which documents its condition.In Transit
Your EV is securely loaded and transported. Drivers take extra precautions for the lithium-ion battery.Delivery and Final Inspection
On arrival, inspect your EV for any damage. Sign the final delivery report after confirming its condition matches the pickup record.
Key Differences with EVs:
- Battery safety is a top concern;
- Weight is higher, which may slightly raise cost;
- Charging before transport is essential;
Corsia Logistics ensures your EV is handled with care, every step of the way.
Shipping an EV vs shipping a regular car
EVs weigh more than regular cars
The main reason why electric cars are so heavy is due to the weight of their battery. Batteries are the power source of electric cars. They also require a charger, inverter, and motor. All these add up when it comes to the total weight of the car.
According to EV Archive, “Electric cars are heavier than their gas competitors. The batteries which are the power source of the electric car weigh more than a gas tank and provide less range. A crucial point to make is that the gas tank gets lighter as fuel has been used, this is not the case for batteries. The electric motor of an electric car is a lot lighter than an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), but there are additional parts required in an electric car like a charger and inverter.”
EVs shipping cost can be higher
The weight of a car is one of the main factors that can influence the shipping cost of any vehicle. The heavier the car, the more it will cost to transport.
As we have mentioned above, the batteries add a lot to the total weight of the car. It means that EVs are usually heavier than regular cars, which can reflect in a higher shipping price. Keep that in mind when you request quotes.
Battery Safety Regulations for Shipping EVs
Electric vehicles are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are classified as hazardous materials due to their potential fire risk. Because of this, EV shipping is subject to specific safety regulations.
What You Need to Know:
- Fully charged but stable: Your EV’s battery should be fully charged but not recently used in high-demand driving. This helps avoid overheating during transport.
- No removal needed: You don’t need to remove the battery. In fact, shipping a disassembled EV can create more complications and may violate safety standards.
- DOT and FMCSA compliance: Reputable auto transport companies follow Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines when handling EVs.
- Extra precautions: Carriers may use fire blankets or insulated covers to further protect the battery area—especially for high-capacity or luxury EVs.
Why It Matters:
Following these regulations ensures your vehicle stays safe in transit and prevents potential delays or legal issues during inspection.
Always ask your transport provider how they handle EV battery safety before booking your shipment.
EVs require special precautions when in transit
Whether shipping companies are transporting a regular car, a hybrid, or an EV, it is their job to pay extra attention to every type of vehicle. But when it comes to EVs in particular, auto transporters have to take special precautions.
Shipping lithium-ion battery packs comes with some risks. Therefore, auto transport companies may need extra equipment to move these types of cars.
Lithium-ion batteries are often classified as “dangerous goods” as well. That is why on top of extra care, shipping EVs also requires special precautions.
Transport Types for Shipping EVs
When shipping your electric vehicle, you’ll need to choose between open and enclosed auto transport. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your vehicle and shipping needs.
| Open Carrier Transport | Enclosed Carrier Transport |
|---|---|
|
|
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with enclosed transport if your EV is brand new, high value, or you want maximum protection
- Choose open auto transport if you’re on a budget and shipping a standard electric vehicle
Still unsure? Our team at Corsia Logistics can help you choose the right option based on your vehicle, route, and preferences.
Estimated transit time and cost
Here’s a clear and useful table with common EV shipping routes, estimated transit times, and average costs based on standard open carrier rates. These are ballpark figures—actual rates can vary depending on vehicle size, time of year, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.
| Route | Distance (approx.) | Estimated Transit Time | Estimated Cost (Open Transport) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA → New York, NY | 2,800 miles | 7–10 days | $1,500 – $1,800 |
| Miami, FL → Seattle, WA | 3,300 miles | 8–11 days | $1,600 – $1,900 |
| Chicago, IL → San Francisco, CA | 2,150 miles | 5–8 days | $1,300 – $1,600 |
| Dallas, TX → Boston, MA | 1,850 miles | 5–7 days | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Atlanta, GA → Denver, CO | 1,400 miles | 4–6 days | $1,000 – $1,300 |
| Phoenix, AZ → Portland, OR | 1,250 miles | 4–6 days | $950 – $1,200 |
| Orlando, FL → Houston, TX | 1,000 miles | 3–5 days | $900 – $1,100 |
Notes:
- Enclosed transport can cost 30–50% more
- Delivery times are business days and may vary due to weather or carrier schedules
- These rates assume a standard-size EV (e.g., Nissan LEAF, Tesla Model 3)
You can check Corsia’s Shipping Quote Calculator for exact prices.
10 Helpful EV shipping tips
- Clean and wash your electric car
- Take photos of it and note any existing damages
- Carry out a maintenance check to be on the safe side
- Empty the vehicle and remove any valuables before shipping
- Tighten or remove loose parts
- Fully charge the car’s battery
- Prepare an extra set of keys to give to the carrier driver
- Deactivate automatic toll passes
- Disable the alarm system in case you have one
- Check limits of the insurance coverage
To read about all these tips in detail, check out our tips to successfully ship your car across the state lines.
Ship Your EV with Confidence — Choose Corsia Logistics
Ready to ship your electric vehicle with confidence? Corsia Logistics makes the process simple, safe, and stress-free. Our team understands the unique needs of EV transport and handles every detail—from battery safety to final delivery—with expert care. Whether you’re moving across the state or coast to coast, we’ve got you covered.
Call us at (818) 850-5258 or request a free quote online today. Let’s get your EV moving.
