- Shipping Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EVs) Overseas - Ship Overseas
- Shipping EVs vs Conventional Vehicles
- What Affects the Cost of Shipping Electric Cars?
- What Makes Shipping Electric Cars Different?
- Different Ways to Ship Electric Vehicles Internationally
- Roll on Roll Off Shipping for Electric Vehicles
- Container shipping
- RoRo vs Container Shipping
- Are There Reasons Not to Ship Electric Vehicles by RoRo?
- Important Steps to Take When Shipping Electric Vehicles
- Charge the Vehicle
- Make Sure That Your EV is Fully Secured
- The Price Could be Higher
- Clean Your Electric Car
- Don't Leave Valuables in the car
- Should I Disconnect the Battery to Ship my Electric or Hybrid Car?
- Final Thoughts

Given all the different restrictions, shipping electric vehicles abroad can seem like a chore. Still, it can be easy, secure, and effective if handled correctly.
Your dream trip in your electric vehicle suddenly becomes much more attainable and stress-free by taking a few easy steps.
We'll go over how to send your electric car worldwide in this article, provide advice on selecting reliable international shipping services, strategies for cutting costs while shipping, and specifics on the documentation needs.
Shipping Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (EVs) Overseas - Ship Overseas
Due to advancements in infrastructure and technology, electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular in the passenger automobile industry. Since electric automobiles are more delicate than normal vehicles, they must be handled with additional care.
As a result, shipping them requires different techniques than shipping conventional vehicles.
Before planning your move, you must investigate the best shipping option for your EV. This includes researching additional shipping expenses, such as taxes or tariffs, that might be incurred based on your destination country.
Shipping EVs vs. Conventional Vehicles
There are variations between shipping an electric vehicle and one powered by fossil fuel, despite what you might assume. These zero-emission vehicles require extremely powerful batteries, which slightly complicates how the cars are transported.
The most frequently utilized lithium-ion batteries are great for storing power but are heavy, affecting the shipping costs and requirements.

What Affects the Cost of Shipping Electric Cars?
Due to its heavier weight than a typical gas-powered vehicle, an electric car's shipping costs may be higher. This is because the batteries add weight and bulk to electric automobiles.
Depending on the destination, costs differ from port to port; current prices for a standard EV or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can be estimated here.
What Makes Shipping Electric Cars Different?
- The increased weight of electric vehicle batteries adds to the cost
- Specialized carriers must be used to ensure that the vehicle is safely transported without any damage or risk of fire or explosion from the battery
- Customs rules and regulations may differ with hybrid cars and EVs.
Different Ways to Ship Electric Vehicles Internationally
Roll-on, roll-off (Ro/Ro) shipping is a common way to move electric and hybrid vehicles. Vehicles can be driven on and off the vessels used for this service, and they are safely tied down for sea transportation.
Another favored method for moving electric vehicle stock from one location to another is container shipping.
Roll on Roll Off Shipping for Electric Vehicles
Shipping a plug-in electric vehicle via Roll-on/Roll-off vessels is also possible. EVs must have a sufficient charge to load on and off the vessel. In addition, of course, there must be no defects with the car that could cause issues during transport.
Additionally, it is important to ensure that all necessary safety measures are taken when loading the vehicle onto the vessel, such as securing it with lashings or straps.
Container shipping
Container shipping is becoming increasingly popular for transporting cars due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness.
It eliminates excessive paperwork, making it easier than other transportation methods. Additionally, fires in containers are less likely to spread than in open spaces, which makes them a safer option for transporting goods.
RoRo vs. Container Shipping
- RoRo shipping will cost less due to the additional steps required for vehicle container shipping.
- RoRo is also more efficient as it allows faster loading and unloading times than container shipping.
- Container shipping is more personalized and can include multiple vehicles
- This type of shipping requires additional paperwork due to safety regulations when transporting EVs and hybrids
- This method tends to be more expensive than RoRo due to its customization options and extra steps involved in the process
- Container shipping also takes longer than RoRo as it requires more time for loading and unloading each vehicle

