Call Us: 
Email Us: 
Most people assume shipping an EV is basically the same as shipping a gas vehicle, just with a battery instead of an engine. The truth is that EV transport is largely the same, but the small differences matter enough to affect rates, carrier availability, and even whether your vehicle arrives drivable.
If you are shipping a Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, or any other EV, you are not stepping into a mysterious process. You are entering a process with a few specific rules and a lot of misinformation circulating online.
Myth #1: “EV Shipping Requires Special Equipment.”
Most electric vehicles ship on the same types of trailers used for gas-powered cars. Open carriers and enclosed carriers are the two standard options. There is no special “EV-only trailer” requirement for most shipments.
What changes is how the vehicle gets secured and handled. EVs often sit lower, have sensitive underbody components, and place the battery pack underneath the floor. That means improper loading is a greater risk than with a traditional sedan.
The carrier does not need futuristic equipment. They need experience, proper tie-down methods, and a driver who understands that a high-voltage vehicle is not something you treat casually.
Myth #2: “EVs Are Too Heavy To Ship Normally.”
EVs are heavier than many comparable gas vehicles, but not always by as much as people think.
A Tesla Model 3, for example, weighs roughly the same as a Mercedes C-Class. In those cases, weight has little effect on the transport process. Where weight becomes a real issue is with electric trucks and large SUVs.
A Ford F-150 Lightning can weigh around 6,500 pounds. A GMC Hummer EV pushes past 9,000 pounds. That kind of weight changes the economics for the carrier. Federal weight limits still apply, and carriers can hit legal weight restrictions before the trailer is “full.” When that happens, the driver must haul fewer vehicles per trip, and rates increase.
Some EV owners see higher quotes, especially for oversized models. It is not a made-up surcharge. It is math.
Myth #3: “Shipping An EV Costs Double.”
EV shipping can cost more, but it is rarely the dramatic price jump people expect.
The typical premium tends to come from a few practical realities:
Heavier vehicles reduce load capacity
Higher vehicle values increase cargo risk
Fewer carriers are comfortable hauling certain EV models
In many cases, the difference is modest. In other cases, especially with heavy electric trucks, the price increase is noticeable.
The important thing is understanding why rates change. If a company cannot explain that clearly, you are dealing with someone who is guessing.
AmeriFreight Auto Transport generally sees EV shipping costs increase when the vehicle is unusually heavy or expensive, or when shipping into a region with fewer carriers running that route. Rates depend heavily on lane demand.
Myth #4: “EVs Are More Likely To Catch Fire During Shipping.”
This myth is repeated frequently, largely because EV fires make headlines.
Statistically, EV fires occur less often than gas vehicle fires. In U.S. reporting comparisons, EV fire rates are dramatically lower than those of ICE vehicles, and hybrids show higher rates than both.
So why do carriers take EV fire risk seriously?
Because frequency is not the same thing as severity.
If a lithium-ion battery enters thermal runaway, the fire behaves differently from a gasoline fire. It can burn hotter, reignite, and require far more water to cool. In rare cases, extinguishing an EV battery fire can take tens of thousands of gallons of water. That is why EV incidents create such intense operational concern, even if they are uncommon.
Myth #5: “You Should Ship Your EV Fully Charged.”
This is one of the most expensive mistakes an EV owner can make.
A full battery is not a benefit in transit. It is extra stored energy, and higher charge levels are associated with increased thermal volatility if something goes wrong.
At the same time, shipping with a nearly dead battery is also risky. EVs experience phantom drain during transport. Even while parked, battery management systems, sensors, and security features can consume charge. If the vehicle drops too low, the 12V system may fail, preventing the car from starting or shifting properly at delivery.
Most industry guidelines recommend a 20-50 percent charge for transport. Some manufacturers recommend up to 80, but anything near 100 percent can cause stress to the battery associated with high voltage.
Myth #6: “EV Shipping Requires A Climate-Controlled Trailer.”
No. Your EV is designed to survive the weather.
The confusion comes from industrial battery shipping. Loose lithium battery modules require strict hazmat handling. A finished EV is a complete system designed to sit in heat, cold, and rain.
That said, enclosed shipping can still be a smart decision for different reasons. Enclosed transport helps protect against road debris, salt spray, and exposure. If you are shipping a luxury EV, a performance model, or a vehicle with low ground clearance, enclosed transport reduces the risk of cosmetic and underbody damage.
It is not about temperature control. It is about damage prevention.
Myth #7: “If It Arrives Damaged, I Can Report It Whenever.”
Damage claims depend heavily on the timing of the inspection and the documentation.
Upon delivery, you should inspect the vehicle before signing anything. If you sign the delivery paperwork without noting damage, it becomes much harder to prove the issue happened during transport.
Your best protection is boring but effective:
Take photos before pickup
Take photos at delivery
Check the undercarriage and wheels
Document battery charge and mileage
Review the Bill of Lading carefully
That is what keeps a minor scratch from turning into a drawn-out dispute.
Myth #8: “You Can Pack Your EV Full Of Personal Items.”
The Department of Transportation does not permit personal items to be shipped in vehicles during standard auto transport. Even if a carrier agrees, understand the risk. Personal belongings are not covered under the carrier's contract, and they are not treated the same in a damage claim.
If you are moving household goods, that is a separate service. AmeriFreight focuses on vehicle transportation only.
Need to Ship an EV?
AmeriFreight Auto Transport brings more than 20 years of experience as an auto transport broker, including electric vehicles of all makes and models. We work with thoroughly vetted, fully insured carriers and review their FMCSA records.
Get a free quote today and let us help manage your EV shipment from pickup to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are enclosed trailers mandatory for shipping a Tesla or Rivian?
No, enclosed trailers are not mandatory, and both Tesla and Rivian vehicles can be shipped using open or enclosed carriers, depending on preference and availability.
Do I need to drain my EV battery to 0% before shipping it across the state?
No, draining the battery to zero is not recommended, and a moderate charge level is preferred for safe loading and unloading.
Is it true that car carriers won't ship EVs because of fire risks?
No, many carriers transport EVs regularly, but they follow specific safety procedures due to battery-related risks.
Do car transporters have charging stations on their trucks for long hauls?
No, car transport trucks do not have onboard charging stations, so vehicles are not charged during transit.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not replace manufacturer guidance or professional safety recommendations. Always follow your vehicle’s owner manual and carrier instructions before shipping.
