Electric Vehicle Shipping: Tesla, Rivian and Other EVs
Electric cars ride on the same open and enclosed carriers as everything else, but they have a few quirks that matter on pickup day: battery charge level, extra weight, software modes that fight the driver, and a 12-volt system that can strand an otherwise healthy car. Super Auto Transport ships EVs nationwide and to Hawaii and Alaska. This page covers what to do before the carrier arrives.
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What is different about shipping an EV
Weight
Battery packs are heavy. A mid-size electric SUV can weigh several hundred pounds more than its gasoline equivalent, and large electric trucks are heavier still. Carriers plan loads around axle limits and per-position limits, so dispatch needs the exact year, make, model and trim to place the car correctly. Give accurate information when you quote; a vehicle that turns out heavier than booked can be refused at pickup.
State of charge
The car is driven onto the trailer, sometimes repositioned at other stops, and driven off at delivery. Nothing charges it along the way. Arrive at pickup with a comfortable margin, roughly a quarter to half charge, and never near empty. Avoid shipping at a full charge; it is unnecessary and some ocean carriers restrict it.
Software and security modes
Camera-based security modes, auto-presenting handles, proximity locking and automatic parking features all cause friction while the car is strapped on a moving trailer. Turn them off before pickup. If the vehicle has a dedicated transport or tow mode, enable it; it lets the wheels roll freely and prevents the car from setting the parking brake unexpectedly.
The 12-volt battery
Nearly every EV relies on a small 12-volt battery to wake the main system. If it fails, the car may not unlock, shift to neutral or release the parking brake, which turns a simple drive-on load into a winch job. If the car has been sitting for weeks or the 12-volt is old, have it checked before shipping.
Open or enclosed for an electric car
Most EVs ship on open carriers without issue. Enclosed transport is worth considering for very high-value models, for cars with large glass roofs you want to keep out of gravel spray, or simply for peace of mind on a long cross-country trip. See the full comparison on our open vs enclosed page.
Pickup-day checklist for EV owners
- Charge to roughly a quarter to half, not full and not nearly empty.
- Disable camera security modes and any feature that locks or moves parts automatically.
- Enable transport or tow mode if available, and tell the driver how to use it.
- Provide a physical key card or fob. Phone-as-key alone can fail when the driver has no access to your account.
- Remove the mobile charging cable and adapters, or declare them as personal items.
- Photograph all panels, the wheels, the glass roof and the charge port door.
- Note the state of charge and mileage on the Bill of Lading alongside the condition report.
The general version of this list is in our guide on preparing your car for shipping.
Charging at delivery
Have a plan for where the car will charge after delivery, especially if the destination is a new home without a wall charger yet. The driver will note the arrival state of charge on the Bill of Lading, which is also a useful record if there is any question about battery use in transit.
Shipping an EV to Hawaii or Alaska
Ocean carriers accept electric vehicles with specific rules about charge level, battery condition and documentation, and those rules change. We will give you the current requirements for your sailing when you book. The port process itself is the same as for any vehicle; see Hawaii car shipping and Alaska car shipping.
Get an EV shipping quote
The instant calculator prices by make and model, so choose your exact EV for an accurate quote. For a non-running EV or an unusually heavy electric truck, call (208) 500-0400 and we will confirm the right equipment before dispatch.
Frequently asked questions
How much charge should the battery have for shipping?
Enough to drive on and off the trailer a few times with margin, but not full. Somewhere around a quarter to half charge is a sensible target. The car will not be charged in transit, and a nearly empty battery can leave the driver unable to unload it at delivery.
Does an EV cost more to ship than a gasoline car?
Sometimes slightly. Electric vehicles are heavier than similarly sized gasoline cars because of the battery pack, and carriers have weight limits per position and per truck. A heavy EV can take the place of a larger vehicle in the load plan. The difference is usually modest for a standard sedan or crossover.
Can an EV with a dead 12-volt battery be shipped?
Yes, but it has to be treated as an inoperable vehicle. Many EVs cannot be shifted to neutral without 12-volt power, which complicates winching. Tell us before booking so the carrier brings the right equipment, and see our inoperable vehicle shipping page.
Should I turn off features like Sentry mode or self-presenting door handles?
Yes. Camera-based security modes drain the battery and can fill storage with footage of the highway. Turn them off, and put the vehicle in its transport or tow mode if it has one so it does not try to engage parking features while strapped down.
Do you ship electric vehicles to Hawaii and Alaska?
Yes. Ocean carriers accept EVs, with their own rules about state of charge and documentation. Ask us for the current requirements on your route and allow extra time for the port process.