Are There Reasons Not to Ship Electric Vehicles by RoRo?
Shipping electric vehicles (EVs) by Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) increases the risk of battery damage from extreme temperatures, water exposure, and vibration.
RoRo is a common and cost-effective way to ship regular cars, but it can be problematic for EVs. This is because the batteries in electric vehicles are sensitive to these conditions and can be damaged if exposed to them during transport.
This could lead to costly repairs or even replacement of the battery.
The transport sector has many great transport companies who will take you through all the risks involved.
Important Steps to Take When Shipping Electric Vehicles
Shipping electric vehicles can be a daunting task. Having a professional transport service on your side can make things a lot easier.
The first step is ensuring the car is properly charged and secured for transport. This will ensure the vehicle has enough power to make it through the journey without any issues.
Additionally, all necessary paperwork should be in order, including customs documents.
The next step is to choose a reliable shipping company with experience transporting electric and hybrid vehicles. Again, researching different companies and finding one that meets your needs is essential for ensuring your car is in the best possible care during its journey.
It's also important to remember that delays may occur due to weather or other uncontrollable circumstances, so planning is key.
1. Charge the Vehicle
Charging the vehicle before shipping it overseas is an important step to ensure the car has good battery life when it arrives at its destination. Batteries gradually lose power even when not used, so it is important to charge the battery fully before sending it off.
Charging the battery fully will ensure enough power for the car to start and run properly when it reaches its destination. This is especially important if you are shipping a used car, as you want to ensure that it won't need any repairs or maintenance upon arrival.
2. Make Sure That Your EV is Fully Secured
When shipping an electric vehicle (EV) overseas, it is essential to ensure that the car is properly secured. This means hiring a reputable overseas car shipping company like A-1 Auto Transport.
They can ensure that your vehicle is safely and securely loaded onto the ship. In addition, doing so will minimize damage to other goods shipped alongside your car.
Many people will handle the EV during shipping, so it is important to ensure that all doors and windows are locked and secured before shipment.
3. The Price Could be Higher
Hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, but they come with a higher price tag than traditional gas-powered cars. This is due to the increased cost of shipping hybrid and EV models and higher insurance premiums.
The process for shipping an electric car is similar to that of a gas-powered vehicle, but weight is one-factor affecting auto shipping prices, so that electric car owners may pay more for transport.
4. Clean Your Electric Car
Cleaning your electric car before shipping it overseas is essential for a smooth and successful delivery.
Not only will a clean car make for a more pleasant experience when you receive it at its destination, but it can also help you identify any existing damage that may have been hidden by dirt or grime.
Additionally, a dirty car may be subject to delays at the destination port due to biocontamination fears, so it's important to ensure your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned.
5. Don't Leave Valuables in the car
Leaving valuables in the car when shipping is a big no-no. Doing so can attract thieves to the vehicle, as many people will handle it along the way.
Make sure to check your trunk is free of anything valuable too.

Should I Disconnect the Battery to Ship my Electric or Hybrid Car?
Shipping an electric or hybrid car can seem overly complicated, but it doesn't have to be. In most cases, it is not necessary to disconnect the battery to ship the vehicle safely. However, in some vehicles, you may not even be able to do so.
Many EV and hybrid vehicles have safety measures that prevent their batteries from becoming a safety hazard while transported. Electric batteries contain lithium which is highly combustible when exposed to oxygen.
This makes transporting them a risk unless it is carried out by a reputable and trusted freight service.
Electric vehicles can also be shipped in containers without taking out their battery. However, this may not be available for all-electric vehicles as in some, and the batteries cannot be removed, while in others, they can.
But your preferred carrier will take you through all the options available.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, shipping electric vehicles across international borders can be challenging, but it is possible with the appropriate information and planning.
Use the advice in this article as your road map to ensure your electric car travels safely and securely, whether you're exporting it abroad or driving it yourself. After that, you may relax and enjoy driving your vehicle in a new country.
Check out A-1 Auto Transportfor all of your international car shipping needs. Click the link to get your free quote today.