Quick answer: Electric and hybrid cars ship on the same carriers as gas cars. For an EV or plug-in hybrid, charge the battery to about half, turn off security and climate features such as Sentry Mode, tell the company the exact model so the carrier can plan for the weight, and make sure the driver knows how to put the car in its tow or transport mode. A regular hybrid needs no battery prep, just about a quarter tank of fuel. Shipping a Tesla? See how to ship a Tesla.
EV shipping is now routine, and carriers move every kind of electric and hybrid car. The process is the same as for any car, but a heavy battery, a charge level instead of a fuel level, and a few electronic settings mean a little more preparation. This guide covers what is different, how to prepare an electric or hybrid car, which transport to choose, and what it costs.
How Shipping an Electric Car Is Different
- Weight. Battery packs make EVs heavy. A Tesla Model X weighs over 5,000 pounds, and a Cybertruck, Ford F-150 Lightning or Rivian R1T over 6,000. That counts against the truck’s load limit and can decide where the car rides on the trailer.
- Charge, not fuel. The battery needs enough charge to drive the car on and off the trailer, but should not sit full for days.
- Tow or transport mode. Many EVs, including Teslas, must not be towed with their wheels on the ground. If the car has to be winched rather than driven on, the driver needs to know how to put it in its tow mode, such as Tesla’s Tow Mode or Ford’s Neutral Tow.
- The 12-volt battery. EVs still have a small 12-volt battery that runs the locks and electronics. If it goes flat, the car may not open, wake up or shift into neutral until it is jump-started.
- Security and climate features. Features such as Tesla Sentry Mode and Rivian Gear Guard keep running on the truck, use battery and can be set off by every bump.
- Low fronts. Some EVs, such as the Porsche Taycan and Lucid Air, sit low at the front and may need a lift-gate to load without scraping.
Battery Charge and Fuel Guide for Shipping
| Vehicle | Battery | Fuel | Before pickup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric car | About half, or what your carrier asks for | None | Turn off Sentry-type features and scheduled charging; give the driver a key or key card |
| Plug-in hybrid | About half | About a quarter tank | Unplug, check the 12-volt battery and take the charging cable out |
| Hybrid | Nothing to set; the car manages its own battery | About a quarter tank | Disable the alarm and any remote start |
| Gas car, for comparison | Not applicable | About a quarter tank | Check for leaks and tire pressure |
Why about half? It leaves enough charge to drive the car on and off the trailer, move it during the trip if needed, and reach a charger after delivery. A full battery that sits on a truck for a week is not ideal, and a nearly empty one may not get the car off the trailer at the other end. An EV also loses a little charge while it sits, more if security or climate features are left on, so starting near half leaves a buffer.
How to Prepare an Electric Car for Shipping
- Charge it to about half. Set the charge limit in the car or its app the day before pickup.
- Turn off battery-draining features. Sentry Mode, Gear Guard, Cabin Overheat Protection, scheduled charging and scheduled departure. Turn them back on after delivery.
- Share the tow or transport mode steps. Find the procedure in your owner’s manual and send it to the company, or leave a printed copy in the car.
- Check the 12-volt battery. If the car has been slow to wake up, have the battery tested before pickup.
- Have a key ready. Give the driver a key fob or key card. A phone key will not work once you have left.
- Unplug and take the charging cable. Mobile connectors and adapters left in the car are not insured.
- Empty the frunk and cabin. ABC allows up to 100 pounds of personal items as a courtesy, but they are not insured. See what you can leave in your car.
- Wash and photograph the car from every side, including the wheels and roof, with the date showing.
- Remove toll tags and roof racks, and check the tire pressure.
- Tell the company the exact model, trim and any modifications, so the carrier can plan for the weight and height.
Our car shipping checklist covers the general prep steps in more detail.
Shipping a Hybrid Car
Hybrids are the easiest electrified cars to ship. A regular hybrid, such as a Toyota Prius or a Honda Accord Hybrid, charges its own battery from the engine and braking, so there is nothing to set. Treat it like a gas car: leave about a quarter tank of fuel, disable the alarm and any remote start, check for leaks and tire pressure, and hand the driver a working key fob.
A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery you charge from the wall. Charge it to about half, unplug it, take the charging cable out and check the 12-volt battery, just as you would for an EV. Both kinds can ride on an open carrier. Choose enclosed transport for a low-slung plug-in, a luxury model or a car you want kept spotless.
A hybrid is priced like any car of its size. At delivery, start it, check that the hybrid system powers up with no warning lights, and compare it with your pickup photos before you sign.
Open, Enclosed or Top Load for an EV?
