Tesla & Electric Car Shipping
Shipping a Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Mustang Mach-E, Ioniq or any other electric car is a lot like shipping a gas car, with a few differences. Here’s what to know before pickup.
- Open or enclosed carriers
- All EV makes and models
- Questions? Call (424) 453-1800
EV Basics
Read the full guide
What’s Different About Shipping an EV
- Weight. Battery packs make EVs heavier than similar gas cars, and large EV trucks and SUVs can be very heavy. Weight affects where the car fits on a carrier.
- Charge level. Enough to load, unload and move the car at stops, but not full. See the FAQ below.
- Moving without power. Some EVs need a special mode, like Tesla’s Transport Mode, to roll freely if they’re winched.
- Key cards and phone keys. Give the driver a working key card or key fob. A phone key leaves with you.
- Low ground clearance. Some EVs have low aero panels or sit low. Mention it when you ask for a quote.
Getting Your Tesla Ready
- Charge to roughly a third to a half.
- Leave a key card with the driver, and turn off Sentry Mode and any scheduled charging.
- Turn off any alarm or tilt sensors that might be triggered on the trailer.
- Remove charging cables, mobile connectors and personal items from the frunk and trunk.
- Take dated photos of every side, plus the wheels, which are easy to scuff.
Open or Enclosed for an EV?
Most EVs ship on open carriers just like gas cars. For a new, high-end or wrapped EV, enclosed transport keeps it covered. Either way, we match you with a vetted carrier that can take your car’s weight and height.
EV Shipping Questions
How much charge should my EV have for shipping?
Somewhere around a third to a half is a good target. The car needs enough to be driven on and off the carrier and moved around at stops, but a full battery adds nothing. Check what your manufacturer recommends.
What is Tesla Transport Mode?
Transport Mode lets a Tesla roll freely with the parking brake off, so it can be winched onto a trailer without power to the drive unit. Show the driver how to turn it on, or turn it on together at pickup.
Does shipping an EV cost more?
Sometimes a little. EVs are heavier than similar gas cars because of the battery, and weight is one of the things that affects which spot on a carrier fits and the price. Your quote accounts for your exact model.
Can I ship an EV that won’t charge or won’t move?
Tell us when you ask for a quote. A car that can’t roll or steer needs a carrier with a winch and the right setup, which affects which carriers can take it.
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Shipping an EV?
Get a price in a couple of minutes, or call and talk it through.