- Open auto transport suits most EVs and hybrids, including everyday models such as the Model 3, Model Y, Bolt, Leaf and Ioniq 5. It is the most affordable option and the easiest to book.
- Enclosed auto transport keeps the car inside a covered trailer, away from weather and stone chips, and usually costs 40 to 60 percent more. It makes sense for a new, high-value or wrapped EV, such as a Model S Plaid, Taycan or Lucid Air. Many enclosed trailers have lift-gates for low cars.
- Top load car shipping puts the car on the upper deck of an open carrier, away from drips and most road spray. Heavy EVs are not always allowed on the top deck, so confirm before you book.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship an Electric Car?
An EV is priced like any other car: by distance, size and weight, open or enclosed, season and route. Typical prices for a running sedan on an open carrier with flexible dates:
| Distance | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Under 500 miles | $400 to $700 |
| 500 to 1,000 miles | $550 to $900 |
| 1,000 to 1,500 miles | $700 to $1,100 |
| 1,500 to 2,000 miles | $850 to $1,300 |
| 2,000 miles and up | $1,000 to $1,700 |
Heavy models such as the Model X, Cybertruck, Lightning and R1T can cost more, because they use more of the truck’s weight limit. Enclosed usually adds 40 to 60 percent. See our car shipping cost guide for more.
How Long Does EV Shipping Take?
Transit time depends on distance, not on what powers the car. Typical times are 1 to 3 days for trips up to 500 miles, 3 to 5 days for 500 to 1,500 miles, and 7 to 10 days coast to coast. Pickup usually happens within 1 to 5 days of your first available date. See our car shipping transit time guide for more.
Pickup and Delivery Day
At pickup, the driver inspects the car with you, records any existing damage on the bill of lading and asks you to sign. The driver then drives the car onto the trailer, or uses its tow mode and a winch. Car carriers are up to about 80 feet long, so if your street is narrow, you may meet the driver at a large parking lot nearby.
At delivery, inspect the car against your photos before you sign, and write any new damage on the bill of lading. A claim is much harder to make once you have signed a clean delivery report. Then check the charge level, look for warning lights, turn your settings back on and plug the car in when you can.
Is My EV Insured During Shipping?
The carrier’s cargo insurance covers damage the carrier causes while your car is in its care. It does not cover damage that was already there, personal items or charging equipment left in the car. For a high-value EV, ask for the carrier’s insurance certificate and check the per-vehicle limit against the car’s value. Our guide to car shipping insurance explains who pays for what.
Common Mistakes When Shipping an EV
- Charging to 100 percent, or handing over a car that is nearly empty
- Leaving Sentry Mode or Gear Guard on, which drains the battery and sets off alerts on the truck
- Not sharing the tow mode steps, so the driver cannot get the car to roll
- Giving only a phone key, with no fob or key card for the driver
- Leaving the charging cable in the car, where it is not insured
- Not mentioning the model, so the truck sent cannot take the weight
- Skipping the photos at pickup
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you ship an electric car?
Book a carrier with the exact model, charge the battery to about half, turn off Sentry-type features, give the driver a key and the tow mode steps, and inspect the car with the driver at pickup and delivery.
What charge level should an EV have for shipping?
About half, or whatever your carrier asks for. That is enough to load, unload and reach a charger, without leaving the battery full while it sits on the truck.
Does an EV cost more to ship?
It is priced like any car, by distance, size and weight. Heavy EVs such as the Model X, Cybertruck, F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T can cost more because they use more of the truck’s weight limit.
Can you ship a hybrid on an open carrier?
Yes. Open transport is safe for hybrids and is the most common and affordable choice. Enclosed is worth it for luxury or low-clearance plug-in models.
Do I need to do anything to a hybrid battery before shipping?
Not for a regular hybrid: it manages its own battery. Leave about a quarter tank of fuel. For a plug-in hybrid, charge to about half and unplug it.
Can I leave the charging cable in the car?
You can, but it is not insured, so most owners take it with them.
Does shipping drain an EV’s battery?
A little. An EV loses some charge while it sits, more if security or climate features are left on. Starting at about half leaves plenty in reserve.
How long does it take to ship an electric car across the country?
Usually 7 to 10 days coast to coast once the car is picked up, plus 1 to 5 days for pickup.
Ship Your EV or Hybrid With ABC Auto Shipping
ABC Auto Shipping is a licensed broker with over two decades in the industry. We match your electric or hybrid car with an insured carrier that can take its weight, on an open, top-load or enclosed trailer. There is no deposit, and you pay only once your carrier is secured. Get a free quote today.
